Leica M11: 60 megapixels and pixel binning to adapt to all situations

An emblematic brand of photography, Leica offers several types of cameras, from hybrids to compacts and SLRs. It is especially with a very particular genre – and without autofocus – that Leica is famous: rangefinders. Today, the German adds a reference to its prestigious M line, the M11.

A series started in 1954

The Leica M series began with the M3 in 1954 for film, then went digital in 2006 with the M8 (18×27 mm format). It continues today with the M11 which apparently offers few changes compared to the M10 – note that since the M9, the boxes have been equipped with a 24×36 sensor.

At first glance, it is almost impossible to distinguish the M11 from the M10, which was launched almost five years earlier. The aesthetics and design remain very similar from generation to generation, the German manufacturer obviously not keen to confuse its fans. Thus, the M11 retains the remote rangefinder on the left of the body, offering 0.73x magnification.

Finally a USB port on a Leica M

The main difference is to be found under the device. No more removable sole on the M11, but a battery extraction system identical to that used on the compact expert Q2. Next to the battery, there is always the port for SD card (UHS-II standard). Another upheaval, the M11 is now equipped with a USB Type-C port. Usually totally hermetic to the connectors, it will be possible with this M11 to recharge directly via this port or to transfer the images.

Controls are minimal and most setting changes take place around the new 7.5cm, 2.3 million dot touchscreen. It authorizes a sighting in live view, with magnifying glass option and focus peaking for those who have trouble with the rangefinder. Note that Leica also markets a version 2 of its adjustable electronic viewfinder, which attaches to the hot shoe of the camera. With a definition of 3.7 million points, the Visoflex 2 allows focusing at 40 cm, whereas it stops at 70 cm with the rangefinder.

A 24×36 sensor of 60 Mpx

Finally, on its front face, the M11 gets rid of a control button, the latter having been replaced near the trigger. So much for the exterior novelties, quite subtle let’s face it. In fact, the main evolution is to be found inside the case. The M11 now features a 60MP 24×36 (BSI CMOS) sensor. This represents a significant increase in definition compared to the sensor of the original M10 which was, remember, 24 Mpx. Certainly, according to the various versions of the M10 (five in total), the sensor had increased to 40 Mpx (M10 Monochrom and M10-R).

At the launch of the Leica M11, there is only one other device with a 60MP full-frame sensor: the Sony Alpha 7R IV (A7R V). And if Leica is careful not to say who manufactures the sensitive cell of its new case, the company affirms that it is not Sony. The sensor is still not stabilized, but Leica has integrated digital aiming stabilization to make shooting easier.

The arrival of pixel binning on camera

In addition to this increase in definition, the M11 also offers a new functionality in the world of traditional photography, the pixel binning. Now very widespread in smartphones, this process makes it possible to merge the pixels together in order to obtain shots of different definitions. We can thus improve night shots, optimize file storage or benefit from better sensitivity management.

For smartphones, we can then take advantage of lighter shots by going, for example, from 108 to 12 Mpx. The M11 works similarly. By default, it outputs 60 MP files, but you can opt for 36 or 18 MP. Note that this is not a crop and that the device always uses the sensor in its entirety. Thus, this change of definition also takes place on RAW files.

Three definitions to choose from

This new function is not only present to optimize the storage space – which moreover goes from 2 to 64 GB internally – but also allows, according to Leica, to improve the rendering of the photos according to the circumstances. Thus, the maximum definition of 60 Mpx is the one that will quite logically give the best sharpness, when at 18 Mpx we will obtain better management of noise and sensitivity. The intermediate definition of 36 Mpx would constitute for its part the best ratio between performance in low light and sharpness.

This is not the first time that it is possible to modify the definition of Raw on a device. The Canon EOS 5Ds R and the Nikon D810 offered this same option, but it did not work due to the “merger” operated by the pixel binning. The sensor then “jumped” certain pixels to obtain lower definitions. This is still the case with some modern hybrids, such as the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II.

At the lowest definitions, Leica announces a more extensive dynamic range, going from 14 to 15 EV. The sensitivity range of the sensor extends from 64 to 50,000 ISO. The mechanical shutter has been revised for an ever lower noise and reaches 1/4000 s. Note that beyond that, the electronic shutter takes over and allows an exposure time of up to 1/16000 s. The latter is of course completely silent. As with some mirrorless cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 and Sony Alpha 1 (A1), the shutter closes to protect the sensor when the M11 is turned off.

The M11 is also equipped with an easier connection with smartphones, in particular those of Apple thanks to a certification made for iPhone and iPad. The device even comes with a USB-C/Lightning cable. It will be possible to fully control the device via the Leica fotos app. All functions will be unlocked with an update in the second half of 2022.

Price and availability

The Leica M11 is marketed from January 13, 2022 at a price of €8,350. It is available in two colors, silver and black. Note that the silver model is coated in brass when the black version is in aluminium. This translates into a 20% lighter weight (530 g against 640 g for the first), but without this impacting the durability of the device, according to Leica.