Leica S2 vs Sigma SD15

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica S2 and the Sigma SD15, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Leica S2 was introduced in September 2008 and Sigma SD15 was introduced in February 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica S2 over Sigma SD15.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD15 over Leica S2.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Leica S2 and Sigma SD15 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot resolution.

Viewfinder

Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 96% coverage.

Leica S2 features a 38 megapixel Medium format CCD sensor with dimensions of 45 x 30 mm and a total area of 1350 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,250. Sigma SD15 features a 5 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 190.4 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 50 - 3,200 in boosted mode.

Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

Sensor size chart

	Sensor	Dimensions	Area	Aspect Ratio	Crop Factor
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Leica S2 can take pictures up to 7500 x 5000 resolution. Sigma SD15 is equipped with TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 2640 x 1760 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1776 x 1184, 1296 x 864 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Leica S2 has Leica S lens mount and Sigma SD15 has Sigma SA lens mount. Due to Medium format sensor in Leica S2 its crop factor is equal to 0.79x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 0.79. Due to APS-C sensor in Sigma SD15 its crop factor is equal to 1.7x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.7.

No Low-Pass Filter on Sigma SD15

There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Sigma SD15. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Leica S2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD15 nothing can be done. On Sigma SD15 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica S2 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.

External Storage Slots

Leica S2 has a single card slot. Sigma SD15 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Leica S2, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sigma SD15. Leica S2 can shoot continuously up to 1.5 fps. Sigma SD15 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.

Flash

Sigma SD15 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Leica S2 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Sigma SD15.

Leica S2 body has dimensions of 160 x 120 x 81 mm (6.3 x 4.72 x 3.19") and Sigma SD15 body has dimensions of 144 x 107 x 81 mm (5.67 x 4.21 x 3.19"). Leica S2 weighs 1410 g (3.11 lb / 49.74 oz) and Sigma SD15 weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz).

Leica S2

Sigma SD15

160 mm

120 mm

144 mm

107 mm

120 mm

107 mm

81 mm

81 mm