Leica M11 Comparison Review
The Leica M11 (Typ 2416) is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera that was revealed to the public in January 2022 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 60.3 megapixel.
Is the Leica M11 a good camera? The M11 has a Camera Elo of 2816. This rating puts the M11 among the top 10 percent of all rangefinder cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the M11 ranks among the top 40 percent.
Leica M11 |
---|
Rangefinder camera |
Leica M mount lenses |
60.3 MP, Full Frame Sensor |
no Video |
ISO 64 - 50 000 |
Optical viewfinder |
3.0 LCD, 2333k dots |
Fixed touchscreen |
4.5 shutter flaps per second |
Weathersealed body |
700 shots per battery charge |
139 x 80 x 39 mm, 640 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
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Leica M11 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica M11 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 M11 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 640 g | 700 | Y | Jan 2022 | EUR 8 349 | amazon.com | |
2. | Hasselblad X1D | 150 mm | 98 mm | 71 mm | 725 g | .. | Y | Jun 2016 | EUR 9 399 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica M Typ 240 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 500 | Y | Sep 2012 | EUR 6 199 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 500 | Y | Jun 2019 | EUR 3 949 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M Typ 262 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2015 | EUR 5 499 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M9 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 585 g | 550 | n | Sep 2009 | EUR 5 499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | EUR 6 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica M10-P | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Aug 2018 | EUR 7 499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica M10-R | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jul 2020 | EUR 7 999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Leica Q2 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 92 mm | 718 g | 370 | Y | Mar 2019 | EUR 4 799 | amazon.com | |
11. | Leica Q3 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 93 mm | 743 g | 350 | Y | May 2023 | EUR 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 M11 was launched in the US market at a price of $8,999. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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 M11 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 M11 among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. 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 M11 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 9528 | 6328 | none | 26.3 | 14.8 | 3376 | 100 | |
2. | Hasselblad X1D | Medium Format | 51.3 | 8272 | 6200 | 1080/25p | 26.2 | 14.8 | 4489 | 102 | |
3. | Leica M Typ 240 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | 1080/25p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1860 | 84 | |
4. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | 1080/25p | 25.2 | 14.2 | 2821 | 94 | |
5. | Leica M Typ 262 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | none | 24.8 | 13.7 | 2478 | 90 | |
6. | Leica M9 | Full Frame | 18.1 | 5212 | 3472 | none | 22.5 | 11.7 | 884 | 69 | |
7. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
8. | Leica M10-P | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 25.1 | 14.1 | 2739 | 93 | |
9. | Leica M10-R | Full Frame | 40.9 | 7864 | 5200 | none | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2924 | 95 | |
10. | Leica Q2 | Full Frame | 46.7 | 8368 | 5584 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 13.5 | 2491 | 96 | |
11. | Leica Q3 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 9528 | 6328 | 8K/30p | 25.4 | 14.7 | 3216 | 96 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the M11 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the M11 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 M11 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 M11 | optical | n | 3.0 / 2333 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
2. | Hasselblad X1D | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 2.3/s | n | n | |
3. | Leica M Typ 240 | optical | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | optical | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Leica M Typ 262 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Leica M9 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Leica M10-P | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Leica M10-R | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
10. | Leica Q2 | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
11. | Leica Q3 | 5760 | n | 3.0 / 1840 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 15.0/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 M11 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 M11 (Typ 2416) 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 M11 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
2. | Hasselblad X1D | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
3. | Leica M Typ 240 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | Y | mono / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Leica M Typ 262 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Leica M9 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
8. | Leica M10-P | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
9. | Leica M10-R | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
10. | Leica Q2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | - | Y | - | Y | |
11. | Leica Q3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y |
It is notable that the M11 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 M11 can be found in the free online Leica M11 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the M11 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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 M11 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2022 | EUR 8 349 | amazon.com | |
2. | Hasselblad X1D | .. | o | .. | 81/100 | .. | 4/5 | Jun 2016 | EUR 9 399 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica M Typ 240 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2012 | EUR 6 199 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica M-E Typ 240 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jun 2019 | EUR 3 949 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M Typ 262 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Nov 2015 | EUR 5 499 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M9 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Sep 2009 | EUR 5 499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | EUR 6 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica M10-P | .. | .. | 3/5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | Aug 2018 | EUR 7 499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica M10-R | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | Jul 2020 | EUR 7 999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Leica Q2 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2019 | EUR 4 799 | amazon.com | |
11. | Leica Q3 | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | May 2023 | EUR 5 999 | amazon.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Leica M11 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the M11.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the Leica M11?
The camera has a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
Which image processing chip is used in the Leica M11 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Leica equipped the M11 with the Maestro III image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica M11?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 50000.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica M11 (Typ 2416)?
Leica does not publish a shutter rating for the M11. 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.
Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica M11?
The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.
Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica M11?
No, the Leica M11 (Typ 2416) 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 M11?
The M11 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 M11 for flash photography?
The M11's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.
Does the Leica M11 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-II cards (data transfer speed of up to 312 MB/s).
Which battery does the Leica M11 use?
The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-SCL7 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Where can I find the best deals for the Leica M11?
Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Leica.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
Camera Model | Leica M11 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Rangefinder camera | |
Camera Lens | Leica M mount lenses | |
Launch Date | January 2022 | |
Launch Price | USD 8 999 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | |
Sensor Area | 864 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.3 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | |
Sensor Resolution | 60.3 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 9 528 x 6 328 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 3.79 μm | |
Pixel Density | 6.98 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | no Video | |
ISO Setting | 64 - 50 000 ISO | |
Image Processor | Maestro III | |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 100 | |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 26.3 | |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 14.8 | |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 3376 | |
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 | 2333k 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 | Electronic 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-II | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 3.2 | |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | |
Battery Type | Leica BP-SCL7 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 700 shots per charge | |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
Body Dimensions |
139 x 80 x 39 mm (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 640 g (22.6 oz) |
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