Sony vs Leica vs Hasselblad Photos.

[@jordhall]

Honoured to be 1 of 2 viewers in today's video. I personally preferred the Leica, but no hate on the Sony. We live in an age of technology where at the upper echelons, it is just preference that differs camera models.

[@Barry-Sweaty]

😂 nice.

[@introvertswag6494]

I'm the kind of person who doesn't care about the brand of items I purchase, so for photography I sure am glad that modern cameras and lens brands are all great so I don't have to choose by brand name haha

[@Joakimcomicscenter]

I can´t believe that the only other person that watched this video but me, put in all this effort of creating som many youtube accounts to like and comment. That´s dedication!

[@Hangiinjohnny]

So much money around your neck almost expected this to be a rap video

[@typical_tupolev3924]

Congrats on 300k!

[@CalMukumoto]

Good video. I and the two other viewers really enjoyed it.

[@chrisrouleau514]

I liked it. Thanks for asking.

[@si3dx]

Yup me too

[@julesc5571]

Me three. Oh.

[@photom3]

If I had the money to buy any of those cameras I would probably buy a truck but the academic part of my brain enjoyed the comparison.

[@TheOtherBrome]

The three of us sure made a bunch of accounts to watch this great video on

[@cameraprepper7938]

Files aside, there are a HUGE price difference, right now prices are Sony A7RV 2859 British pounds, Sony A7RIVA (same sensor as Sony A7RV and Leica Q3) 2599 British pounds, Leica Q3 43 5900 British pounds, Hasselblad X2D 7369 British pounds and Fuji GFX 100SII 4999 British pounds. I have the excellent Sony Cameras A7RIVA and A7RV, so you get a lot more for your money with the Sony Cameras, there are more than 300 prime Lenses you can get for the Sony E-mount full frame ! I have Sony GM, Voigtländer and Zeiss Lenses, all second to none, through 45 years as a professional and hobby photographer, I have used many different Cameras and Lenses, so I can highly recommend Sony, second best if you want higher resolution are the Fuji GFX 100SII.

[@ab185]

When Sony figures out ergonomics and simplicity of button layout (e.g. makes their own Q3) they will dominate the competition. My A7SIII and A1 are so good they're not fun to actually shoot with. I'm off buying rangefinder cameras (e.g. M10) to make photography challenging again 🤣

[@timschroederfilm]

So what's your opinion about Canon?

[@ab185]

@@timschroederfilm I was a long-time Canon user until the 40D, took a break from photography, then got back into it with the A6500 from Sony. Nothing Canon has released in the mirrorless age has been of interest to me though I should give them a try (at least by renting one). I've held a couple of them in store and they fit the hand better, but for some reason they feel too chunky/bloated to me.

[@costafilh0]

This is my perfect trio. But with a 7CR instead of the 7RV, and the 40mm instead of the 24-50. A "perfect" camera for every mood.

[@OliverGodby]

I really enjoyed this, and as a Leica shooter I was pleased that i found the Leica image to be the most pleasing to my eye, so if nothing else you have confirmed my own bias back to me. Having said that, I would be very happy to take that X2D off your hands if it's surplus to your requirements, James? ;-)

[@costafilh0]

I love all 3. I would have all 3, but the Sony in 7CR format with 40mm lens. But for me is: Hasselblad > Leica > Sony. I would probably use the Leica more because the Hasselblad is big and heavy. And the Sony when I need something faster and lighter and/or cheaper.

[@sevenblah]

can you make any of the raw files available for us to look at and edit ourselves?

[@jpaschall7]

Glad to be one of the three!! 🤣 Hasselblad remains my aspirational camera, but admittedly, I am nowhere near the capabilities of my X-T4. Thanks as always for the great and humorous content!

[@SDWales]

the sole viewer here...😉 I'd be happy with any one of them. The more portable/versatile being the first choice. My favourite DSLR is a 6.1mp from mid 2000's. Lovely colours and enough resolution's for 99.99999999% of what i, personally, will ever need.

[@Stov11]

One of the three people watching James. Great video especially when I use a Sony a7rV and was looking for an everyday point and shoot like a Leica. Despite the compression I like the Sony look the most. So you have saved me a lot of money 💰 😂

[@oathphoto]

I feel like you made this video based on my KZbin search history over the last couple of weeks 😂 Thanks for sharing your insight. Love your work, keep it up!

[@NeonShores]

The Sony shots all feel more muted or dull with a hint of too much green.

