Leica M10-R Comparison Review
The Leica M10-R is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera that was announced in July 2020 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 40.9 megapixel.
Is the Leica M10-R a good camera? The M10-R has a Camera Elo of 2275. This rating puts the M10-R among the top 20 percent of all rangefinder cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the M10-R ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3.5-star performance rating.
Leica M10-R |
---|
Rangefinder camera |
Leica M mount lenses |
40.9 MP, Full Frame Sensor |
no Video |
ISO 100 - 50 000 |
Optical viewfinder |
3.0 LCD, 1037k dots |
Fixed touchscreen |
4.5 shutter flaps per second |
Weathersealed body |
210 shots per battery charge |
139 x 80 x 39 mm, 660 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica M10-R vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica M10-R alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M10-R | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jul 2020 | US$ 8 299 | ebay.com | |
2. | Leica M Typ 240 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 500 | Y | Sep 2012 | US$ 6 949 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 500 | Y | Jun 2019 | US$ 3 999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica M Typ 262 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2015 | US$ 5 195 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M9 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 585 g | 550 | n | Sep 2009 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | US$ 6 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica M10-P | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Aug 2018 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica M11 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 640 g | 700 | Y | Jan 2022 | US$ 8 999 | amazon.com | |
9. | Leica Q2 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 92 mm | 718 g | 370 | Y | Mar 2019 | US$ 4 999 | amazon.com | |
10. | Leica SL | 147 mm | 104 mm | 39 mm | 847 g | 400 | Y | Oct 2015 | US$ 7 449 | ebay.com | |
11. | Leica SL2 | 146 mm | 107 mm | 42 mm | 953 g | 370 | Y | Nov 2019 | US$ 5 999 | amazon.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica M10-R was launched in the US market at a price of $8,299. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Leica M10-R features a full frame sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica M10-R among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M10-R | Full Frame | 40.9 | 7864 | 5200 | none | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2924 | 95 | |
2. | Leica M Typ 240 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | 1080/25p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1860 | 84 | |
3. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | 1080/25p | 25.2 | 14.2 | 2821 | 94 | |
4. | Leica M Typ 262 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | none | 24.8 | 13.7 | 2478 | 90 | |
5. | Leica M9 | Full Frame | 18.1 | 5212 | 3472 | none | 22.5 | 11.7 | 884 | 69 | |
6. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
7. | Leica M10-P | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 25.1 | 14.1 | 2739 | 93 | |
8. | Leica M11 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 9528 | 6328 | none | 26.3 | 14.8 | 3376 | 100 | |
9. | Leica Q2 | Full Frame | 46.7 | 8368 | 5584 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 13.5 | 2491 | 96 | |
10. | Leica SL | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 25.0 | 13.4 | 1821 | 88 | |
11. | Leica SL2 | Full Frame | 46.7 | 8368 | 5584 | 4K/60p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2866 | 95 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the M10-R does not provide the possibility to capture videos.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the M10-R has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.73x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica M10-R and comparable cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M10-R | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
2. | Leica M Typ 240 | optical | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
3. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | optical | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Leica M Typ 262 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Leica M9 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Leica M10-P | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Leica M11 | optical | n | 3.0 / 2333 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
9. | Leica Q2 | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
10. | Leica SL | 4400 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
11. | Leica SL2 | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
It is worthwhile pointing out that the M10-R has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica M10-R and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M10-R | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
2. | Leica M Typ 240 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | Y | mono / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Leica M Typ 262 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Leica M9 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
7. | Leica M10-P | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
8. | Leica M11 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
9. | Leica Q2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | - | Y | - | Y | |
10. | Leica SL | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Leica SL2 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y |
It is notable that the M10-R offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Further information on the features and operation of the M10-R can be found in the free online Leica M10-R Manual or on the Leica support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the M10-R in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M10-R | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | Jul 2020 | US$ 8 299 | ebay.com | |
2. | Leica M Typ 240 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2012 | US$ 6 949 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jun 2019 | US$ 3 999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica M Typ 262 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Nov 2015 | US$ 5 195 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M9 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Sep 2009 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | US$ 6 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica M10-P | .. | .. | 3/5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | Aug 2018 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica M11 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2022 | US$ 8 999 | amazon.com | |
9. | Leica Q2 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2019 | US$ 4 999 | amazon.com | |
10. | Leica SL | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Oct 2015 | US$ 7 449 | ebay.com | |
11. | Leica SL2 | 4/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2019 | US$ 5 999 | amazon.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Leica M10-R FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the M10-R.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Leica M10-R?
The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
Which image processing chip is used in the Leica M10-R to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Leica equipped the M10-R with the Maestro II image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica M10-R?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica M10-R?
Leica does not publish a shutter rating for the M10-R. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica M10-R?
No, the Leica M10-R has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Leica M10-R?
The M10-R offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica M10-R for flash photography?
The M10-R's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.
Does the Leica M10-R support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Leica M10-R use?
The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-SCL5 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1Ds Mark III vs Leica M10-R
- Canon RP vs Leica M10-R
- Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Leica M10-R
- Fujifilm X-Pro3 vs Leica M10-R
- Fujifilm X-S10 vs Leica M10-R
- Fujifilm X-T1 vs Leica M10-R
- Fujifilm X-T5 vs Leica M10-R
- Leica M10-R vs Nikon D750
- Leica M10-R vs Nikon Z6 III
- Leica M10-R vs Panasonic S1R
- Leica M10-R vs Pentax WG-1000
- Leica M10-R vs Sony A7S II
Camera Model | Leica M10-R | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Rangefinder camera | |
Camera Lens | Leica M mount lenses | |
Launch Date | July 2020 | |
Launch Price | USD 8 299 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 35.8 x 23.9 mm | |
Sensor Area | 856 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 43 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | |
Sensor Resolution | 40.9 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 7 864 x 5 200 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 4.57 μm | |
Pixel Density | 4.78 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | no Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 50 000 ISO | |
Image Processor | Maestro II | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.73x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 1037k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Manual Focus | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 4.5 shutter flaps/s | |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | Intervalometer Built-in | |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | UHS-I | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | no USB | |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | |
Battery Type | Leica BP-SCL5 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 210 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
139 x 80 x 39 mm (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 660 g (23.3 oz) |
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