Leica
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Original modern monochrome digital M with 24MP black-and-white sensor and rangefinder focus.
$7,495
Launch priceReleased Apr 2015
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 9.6 years newer.
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Wins
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Wins
Alpha 1 II
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 49)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 3,690,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 24 MP)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF refresh rate (240 Hz vs 120 Hz)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 80 × 42 mm
680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 17mm shorter and 41mm thinner than Alpha 1 II but it is also 3mm wider.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 63 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 42mm M Monochrom (Typ 246) · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M Monochrom (Typ 246): mount data unavailable
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.6, 80, 42
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Weight
680 g vs 743 g — lower is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
AF points / zones
759 vs 49 — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 24 MP — higher is better
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Pros
- ✓24MP monochrome
- ✓Legendary B&W rendering
- ✓No color filter
- ✓Classic M rangefinder
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Older sensor gen
- –Manual focus
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, M Monochrom (Typ 246) or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 10.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for M Monochrom (Typ 246) — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 1 II?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 24 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M Monochrom (Typ 246) or the Alpha 1 II?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 1 II?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) weighs 680 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 63 g lighter.
Do the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
M Monochrom (Typ 246): 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
M Monochrom (Typ 246): Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the M Monochrom (Typ 246) the edge.
How much does each cost?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) launched at $7,495 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The Alpha 1 II is $996 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Sony press materials.