Nikon D4 vs Leica D-Lux 7

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7
      70
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      72
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D4 and the Leica D-Lux 7, 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.

      Nikon D4 was introduced in January 2012 and Leica D-Lux 7 was introduced in November 2018. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D4 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Leica D-Lux 7 Highlights

      • 17 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 49 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,240k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2,760k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D4
      4. Advantage of Leica D-Lux 7
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D4 and Leica D-Lux 7.

      PROS

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Light - 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
      •   USB Charging
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      •   Expensive
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Small Sensor
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No IP Streaming
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 17 Megapixel
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Advantage of Nikon D4

      Nikon D4
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D4 over Leica D-Lux 7.

      Nikon D4 vs Leica D-Lux 7
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs Micro Four Thirds
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Lower Boosted ISO 50 vs 100
      More Focus Points 51 vs 49
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 2600 shots vs 340 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D4.

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D1X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Advantage of Leica D-Lux 7

      Leica D-Lux 7
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica D-Lux 7 over Nikon D4.

      Nikon D4 vs Leica D-Lux 7
      Cheaper US: $5999.95, UK: £4799.99 vs $1195
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 17 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 25,600
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 4736 x 3552
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 1,240k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 1800 sec
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 3840 x 2160
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WT-5 or WT-5A transmitters vs
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Lighter 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) vs 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica D-Lux 7.

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.8 MP

      Leica D-Lux 6
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      1/1.7-inch

      10.1 MP

      Leica D-LUX 5
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      1/1.63-inch

      10.1 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Canon R100
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      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.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D4 Leica D-Lux 7
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Type C Micro
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D4 Leica D-Lux 7
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-in GPS

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D4 has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Leica D-Lux 7 has a 3.0" screen with 1,240k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens. Leica D-Lux 7 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Leica D-Lux 7) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D4 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderLeica D-Lux 7 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,760k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D4 features a 16.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. Leica D-Lux 7 features a 17 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 25,600 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D4 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3280 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4096 x 2720, 4096 x 3280, 3696 x 2456, 3200 x 2128, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2464 x 1640, 2400 x 1592, 2048 x 1360, 2048 x 1640, 1600 x 1064 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Leica D-Lux 7 can take pictures up to 4736 x 3552 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4928 x 3288 (3:2), 5152 x 2904 (16:9), 3552 x 3552 (1:1) with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.

      Image Stabilization on Leica D-Lux 7

      Leica D-Lux 7 has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Leica D-Lux 7

      Leica D-Lux 7 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      Bluetooth on Leica D-Lux 7

      Leica D-Lux 7 has a built-in Bluetooth which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


      NFC on Leica D-Lux 7

      Leica D-Lux 7 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D4 has a Type C HDMI and Leica D-Lux 7 has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D4 comes with EN-EL18 battery pack with battery life of 2600 shots and Leica D-Lux 7 comes with DP-DC15 battery pack with battery life of 340 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D4 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots. Leica D-Lux 7 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D4 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D4, and up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on Leica D-Lux 7. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D4 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Leica D-Lux 7 has 49 focusing points. Nikon D4 has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection to Nikon D4 and via Shoe Mount to Leica D-Lux 7. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D4.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D4 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58") and Leica D-Lux 7 body has dimensions of 118 x 66 x 64 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 2.52"). Nikon D4 weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) and Leica D-Lux 7 weighs 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz).

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      118 mm

      66 mm

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      157 mm

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      66 mm

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      91 mm

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      64 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D4 and Leica D-Lux 7

      Nikon D4 and Leica D-Lux 7 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      75
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      73
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D4 and Leica D-Lux 7 and give them scores of 70 and 72 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      72

      Sensor

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 17 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      76
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Video

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160

      Focusing

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      78
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      82
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      84
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      83
      •   No IP Streaming
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D4

      Leica D-Lux 7

      GOOD
      81
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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