Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Released Mar 2024
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 8 months newer.
Wins
SL3
Wins
Alpha 1 II
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ASL3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 32,000)
- ASL3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- 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)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (8.5 stops vs 5 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
SL3 is 5mm wider, 11mm taller, and 2mm thicker than Alpha 1 II.
SL3 is 26 g heavier than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 85mm SL3 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
SL3
Leica L
80+
native lenses available
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
SL3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 84.6
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 32,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Codecs
Adds Apple ProRes
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 50.1 MP — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
AF points / zones
779 vs 759 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A
EVF refresh rate
240 Hz vs 120 Hz — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, SL3 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for SL3 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the SL3 and Alpha 1 II?
SL3 is 60.3 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the SL3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the SL3 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the SL3 or the Alpha 1 II?
SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the SL3 and Alpha 1 II?
SL3 weighs 769 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the Alpha 1 II is 26 g lighter.
Do the SL3 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the SL3 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
SL3: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
How much does each cost?
SL3 launched at $6,995 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The Alpha 1 II is $496 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Sony press materials.