[@kuwaitcinema]

Can you make available the raw files 🎉

[@luis_soares_photography]

I Shoot Sony (my camera), Canon (my wife's camera) and Nikon (my daughter's camera) and yes, I also do prefer the Sony's RAW files. Sorry to all the others.

[@louisburley1597]

Honored to be the one viewer. I’ll watch anything you put out. I think this is far more interesting though than looking at charts or a brick wall. These are all real images that make me want to look at them. I hope that makes any sense. They’re beautiful shots and because of that I’ll look at them longer and maybe I’ll see a difference. Looking at a chart is the visual equivalent of your professor droning on in a monotone voice. Not being pragmatic at all with the data. This is being pragmatic about it and I’m very much here for it. I would love to see how we can get Sony files to match Fuji film simulations! Cheers James

[@villageblunder4787]

Note to self. When James tells you it's going to be a hard watch, take him at his word and bail. I couldn't see a single difference.

[@steven3557]

So will we get to the why?

[@landocycle]

To my groggy eyes watching a compressed KZbin video on a TV…the Leica files appeared to have more pop than the other 2. I think we should do a factory shoulder strap showdown next. You wear them and I’ll decide which one looks most comfortable. Cheers

[@costascosta273]

The Leica files look the most pleasing to me if I was asked to pick but there is not much in it really, it’s pretty easy to adjust the differences in post. I think image quality differences have plataued and every manufacturer is so good in this regard that ergonomics and software are a really big factor in determining which body to use. The price of glass and choice of glass if using an ILC is a big plus for Sony.

[@DJ-yh8hm]

You can edit any of these files to look like any of these files :)

[@carlosgouveia]

true. so it's a matter of chossing be best value cost and lenses eco system. It's a no brainer choice

[@wfkonynenberg5242]

There is something wrong with KZbin. How can 2 viewers generate almost 3000 views in just one hour? Has to be a bug.

[@DoomBlasterBerry]

i also have found shooting w sony very dull. it feels like a piece of technology that takes photos more than a camera. looking back on photos, i've gotten some phenomenal shots with them though. great video!

[@clarencesmith]

Which one feels best in your hands?

[@G0FUW]

Interesting but of little real use as I will never own any of those three cameras. Maybe its the cataracts that are forming in my eyes, but I could not really see any difference, they all looked very very good. I recently switched camera brands and found my 'go to' editing didn't give the same results any more, but what you have shown is that each camera will give a different output and if you start at a different place, you need to take a different route to get to the same end game. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThereAreNoHandlesLeft]

I struggle to bond with my Sony too. Its excellent, reliable, accurate and takes great pictures. Near faultless. But I could sell it without a pang of loss if i got a better one.

[@jamied7643]

I have the Sony R5 and the Leica Q3. I use the Leica for every day and street photography, the Sony for my landscape and professional work. I like the colours both of them produce. Each has its unique look.

[@LauraF4848]

Greetings from "one of the three"! Always love your videos, James, even though I shoot a Canon Rebel DSLR. It was an interesting comparison, but I like the overall balance of the Sony files over the fancier ones.

[@AndyDavisonPhotographer]

Not sure what finding that video interesting says about me, but thank you. Random unscientific comment but I shot the 24-50G lens alongside my GM lenses at some weddings last year and found the colours to be quite different between the GM and G glass. Could possibly be vaguely interesting to see how much difference a GM lens on the Sony would make in this sort of camera comparison. I suspect you might get quite different results. Maybe a video for when you're next hoping to target an audience of 4! Oh, on your final comment (yes, I did stay until the end), I'm with you on Sony - I've been through a few cameras of late and have come full circle back to Sony. Keep up the good work, love your videos 👍

[@cameraprepper7938]

A reall good test would be to use the same high end prime Lens on all Cameras, but the Q3 is disabled by having a fixed lens.

[@OliverMay1]

I wonder if the reason you refer the Sony files is due to familiarity, as you have shot Sony for many years but the other cameras are (relatively) new to your kit?

[@cl4ym4n]

Comparison is the thief of joy. I think one would be happy with any of the cameras. The magenta shift of the hasselblad looks a litte like ir polution. But normally that would only show up in the shadows

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

James be like: I have cameras worth the price of three small cars around my neck. :D who will win?

[@ab185]

I did a comparison like this between the A1, SL3, and Q3 and found the A1 with 35mm f1.4 GM to have the nicest overall files. The Q3/SL3/M11 tend to skew magenta, so I actually sold the Q3 for a Q2 which has a nicer rear design and preferable color science. I'm surprised the Blad was so magenta since they are renowned for their accurate colors.

