Leica unveiled its M10-R digital rangefinder camera. This simple jewelry has a 40MP full-frame CMOS sensor that shoots high-resolution stills (7864 x 5200 pixels) and costs $8,300. Unfortunately, there is no option for recording videos. Let’s have a look.
40MP full-frame newly developed image sensor
The Leica M10-R (R=resolution) is a digital rangefinder camera with a high-resolution take on the traditional, stills-only design of the acclaimed M10-series. Revolving around an impressive 40MP full-frame CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor, the M10-R is distinguished by its image quality, dynamic range, and sensitivity, with an ISO 100-50000 range, low noise, and notable color saturation and contrast. The sensor’s design also omits an optical low-pass filter in order to achieve greater sharpness and resolution: DNG: 7864 x 5200 pixels (40,89 MP), JPEG: 7840 x 5184 pixels (40,64 MP), 5472 x 3648 pixels (20 MP), 2976 x 1984 pixels (6MP). It’s important to emphasize that there are no options to record videos.
Slim Leica-like body profile
The M10-R takes on a familiar form with a slim body profile that is reminiscent of M film cameras, and a large 0.73x-magnification optical viewfinder for notable composition and focusing accuracy. The body design also incorporates a dedicated ISO dial for quick adjustment, even when the camera is turned off, and the rear 3.0″ 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD features a Gorilla Glass cover to guard against scratching and light impacts. Also contributing to durability, the top and bottom plates are constructed from brass and the chassis is built from magnesium alloy to realize a robust physical construction for long-lasting use.
Leica M-lenses: “The best lenses in available-light photography”
The Leica M10-R’s high-resolution sensor is optimized when paired with Leica M-Lenses. All lenses are characterized by their compact design and impressive lens speed. According to Leica, the M-Lenses are: “The best lenses in available-light photography”.
Explore the document below for complete technical data:
[pdf-embedder url=”https://ymcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Leica_M10-R_technData_en_RZ.pdf” title=”Leica M10-R full specs”]
Price and availability
The Leica M10-R ships at the end of July. Preorders can be made on the B&H website.
Price: $8,295
Thoughts
With that marketing stuff being said, let’s think practically. This camera, which is an industrial art-form by the way, is not for video shooters since there are no video options. For $8,300 I’d expect that Leica implements some video capabilities. For instance, the Q2 owns video recording capabilities that able to shoot both DCI 4K24p and UHD 4K30p video, along with high-speed Full HD recording at up to 120p (read our article: Leica Q2 Announced: Full-Frame, Simple, Prestigious and Expensive). Furthermore, even Hasselblad models that are also defined as prestigious still cameras, have some decent video capabilities as well (read: Hasselblad Unleashes Medium-Format Video Capabilities for the X1D II 50C). Although professional filmmakers will use other tools for their productions, the option to shoot videos on a high-end still camera can be defined as an essential and even mandatory feature! And for that, Leica should embrace some video options that can be utilized by still photographers in some circumstances, especially in this extremely high price point.
What do you think about the Leica M10-R? Are you surprised there are no video options at that price? Can you define the market for this expensive camera?
