Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 60 MP | 24 MP |
| Weight | 850 g | 703 g |
| AF points | 779 | 759 |
| Max video | 8K | 4K120 |
Between the SL3 and α9 III, the SL3 comes out ahead in megapixels / af points, while the α9 III wins on weight. Overall, the SL3 scores 80 and the α9 III scores 71.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The SL3 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.3 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the SL3 if you care most about megapixels / af points. The biggest gaps in its favor are megapixels, af points, max video. The single most decisive one: Megapixels — 150.00% more. 60 MP vs 24 MP.
Pick the α9 III if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight. The single most decisive one: Weight — 147.00 g less. 703 vs 850.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, in-body stabilization, log profile, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the SL3 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Leica - SL3 or Sony - α9 III?
Leica - SL3 leads the current Mars Score by 8.3 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare megapixels, max video, weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Leica - SL3 if…
Leica - SL3 has the measurable edge on megapixels, af points, max video.
Choose Sony - α9 III if…
Sony - α9 III has the measurable edge on weight g.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Leica - SL3 wins
- ▲Megapixels — 150.00% more. 60 MP vs 24 MP.
- ▲AF points — 2.64% more. 779 vs 759.
- ▲Max video: 8K (vs 4K120).
Why Sony - α9 III wins
- ▲Weight — 147.00 g less. 703 vs 850.
Spec comparison
Sensor
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 60 MPlead | 24 MP |
| Max ISO | 100000lead | 51200 |
Video
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 8Klead | 4K120 |
| RAW video | true | true |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Autofocus
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| AF pointsⓘ | 779lead | 759 |
| Eye AFⓘ | true | true |
| In-body stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Body & Controls
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Sony - α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 850 g | 703 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Dual card slotsⓘ | true | true |