[@gregfisher216]

Great video James !Between the three cameras from a pragmatic point of view, I would choose the Sony . The Hasselblad has amazing image quality but at a premium price point. The few lenses can can get, are crazy expensive and offer limited focal lengths. The same with the Lecia. You can do so much more with the Sony at the end of the day.

[@Mojave511]

Interesting. I expected more visible differences between the three even allowing for youtube image compression.

[@ChristerAlmqvist]

Please do this with the images converted to black-and-white. Thanks.

[@kiwikea2002]

Thank you so much for letting us in on your experiment. I am not quite sure, though, what to take out of it for myself. There are differences in the image results, yes. I wonder, though, if the lenses might introduce some of those differences as well. Second - and this is for me only, hobbyist: Since I can adjust so much in post, much of my enjoyment comes from the process and the "feeling" during the process, i.e. handling in various aspects. So I might prefer a camera / lens which gives me a good tactile enjoyment rather than the "best" of image. Still - interesting so see you explore what happens on experimental setups like yours.

[@Kubilai-i6j]

Modern large sensor cameras are all such good quality. With good glass - choose the camera that makes you bring it along, that inspires you. The marginal differences in output will either 1) not matter or 2) be fixable in post.

[@paulm944]

You make great videos. Thank you for this comparison.

[@costafilh0]

Maybe you prefer the Song because you are used to it after using the camera for so long? That could definitely be a factor.

[@harrykitch9239]

Guess I am #4 ;) As a Nikon shooter and in no way able to afford multiple camera and lens systems, I still enjoyed your approach to compare them and the scenes were interesting. Thanks

[@RegrinderAlert]

Can you specify what base profile was used for the "unedited" files? Adobe Default or Adobe Color? Lightroom or Phocus for the Hassy?

[@ericwigart2861]

Sold my Leica Q2, replaced it with a Sony A7CR + Sigma Contemporary 24mm, 35mm & 65mm F2 DG DN - very, very happy❗️

[@KNURKonesur]

Sony and Leica don't have the unique aspect of having a larger sensor, so regardless of what the pixelpeeping results are - only the Hasselblad would count for me. Thanks to MPB I managed to snag a GFX 50R a year ago at about 600 quid less than they normally cost, and I never looked back. (I'm into portraits with vintage glass, not landscapes though)

[@DanaPushie]

Well that was an interesting comparison. More than 400 additional viewers than when I started watching. Steady number scrolling.

[@noobFab]

I’d be interested to see a part 2 where you compare the Sony with maybe Canon and Nikon, and/or Fuji XF/GFX

[@MunirRahool]

I find myself very lucky to be one of the three who watched the video till end, I suppose. Too bad that at this stage, I cannot even think to get any of these cameras, or any camera for that matter. But now I can talk as if I have been using nothing but one of these three. :)

[@kashifswaynerobinson]

I Love your Tudor Blackbay Pro

[@HughRogers609]

All 3 of us enjoyed this video. The comments are probably russian bots.

[@AdamHouston]

Was it my accent that outed me?

[@MrMartin246]

Why would the color tint matter if that is easily removed or added at edit time, if you shoot raw of course ? I don't see how that makes a camera better or worse than another.

[@amaimani]

How come you say Hassy files has magenta in them while people say it gives true natural color? Can you plz explain as per your obervations?

[@Juventinos]

why in god's name is sony in this conversation, they have the worst color science by far out of any camera system

[@michellemcintosh1061]

queue James's EXESTENTIAL CRISIS! shock and pain! lol...turns out to love his sony....love it!

[@heysian3405]

Oh nice I’m early to a video. While I’m here just wanted to say thanks, I’m a new viewer but I’ve learned a lot about photography watching your videos especially compared to the last few years I’ve been doing this

[@shawnwu2954]

I admit that I saw the title and I immediately click the video😂

[@DavidSenteno]

Of course we have to discuss the different lenses and how they change the look of the photos as well. Maybe compare all three with the same lens. Also if you want to do a more controlled comparison you could compare photos shot in a studio. Either way the question is which one of these quite expensive cameras will I take out with me every day without fear of being mugged. 😮

[@julesc5571]

Impossible seeing as the Leica has a fixed lens.

[@danielhenzphotography]

Looking forward to the blog post to see more details. But in the end it does not really matter and it depends on your liking. How a camera handles is getting way more important and also the lens choice/eco system.

