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While acknowledging its filmic legacy without losing sight of current requirements, the Leica M10 combines a simplified physical form with better image capabilities to provide a sleek and simple instrument for still photography that is easy to use.
Its newly designed 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor provide high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range and great sensitivity up to ISO 50000, while also providing a continuous shooting rate of 5 frames per second.
The M10 distinguishes itself from previous digital M rangefinders by having a thin body profile evocative of M film cameras. The magnification of the optical viewfinder has also been raised to 0.73x, allowing for improved composition and focusing precision.
As an added bonus, the body design has a separate ISO dial for rapid adjustment, even when the camera is switched off, and the back 3.0″ 1.04m-dot LCD is protected by a Gorilla Glass cover to protect it from scratches and minor impacts.
The top and bottom plates are made of brass, and the chassis is made of magnesium alloy, all of which contribute to the overall longevity of the product. This results in a physically sturdy product that can be used for a long time.
Aside from that, and in a first for M cameras, the M10 includes an integrated Wi-Fi module that allows for wireless sharing and remote camera operation from a connected mobile device.
The camera features a 24MP CMOS sensor and the Maestro II processor.
A rebuilt full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor works in conjunction with the Maestro II image processor to provide images with a broad dynamic range and excellent color rendition, as well as increased sensitivity from ISO 100 to 50000 to accommodate shooting in a variety of lighting situations.
There is also a 2GB buffer built into the image processor, which allows for rapid continuous shooting at 5 frames per second for up to 40 consecutive frames in a burst mode.
Both an optical viewfinder and a rangefinder are used.
The optical viewfinder is a big, bright-line 0.73x rangefinder with automated parallax adjustment and bright-line frame lines that are calibrated to match the image sensor size at a focusing distance of 6.6′. It has a 0.73x magnification and is equipped with bright-line frame lines.
An optical viewfinder frame selector can be found on the front of the camera, and it may be used to manually modify the apparent picture field to aid see the scene with changing focal lengths; possibilities are available in focal length pairings of 35mm/135mm, 28 mm/90mm, and 50mm/75mm.
The rangefinder system produces split or overlaid bright field pictures inside the center of the viewfinder in order to aid in proper manual focusing. This distance is the effective rangefinder metering base (50.6mm) (mechanical metering basis 69.31 mm x viewfinder magnification of 0.73x).
Design and integration of built-in Wi-Fi
- A slim body profile, evocative of Leica’s film cameras, makes holding and manipulation of the camera simpler.
- The top plate incorporates an integrated ISO dial, which allows for quick and direct change of sensitivity levels even when the camera is switched off.
- The backside of the camera has only three buttons: one for live view, one for playback, and one for the menu, allowing for more streamlined and easy navigation of the camera’s control-set and menu.
- It is possible to construct a Favorites menu, which allows you to designate your most frequently used settings and pick them for quick, one-touch access.
- Image playback and live view shooting are both made possible by the 3.0″ 1.04m-dot LCD monitor’s high resolution of 1.04 million dots.
- In order to protect the rear LCD monitor from scratches and accidents, it has been covered with Corning Gorilla Glass.
- The top and bottom plates are machined from solid blocks of brass, while the chassis is constructed from magnesium alloy, resulting in a physical design that is extremely sturdy and long-lasting.
- Rubber seals are used to prevent the entry of light rain and dust, which allows workers to continue working in adverse weather.
- In addition to allowing you to share images directly to a connected smartphone, built-in Wi-Fi allows you to remotely manage the M10, allowing you to alter some shooting parameters or even release the shutter using the Leica M app.
Leica M10 Specs
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $6595 |
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Max resolution | 5952 x 3992 |
| Other resolutions | 5952 x 3968 (JPEG, 24MP), 4256 x 2932 (12MP), 2976 x 1984 (6MP) |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Maestro II |
| ISO | Auto, 100-50000 |
| White balance presets | 8 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Lens mount | Leica M |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,036,800 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (rangefinder) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.73× |
| Minimum shutter speed | 8 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes |
| Continuous drive | 5.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| Microphone | None |
| Speaker | None |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| HDMI | No |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Remote control | Yes (via cable trigger) |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BP-SCL5 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 210 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz) |
| Dimensions | 139 x 39 x 80 mm (5.47 x 1.54 x 3.15″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | via optional Visoflex EVF |
Leica M10 Price
