A Comprehensive Review on the Leica M8.2 Camera: Is It Worth the Investment?

This blog post aims to provide a detailed review of the Leica M8.2 camera and its features. It will explore the camera's capabilities, image quality, design, and overall performance. Additionally, the article will present the advantages and disadvantages of owning the Leica M8.2, helping you determine if it is a worthy investment for your photography needs.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Leica M8.2 article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 15 2008

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandLeica
Sensor TypeAPS-H
SensorCCD
Weight591g
MSRP$5995USD

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Overview of the M8.2

Are you a professional photographer looking for a camera that can deliver the ultimate image quality? Or, are you an amateur photographer who is keen to invest in a high-end camera for your photography hobby? Look no further than the Leica M8.2 camera.Leica is a German-based company that has been producing high-quality cameras since 1913. The Leica M8.2 is the second digital Leica M model and is a favorite among photographers worldwide due to its exceptional image quality and design.In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the Leica M8.2 camera. From its design to image quality, we'll explore the pros and cons of owning this camera. We hope this review will help you determine if the Leica M8.2 is worth the investment for your photography needs. Let's dive in!

Leica M8.2 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica M8.2 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 images
Advanced and customizable controls
Excellent build quality
Compact size
Full-frame sensor
Interchangeable lenses
Iconic and timeless design
Rugged and durable
Good low light performance

Cons

Expensive
No video capability
No image stabilization
Older technology
Limited compatibility with modern lenses
Limited dynamic range
Limited ISO range
No live view
No built-in flash

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Leica M8.2

Weather sealed
Dimensions139 x 80 x 37mm
Weight591g
Thickness37mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Leica M8.2 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (rangefinder)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Leica M8.2 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

M8.2 includes a optical (rangefinder) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Leica M8.2 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Leica M8.2 has a native ISO range of 160 - 2500 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

Sep 15 2008

Announced

160 - 2500

ISO Range

SensorAPS-H
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3936 x 2630 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Leica M8.2 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 high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, 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 M8.2 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: APS-H

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC card
Battery Life575 shots
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Leica M8.2 supports SD/SDHC card 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 M8.2 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 575 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 M8.2 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 M8.2 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 M8.2 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 M8.2?

The Leica M8.2 features a CCD sensor

Is the Leica M8.2 weather sealed?

No the M8.2 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Leica M8.2 announced?

The Leica M8.2 was announced on Sep 15 2008

Does the Leica M8.2 have in-body image stabilization?

No the M8.2 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 M8.2?

The M8.2 has a native ISO range of 160-2500, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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