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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.

camera

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.

Headline Specifications
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.

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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.

Leica M10-R vs credit card front
M10-R versus credit card top view
M10-R and credit card rear side

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.

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Body Specifications
    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 299ebay.com
2.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M9 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 585 g 550 n Sep 2009 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.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 449ebay.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.

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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.

Leica M10-R sensor measures

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.

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Sensor Characteristics
    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 5200none25.314.3292495
2.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
5.
 
Leica M9 Full Frame 18.1 5212 3472none22.511.788469
6.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
7.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
8.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
9.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
10.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
11.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
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.

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Core Features
    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-Roptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
2.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica M9optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
9.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 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.

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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.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica M10-RY- / -----Y--
2.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Leica M9Y- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
7.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
10.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
11.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-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.

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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]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica M10-R4.5/5..4/5....4/5 Jul 2020 US$ 8 299ebay.com
2.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M9........4.5/5.. Sep 2009 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
9.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
11.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 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.

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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.

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    Specifications Summary
    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 AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer 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 SealingWeathersealed 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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