Sony Alpha 9 vs Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha 9 and the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109), 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.

      Sony Alpha 9 was introduced in April 2017 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) was introduced in September 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha 9 Highlights

      • 24.2 MP Full Frame Stacked CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 693 Focus Points
      • 5-Axis Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,440k dot Tilting Screen
      • 0.5" 3,686k dot Electronic (OLED) Viewfinder with 120 fps Refresh Rate
      • 20.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Highlights

      • 12.8 MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor
      • 200 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 49 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2,760k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      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 Sony Alpha 9 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).

      PROS

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      •   Video Capture
      •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   693 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Animal Eye Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
      •   No Blackout Viewfinder
      •   120 fps Viewfinder Refresh Rate
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 20.0 fps
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 92
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   USB Charging
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)

      CONS

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.8 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,686k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Weight - 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Advantage of Sony Alpha 9

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha 9 over Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).

      Sony Alpha 9 vs Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs Micro Four Thirds
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.2 Megapixel vs 12.8 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Lower Boosted ISO 50 vs 100
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 4112 x 3088
      More Focus Points 693 vs 49
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,440k dot vs 921k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.78x vs 0.7x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 20.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
      Average Metering vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 650 shots vs 300 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha 9.

      Advantage of Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) over Sony Alpha 9.

      Sony Alpha 9 vs Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
      Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 25,600
      Higher Resolution Viewfinder 3,686k dot vs 2,760k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Lighter 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz) vs 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).

      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 Sony Alpha 9 Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO51,20025,600
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization5-Axis Sensor Shift
        High Video Resolution3840 x 21603840 x 2160
        Built-In Wi-Fi
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha 9 Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
        No Built-in GPS

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha 9 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) have 3.0" screens with 1,440k dot and 921k dot resolutions respectively. Sony Alpha 9 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has a Fixed screen Sony Alpha 9 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality 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.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Sony Alpha 9 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 9 has a built-in 0.5" Electronic (OLED) viewfinder with 3,686k dot resolution and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,760k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 9 features a 24.2 megapixel Full Frame Stacked CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.6 x 23.8 mm and a total area of 847.3 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) features a 12.8 megapixel Micro Four Thirds [] 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.

      Sony Alpha 9 has Stacked CMOS sensor. The key feature of such sensor is its three-dimensional structure, which consists of multiple layers of semiconductor material and circuitry stacked on top of each other. This allows the sensor to have dedicated layers for image capture and signal processing. This separation allows for faster data readout, reducing rolling shutter effects and enabling high-speed shooting and video recording. It is also more power-efficient.

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha 9 is equipped with BIONZ X processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) can take pictures up to 4112 x 3088 resolution.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha 9 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) 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 Sony Alpha 9

      Sony Alpha 9 has a built-in Bluetooth (version 4.1) 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

      Cameras have 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. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha 9 comes with NP-FZ100 battery pack with battery life of 650 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha 9 has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slots. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha 9 has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/32000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/8000 sec with mechanical shutter on Sony Alpha 9, and up to 1/4000 sec on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109). Sony Alpha 9 can shoot continuously up to 20.0 fps. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 9 has Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detection / Contrast-detection) system with 693 focusing points and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has 49 focusing points. Sony Alpha 9 has detection range from -3 to +20 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Sony Alpha 9 ranges from -3 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Sony Alpha 9 and 3 range on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109). You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Alpha 9 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Intelligent Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Sony Alpha 9 and via Shoe Mount to Leica D-Lux (Typ 109). The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha 9.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha 9 body has dimensions of 127 x 96 x 63 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.48") and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) body has dimensions of 118 x 66 x 55 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 2.17"). Sony Alpha 9 weighs 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz) and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) weighs 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz).

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      127 mm

      96 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      118 mm

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      63 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      55 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha 9 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      Sony Alpha 9 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) 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

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      84
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   693 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,686k dot
      •   No Blackout Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 20.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      83
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   693 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Animal Eye Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,686k dot
      •   No Blackout Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 20.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Large Sensor
      •   693 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Large Sensor
      •   693 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha 9 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) and give them scores of 84 and 68 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.


      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      OVERALL
      84
      OVERALL
      68

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 92
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.8 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 20.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      76
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Video

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   693 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Animal Eye Detection
      GOOD
      73
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
      •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,686k dot
      GOOD
      75
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      94
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      73
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha 9

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      73
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


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

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