[@timothykieper]

Would have been more interesting if you included a Canon 5D MK2 ( or similar $300 camera plus lens kit ) in the comparisons. Wonder if any one could tell the difference ?

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

>*sees title* >inb4 comments turn into a brawl

[@basic-decaf]

Even if the final images looked the better on another camera, I think I would prefer shooting with my Sigma SD Quattro H over any other. The ergonomics, the user menus, the shooting experience draws me to use that camera over my Sony cameras, and the result is that I shoot more often, because the experience is more enjoyable. My Sony cameras are actually a hassle to use and sometimes I dread going out and using them, for fear of missing something due to the clunky menus and the infinite options scattered all over the place (even though, in post, the footage can be unreal).

[@robertnelson3179]

So you better bring ALL the cameras out each time 😂

[@BestxBelieve]

I’ve shot every system, the best one is the camera that makes you get up and shoot. So if it’s that hasselblad then go for it. Luckily the cameras that get me up now are point and shoots like Ricoh

[@novabonk]

As the third and final viewer of todays video I must confess I found it entertaining. Though I must ask if you had the same color profiles on the 3 cameras? RGB and CMYK that is. I’m sure you did but I do find that it’s odd that cyan and magenta were the differentiating colors.

[@StephanZwiauer]

Made it to the end. Unbelievable.

[@TristanColgate]

Random thought... did you edit the pictures in per-camera batches (e.g.... all the hass, then all the sony, then all the leica?), if so, could variable lighting conditions in the room at the time of the edit have made a difference? It looked to me like there was quite a difference in the colour balance from the Hassy in the raws too, so one question would be... what about your editing style means that you didn't "adjust that out".

[@maruudn253]

I'd be really curious to hear your thoughts on the latest Nikon Z cameras 👀

[@photosbyjosef]

😮 this video was great thank you very much

[@jlehm]

I think a better way to have done this would be to edit a file, then copy the edits to the other two files, and compare. Then edit the second photo, copy the edits to the other two, and compare. Do this again for the third image. Now compare the 3 sets of images.

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

The point made about Hasselblad Phocus is a good one. It is supposedly the truest way to get the colour science out of the raw before processing in another edit platform. As a Hasselblad owner, the biggest downside to me is the inability to edit X series raw in Cspture One. I just don’t particularly like Lightroom. I also think maybe the different lenses played a part. In conclusion, yes….if you always prefer Sony I would sell the other two.

[@tudorevans9306]

As one of the three people watching this video am I led to believe that after all your in depth scientific research you'd suggest people should choose the camera they like the look of the resulting file from said camera 😀

[@chrissterpas3513]

What budget camera would you recommend?

[@KevkinOne]

X-T2, Nikon Z6

[@cameraprepper7938]

Sony A6600, Sony A6700, Sony A7II or Sony A7RIIIA

[@KevkinOne]

@ There is no budget exept for the A7II and it is really outdated to today standard

[@cobybianco5376]

That opening statement. I litterally last night said the same thing. Don't let a gear thief see my bag tomorrow, won't be good. I took a bit of a plunge and will be taking waay to much with me on holiday. Anyway.. on with the video!

[@PeterbFree]

I thought the Leica also had the most warmth in the warmer colors, despite the increased cyan, and I liked it the most. I also thought that the Leica "43mm" took in more left and right, making it the 'widest' of the 3 43mm lenses on the test.

[@RegrinderAlert]

I don't think you can assess the lens FOV in this video. In the first shot the Leica was tighter, not wider compared to whatever FL was used on the Sony. There are objective tests unlike that claim the 43 is pretty much spot on. It's worth questioning it because the Q3 (28mm) was far wider than 28mm.

[@wolper2155]

Q2. 28mm. Its ca. 25mm.

[@fromia1]

Now I'm reminded to always use a lens hood 😂

[@Retset]

I appreciated you speaking personally to me on this video. So who are all those other people in the comments? 😉🤣 I'd love a similar comparison but along the lines of cheap vs. expensive. As an example, whilst we are having this rare <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="61">1:1</a> conversation, how much I am missing out with my Nikon Z6 (which came from MPB a couple of years ago and I really like)?

[@crookedsouls]

Three cameras for the three viewers. Which one do I get?

[@RegrinderAlert]

Leica has pretty different out-of-the-box colors. M9, M10, M240, M11 all have wildly different colors. So do Q1/2/3 or SL1/2/3. The SL & Q3 (Maestro 4 processor) are more green and the M11 series are far more magenta. At least when it comes to color, there is no Leica look.

