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Leica has some exciting cameras in its portfolio. The Leica M series is perfect for professionals, while the Q series is designed as a perfect compact camera. The third segment is a mix of both, but it offers a distinct sensor: the Leica Monochrom. The black and white sensor cameras are unique, and they offer something special to those who want extra texture and details in their images. Choosing a camera of this nature can be challenging, so we have a few options that can help narrow down your search.
Leica M11 Monochrom
This version of Leica Monochrom is quite advanced. The device has a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor, a multi-field (matrix) light metering, ISO up to 200,000, and it can shoot three resolutions: 30MP, 36MP, and 18MP. It has 256GB of internal storage, image stabilization, exposure up to 1 hour, and e-shutter works 1/16,000 sec. The camera also features a 2,332,800-dot TFT LCD, a burst rate of 4.5 fps, and a battery that can shoot up to 700 images per single charge. The M11 excels at producing beautiful, sharp images; the high ISO output is excellent, making it hard to take a bad photo with this one, and the build is great. As we said in our review, “The Leica M11 Monochrom is for a photographer that shoots mostly in black and white and that wants the freedom that that style of photography gives you. And most of all, it will make you think and shoot in a completely different way.”
Leica Q2 Monochrom
The Leica Q2 Monochrom is another camera with a 47MP CMOS black-and-white sensor, a 3.68MP OLED EVF, a 1.04 million-dot LCD, and a shutter speed of 1/40,000s. Since it’s a compact camera, the device comes with a 28mm f1.7 ASPH lens. The camera is weather-resistant up to IP52, can record 4K/30p videos, and has additional toning options such as sepia, blue, and selenium. The camera makes shooting easy, there is enough dynamic range to give great images, and the high ISO result is exciting. The face detection is great, and you will be able to focus on people even if they are wearing a mask. As we said in our review, “Anyway, the sensor in the Q2 Monochrom is a reworked version of the same one in the Leica SL2 and the Leica Q2 from my understanding. It’s sharper, better at higher ISOs, and it’s monochrome. That makes this camera arguably even better than the Leica M10 Monochrom.”
The One to Leave Behind: Leica M10 Monochrom
While the Leica M10 was a great camera, the M10 Monochrom has a few drawbacks. It has a 40MP sensor, a max ISO limited to 100,000, sepia, and color toning. The system doesn’t have rubber gaskets, and the rangefinder patch and viewfinder aren’t bright enough. While the images are crisp, in comparison to the Q2, they will lack sharpness. Moreover, the M11 gives you a chance to shoot at higher megapixels, as well as gives you more resolutions to work with. With a firmware update, you may also get a chance to work with content credentials, which will secure your images.
Leica Monochrom cameras are expensive, but those who want legacy gear or have enough wealth can opt for them. It will never disappoint you.
