Legendary camera maker Leica has just introduced the M11, the company's newest M series rangefinder camera. The camera highlights the traditional form factor of the M series, but with several upgrades and features. In particular, the camera highlights a new 60MP BSI CMOS sensor with "Triple Resolution" technology which allows it to capture RAW or JPG images at 60, 36, or 18-megapixel resolution which provides better low light performance due to pixel binning similar to smartphones. This can also capture 14 stops of dynamic range at its full resolution.
Each shot ranges from 70 to 120MB using
the 60MP DNG RAW file. At 18MP, you can get as low as 20MP per image. The
camera also uses a new ultra-thin UV filter on top designed for a "more
natural" color reproduction. Leica said that it even has the highest dynamic
range of any M series yet. This boasts a 64 to 50,000 ISO.
Interestingly, the camera also a 64GB
internal storage, a rare feature for dedicated cameras. This is a feature that
those who will accidentally leave their SD cards could appreciate. Obviously,
it can be expanded via a microSD card. This also has a 64 percent larger
battery than its predecessor M10 at 1,800mAh which can last for 700 shots using
live view on the back display or 1,700 shots using the rangefinder. It also has
a USB-C port that can be used for data transfer. There is even a USB-C to Apple
Lightning cable included for iPhone users.
For the design, it comes in a
Silver-Chrome edition with a brass top plate weighing 640 g while the Black
version has an aluminum top plate weighing 530 g. Leica also revealed two accessories
called Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder with a 3.7M-dot display which tilts at
90 degrees and a new handgrip that doubles as a tripod mount that attaches to
Arca-Swiss head without additional hardware.
Leica also shared that a firmware update
will arrive in the second half of 2022 with improved connectivity. The camera
will be available starting today in the US with a USD 8,995 price tag.
