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Mega shootout (best of the best): Sony, Leica, and Phase One comparison by Onasj

Sony a7riii with 85/1.4 GM lens
vs.
Leica M10-P with 75/1.25 Noctilux lens
vs.
Phase One IQ3-100 Trichromatic with HR 90 and SK 150/2.8 LS BR lenses
vs.
Phase One IQ4-150 with HR 90 and SK 150/2.8 LS BR lenses

Introduction

It’s an amazing time to be a photographer.  Current camera and lens lineups from many manufacturers offer outstanding performance and value.  Sensor resolution and high-ISO performance have never been better, and I still smile when I remember a time—not that long ago—when ISO 1,000 was considered ultra-fast.

Each manufacturer has begun to define its own niche, and to excel within that niche.  Three of the most remarkable camera and lens systems currently available are the third-generation Sony alpha full-frame family (a7riii, a7iii, a9), the eighth(ish)-generation Leica M (M10, M10-P), and the seventh(ish)-generation Phase One digital backs (IQ3 and IQ4).  The Sony and Leica systems are “35 mm full-frame” (36 x 24 mm = 864 sq. mm of sensor area), while the Phase One systems are “full-frame 645 medium format” (53.4 x 40 mm = 2,136 sq. mm of sensor area).  Some basic differences between the four systems are summarized as follows:

Sony a7riii: 864 sq. mm 42 MP BSI sensor, outstanding autofocus, 127 x 96 x 74 mm size, 657 g weight, ~$4,000 with typical lens; $4,700 as tested

Leica M10-P: 864 sq. mm 24 MP FSI sensor, manual focus only, 139 x 80 x 39 mm size, 677 g weight ~$14,000 with typical lens; $21,000 as tested

Phase One IQ3 Trichromatic: 2,136 sq. mm 101 MP FSI sensor, MF or AF, 152 x 120 x 108 mm size (with the smaller waist-level viewfinder), ~2,000 g weight, ~$30,000 with body and lens; $32,000 as tested

Phase One IQ4: 2,136 sq. mm 151 MP BSI sensor, MF or AF, 152 x 120 x 108 mm size (with the smaller waist-level viewfinder), ~2,000 g weight, ~$50,000 with body and lens, $52,000 as tested

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