Allendale, NJ—The newest addition to the Leica M system, the Leica M10’s functions have been adapted and updated to meet the needs of contemporary photography. In addition, the Leica M10 has more compact dimensions, improved performance and more intuitive handling than its predecessors.
“The Leica M is the heart, the backbone and the soul of Leica Camera. The Leica M10 unites state-of-the-art technology and exceptional optical performance with a conscious focus on the traditional advantages of the unique Leica M rangefinder system,” said Oliver Kaltner, CEO of Leica Camera.
“In this, the innovative camera and its concentration on the functions essential to photography set new standards, while its exceptionally lean handling concept takes us a further step toward absolute perfection. Made in Germany by Leica, the Leica M10 stands as an outstanding brand statement for the finest arts of engineering, highest quality and craftsmanship,” he added.
Photographers who appreciate the ergonomic dimensions of analog M models expressed this carry over to digital M cameras. Leica has delivered this with the M10. With a top plate depth of 1.32 inches—1/8 of an inch thinner than its predecessor, the Leica M—the new Leica M10 is the slimmest digital M camera yet.
In addition, several aspects of rangefinder focusing technology have been optimized in the M10. To improve the view of the subject, the field of view was enlarged by 30% and the magnification factor was increased to 0.73x. Eye relief—the optimum distance of the eye from the viewfinder eyepiece—was also increased. As a result of a 50% increase in this distance, the viewfinder is much more comfortable to use. This is particularly true for photographers who wear glasses.
The key component of the Leica M10 is its 24 megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor. The all-new sensor leads to improvements in all imaging parameters: dynamic range, contrast rendition, sharpness and fine resolution of details. Its pixel and micro-lens architecture is designed to enable optimum results at all apertures, particularly wide open. In addition, the glass cover plate of the sensor acts as an infrared cutoff filter, to avoid undesirable refraction of incoming light.
Furthermore, the sensor omits a low-pass filter to help ensure the camera delivers maximum sharpness. And due to the new sensor design, the ISO sensitivity range was also expanded. It now allows exposures at values between ISO 100 and 50,000, with improved noise characteristics at higher ISOs.
Working with the sensor is the latest-generation Maestro II image processor. Along with a 2GB buffer memory, the camera can achieve continuous, full-res bursts of five frames per second.
In addition, the faster processor enables a loupe function in live view mode that can be positioned anywhere in the frame for better assessment of sharpness. This new function can be used with the camera’s 3-inch, 1.04M-dot LCD monitor as well as its Visoflex electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.4MP of resolution. The viewfinder also features a swivel function for shooting from unusual angles. It also has an integrated GPS module that can be switched on for geotagging image files.
To provide more intuitive handling and rapid access to settings, the controls on the M10’s back are limited to the directional control and three buttons for play, live view and menu. The camera also provides a configurable favorites menu to let photographers create a custom profile of functions.
Also new on the Leica M10 is the ISO setting dial on the top plate. For the first time in a digital Leica M, all essential shooting parameters, such as focusing, aperture, shutter speed and ISO value, can be selected manually without using the menu—or switching on the camera.
Leica M10 Connectivity
The Leica M10 is also the first M model with integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. This enables the wireless transfer of images to Apple mobile devices. Once transferred, they can be edited and posted for sharing on social networks. Functionality with Android will shortly follow. The Leica M-App also enables the direct transfer of RAW files in DNG format to mobile devices for further processing. In addition, the camera can be remotely controlled via Wi-Fi from a smartphone or tablet.
The Leica M10 is constructed with an all-metal, die cast magnesium body with a synthetic leather covering. It has a brass top panel and base, and it comes in a black or silver chrome-plated finish. Available for preorder, the M10 will retail for $6,599. us.leica-camera.com