[@cameraprepper7938]

All Lenses also have slightly different colors.

[@daviddaw999]

I am the other viewer and would to say thanks for saving me a lot of money, because I am a dyed-in-the-wool Sony man.

[@neeravnaik]

It is hard to make out the differences especially on the video. One reason could be you are more used to editing Sony files so you get best results out of them. But anyway i think the process is also more important. One reason i tend to use my Fuji more than Sony is I am more used to its colors and do minimal editing on it’s Raw except using some exposure correction after selecting a profile. Sony I mostly keep in Adobe profile and have to work more in edit. If i am taking 100s of photos on a vacation i don’t want to spend a lot of time editing it.

[@sagetheowlfatfeathery2083]

So, if you edited them to the same colour balance and printed them out at a normal size, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in a blind test. Not a surprise really.

[@SeanNeale]

The Hasselblad looks so much more true to life. The Sony seems overly sharp. But all look grand tbh I’d just be nuking that sharpness slider

[@gamebuster800]

The Leica was my favorite every time. That's not good for my wallet. Good thing my Sony A7RV has interchangeable lenses and actually has decent autofocus and no weird white balance issues! I'll have to suppress my GAS. I found that using a color card really helps with the sometimes weird colors of the Sony.

[@Parkerj501]

I’m one of the 2 or 3. Those leica files get me everytime

[@nickles75]

yo that white balance thing on the Leica... I suspect it has got something to do with the coatings on the lens. I noticed, when I use older Zeiss lenses on my Sony A7IV it behaves the same. Even when I switch the orientation from landscape to portrait. It then takes a second to adjust... The newer Sony lenses don't do that.

[@cameraprepper7938]

All Lenses are more or less different in colors and contrast.

[@dominiqueschenck430]

Google says that Sony supplies sensors to Hasselblad and Leica. So, assuming this is correct, the image quality has to be fundamentally the same, beyond the cosmetics of colours, contrast etc. I am not an engineer but I would assume this to be correct. Anyone who gets sensors from Sony, including Nikon, will therefore be dependent on Sony’s technology. If you want to differentiate yourself, I believe the only brand that is independent is Canon. Is there another one? And Canon btw offers what I see as far superior image quality especially in colors for skin (skins tones as so much more natural) and has much better lenses across the board (yes Sony is cheaper but you get what you pay for - there is no secret). The choice is quite straightforward really on my end in this market that is not really very diverse, sadly.

[@timschroederfilm]

I am a Canon shooter, and love to shoot with my R6 II. Colours are fabulous. Went from Sony to Canon. But after 2 years leaving from Sony, I'm not recognizing the change of colours/sensors anymore. But always the better ergonomics of Canon.

[@rfezzie]

As a Nikon only user, I couldn’t be bothered with the results of your test. Still watched to the end though.

[@georgyb.6866]

Going with the Sony - it’s neutral and clinical enough to bare any modifications and produce good results at a good (I wish it was cheaper but) price. HB is a long time dream but more of a trophy at this time.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

I am one of many who watched this video, so there is a surprise. I own Sony A7RV and the A7CR and I love the files more than my old Nikon Z7II. I have shot Fuji,Olympus,Nikon and Canon over the years. Now I suppose I am A Sony fan girl. Moved to Mac computer a year ago and now completely Apple. Really should get out more with the cameras and take pictures and stop worrying about the gear. Like the new hoodie. Where did you get that from? Also ordered a leather camera strap from you friend and it is great.Thank you for the recommendation.

[@Johnny641]

Who is Hassleblad actually marketed at ?? What their marketing strat with sending so many out has told me , is that well known photogs who can write off gear as an expense, are only using one because it was free. That aside , great pics 👌

[@RussandLoz]

As a gear reviewer, it's all becoming normalised, which is a good thing meaning it's all about art and relationship, not gear

[@stevereilly]

Sony is right between the both, however you'd be happy with any. Good video.

[@colonelangus8247]

Perhaps you should have tossed in your trusty ole Panasonic crop camera for comparison, I bet for that type of stuff there wouldn't have been much of a difference. It's the loose nut behind the view finder that matters the most.

[@keessonnema]

1 of 3 viewers here. I tried a few cameras and my Sony looks most balanced, but does that make it boring sometimes? Who knows 😅

[@wolper2155]

If the Hasselblad has 43mm, does the Leica never have 43mm.

[@nickditoro]

I kept choosing the Leica.

[@pascalnelson9034]

I watched it, with interest. I'll even comment on it. Cheers!