Discover the Power of the Leica M11 Camera for Unmatched Photography

If you are a photography enthusiast looking for a camera that offers superior performance and exceptional image quality, the Leica M11 is the perfect choice for you. This camera is designed to deliver outstanding results, whether you are capturing images of landscapes, people, or objects.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Leica M11 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 13 2022

Announced

60 megapixels

Resolution

BrandLeica
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight530g
MSRP$8295USD

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Overview of the M11

Photography is an art, and every artist needs the right set of tools to bring their vision to life. The Leica M11 is a high-end camera that offers unmatched precision and performance to capture stunning images. With its advanced features and exceptional build quality, it has quickly become a favorite among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. In this blog, we will explore the key features of the Leica M11 camera and how it stands out from the rest. So, let's dive in!

Leica M11 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica M11 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality image
Full-frame sensor
Interchangeable lenses
Excellent build quality
Superior low-light performance
Great dynamic range
Accurate colors
Advanced autofocusing system

Cons

Expensive
No built-in image stabilization
Limited video capabilities
Manual focus may not be suitable for all photographers
Not as many autofocus lenses available compared to other camera brands
No built-in flash
May require additional accessories for optimal performance.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Leica M11

Weather sealed
Dimensions139 x 39 x 80mm
Weight530g
Thickness80mm
Weight
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Weather Sealing

The Leica M11 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the M11 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (rangefinder)
Screen TypeFixed
Screen Resolution2,333k dots
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 2,333k dots. This makes the Leica M11 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

M11 includes a optical (rangefinder) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.73x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Leica M11 has a 60MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 60 pixels. Leica M11 has a native ISO range of 64 - 50000 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 13 2022

Announced

64 - 50000

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution9528 x 6328 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

100 / 102

Color Depth

26.3 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

14.8 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

3376 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Leica M11 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain medium amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the M11 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageUHS II type SD
Battery Life700 shots
Battery ModelBC-SCL7
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Leica M11 supports UHS II type SD with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Leica M11 uses the BC-SCL7 model of battery pack. This is rated for 700 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Leica M11 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Leica M11 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Leica M11 does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Leica M11?

The Leica M11 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Leica M11 weather sealed?

Yes the M11 does have weather sealing.

When was the Leica M11 announced?

The Leica M11 was announced on Jan 13 2022

Does the Leica M11 have in-body image stabilization?

No the M11 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Leica M11?

The M11 has a native ISO range of 64-50000, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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