Leica SL2 has a
47.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Maestro III processor. On the other hand, Leica M-E Typ 220 has a
18.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CCD sensor .
Leica SL2's sensor provides 29MP more than Leica M-E Typ 220's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Another difference between these two cameras is that Leica SL2's sensor lacks anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the SL2 and M-E Typ 220 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica SL2 and Leica M-E Typ 220 Cameras
Leica SL2 and Leica M-E Typ 220 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Leica M-E Typ 220 has 158% larger pixel area (47.73µm 2 vs 18.49µm 2 ) compared to Leica SL2, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Leica SL2
or the
Leica M-E Typ 220 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
