Key Features
May 10 2012
Announced
18 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Leica |
| Sensor Type | Full frame |
| Sensor | CCD |
| Weight | 600g |
| MSRP | $7950USD |
Other similar cameras
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Released Mar 07 2019 | 47MP resolution
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Overview of the M-Monochrom
Black and white photography has been around since the invention of the camera. However, with the advent of digital photography, the art form has taken on a new life. And no camera is better suited for capturing stunning black and white images than the Leica M-Monochrom. This specialized camera is designed to produce monochrome images that are rich in detail, texture, and contrast. It uses a highly advanced image sensor that is optimized for black and white photography and does not have a color filter array. This means that every pixel is dedicated to capturing luminance information, resulting in sharper, cleaner, and more detailed images. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of the Leica M-Monochrom. We'll discuss its features, benefits, and why it has become a favorite among professional photographers. Whether you're a novice or an experienced photographer, you'll learn why the Leica M-Monochrom should be your next camera investment.
Leica M-Monochrom Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica M-Monochrom 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
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Leica M-Monochrom
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 139 x 80 x 37mm |
| Weight | 600g |
| Thickness | 37mm |
Weather Sealing
The Leica M-Monochrom 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 Finder | Optical (rangefinder) |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Resolution | 230k dots |
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Leica M-Monochrom 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
M-Monochrom includes a optical (rangefinder) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of Unknown and a magnification of 0.68x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Leica M-Monochrom has a 18MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 18 pixels. Leica M-Monochrom has a native ISO range of 160 - 10000 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
May 10 2012
Announced
160 - 10000
ISO Range
| Sensor | Full frame |
| Extended ISO | null - null |
| Max resolution | 5212 x 3472 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 M-Monochrom 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 M-Monochrom 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
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Full frame
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC card |
| Battery Life | 350 shots |
| Battery Model |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Leica M-Monochrom 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 M-Monochrom uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 350 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 M-Monochrom 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 M-Monochrom 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 M-Monochrom 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.
FAQ
The Leica M-Monochrom features a CCD sensor
No the M-Monochrom does not have weather sealing.
The Leica M-Monochrom was announced on May 10 2012
No the M-Monochrom does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The M-Monochrom has a native ISO range of 160-10000, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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