How Does the iPhone 7 Camera Compare With a $9,000 Leica?
The iPhone has always been known for having one of the best smartphone cameras you can get. In fact, each year many pro photographers test iPhone’s against their latest equipment to see how much better they’re getting.
So, how does the quality of the iPhone 7 camera compare to a high-end Leica rangefinder? According to the well respected Japanese street photographer, Shin Noguchi, pretty darn good.
In the image below, the left half was taken with an iPhone 7, while the right side was taken with a Leica M9-P with a Leica Summicron lens, a package that costs over $9,000 to own.
iPhone left, Leica M9-P right
Here are the two shots by themselves, shot in RAW:
iPhone 7 RAW
Leica M9-P RAW
Here are some fully cropped comparisons from the two shots showing a little more detail.
iPhone 7 left, Leica M9-P right
Here’s what Noguchi has to say:
The iPhone 7 is the best 1/3″ sensor camera, nothing more, nothing less.
He says he loves his Leica, but he’s blown away by the photo quality of the iPhone 7. You can find more of Noguchi work on
I can’t say I disagree. I still think the Leica will produce better pictures. When I look at photos I’ve taken with my Fuji X100 side-by-side with pictures I’ve taken with my iPhone 7, I almost always prefer the X100. That said, Apple seems to be getting closer and closer to matching the quality of these DSLR cameras. And with the introduction of the new dual-lens system in the iPhone 7 Plus, I believe that that’s going to accelerate. In a few years time, I think what we’re capable of taking with our iPhone’s will truly blow us away, more than it already does today.
You can find more of Noguchi work on his website.
