Leica M-Monochrom
- 18MP - Full frame Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 10000
- No Video
- Leica M Mount
- 600g - 139 x 80 x 37mm
- Announced May 2012
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
78 Imaging
65 Features
23 Overall
48
Leica M-Monochrom overview
Leica M-Monochrom is Leica's Pro Mirrorless digital camera originally announced on May of 2012. It includes a 18 MegaPixel, CCD Full frame size sensor with a peak resolution of 5212 x 3472.
The M-Monochrom is placed #69 out of 70 in Pro Mirrorless cameras & all round #462 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. You can check our Advanced camera finder to see camera ratings based on your custom requirements.
Below is a diagram of different criteria used in the scoring system.
Leica M-Monochrom history
The Leica M-Monochrom has a history of related cameras. Underneath, you can find all earlier and most recent models alongside main specifications.
Leica M-Monochrom Gallery
You can look at the M-Monochrom from different angles in the gallery here.
Leica M-Monochrom Pros and Cons
Here is a collection of upsides and downsides of the Leica M-Monochrom based on things which are oftentimes seen as important in a digital camera.
Leica M-Monochrom Sensor information
The specification of the sensor in the Leica M-Monochrom is 36mm x 24mm (Full frame). The 864 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 5212 x 3472 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe CCD sensor has 18 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 160 - 10000. RAW format is saved so the user has more margin for error.
The picture underneath shows the M-Monochrom's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The M-Monochrom sensor has a crop factor of 1 and is outlined in green.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesTo get an idea of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Leica M-Monochrom dimensions
Leica M-Monochrom weighs in at 1.32 lb (600 grams or 21.16 ounces) & the dimensions of the camera is 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5"). The weight of general Pro Mirrorless camera is 722 grams so the Leica M-Monochrom is lighter as compared to various rivals.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneUnderneath is a shot of the Leica M-Monochrom alongside a soda to help you get a sense of its size.
The top view just below will illustrate the button design on the M-Monochrom.
Leica M-Monochrom Lens information
The M-Monochrom uses the Leica M mount and has 62 lenses on sale. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our collection that will fit the M-Monochrom.
Leica M-Monochrom Connectivity
The M-Monochrom has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
Cameras that incorporate NFC and Bluetooth support can easily be used wirelessly by smartphones. You can transfer images and sometimes adjust settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.
Several apps also allow a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't near the camera. If the camera has a HDMI port, it could be hooked up to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to recharge the battery with the USB port.
Leica M-Monochrom Video information
Leica M-Monochrom does not record video. In case you are looking for a digital camera to shoot just pictures, it might not be a concern.
Leica M-Monochrom Weather Sealing
Leica M-Monochrom doesn't have weather sealing so rainy conditions might ruin the camera.
Leica M-Monochrom Screen and Viewfinder
The Leica M-Monochrom includes a 2.5" fixed display having a resolution of 230k dots.
Please note that the display screen has no touch support.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe View Finder specifications for Leica M-Monochrom are below:
- ViewFinder Optical (rangefinder)
- ViewFinder Magnification 0.68x
For sunny outdoor situations that make the camera screens washed out and challenging to see, viewfinders will be pretty helpful.
Leica M-Monochrom Shutter information
Leica M-Monochrom has the ability to shoot continuously at 2.0 frames per second. The highest shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.
Leica M-Monochrom Flash and Hot shoe information
Leica M-Monochrom comes with external flash ability but comes without built-in flash. The max flash sync is 1/180 seconds.
Leica M-Monochrom Autofocus information
Leica M-Monochrom lacks Auto focus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more quicker and accurate as compared to Contrast Detect focusing.
Leica M-Monochrom has the ability to use manual focus when needed in low light or you want more accurate focus control.
Leica M-Monochrom Battery life
The battery power for the Leica M-Monochrom is built to last for 350 clicks according to the CIPA measurements which is lesser in comparison with it's competition. The typical Pro Mirrorless camera battery life is 460. Olympus E-M1X has the highest (870) battery life in this category of cameras.
Here is a list of Pro Mirrorless cameras that have the highest battery life:
Leica M-Monochrom for different forms of photography
The following chart presents a analysis of the Leica M-Monochrom for different forms of photography. To understand more, have a look at the specific section underneath.
Portrait photography with Leica M-Monochrom
The Leica M-Monochrom receives a points tally of 71 which is above average, and means the camera is a respectable option to use for portrait photos. Photographing portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimension, support for RAW photos in addition to the flexibility to utilize off-camera flash.
Leica M-Monochrom Street photography features
Having a above average score of 65, the Leica M-Monochrom is a very decent fit to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera gives a good balance of image quality plus portability.
Leica M-Monochrom as a Sports photography camera
A horrible sports photography score of 45 indicates the Leica M-Monochrom is just not acceptable for photographing sports. A camera needs to have good focusing and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.
Leica M-Monochrom Travel photography features
Size is really important in choosing a travel camera. All things considered, the Leica M-Monochrom gets a moderate 54 for a travel camera which makes it fairly acceptable to buy for your holidays.
Leica M-Monochrom as a Landscape photography camera
If you are looking to choose a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most essential factor is going to be image quality. The Leica M-Monochrom and it's moderate score of 58 for a landscape camera is fairly appropriate in the current marketplace.
Leica M-Monochrom Vlogging info
A vlogging camera should come with a moving display screen, mic port and ideally IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Leica M-Monochrom is just not acceptable as a vlog camera as it comes to a horrible rating of 9.
Leica M-Monochrom Alternatives
If you are in the market for replacements to the M-Monochrom, here is a range of the top ranked cameras that fall under the category of Pro Mirrorless.
The diagram here gives you a summary of the M-Monochrom vs it's highest ranking competitors shown above.
Here are a handful of other cameras you may consider as alternatives. To check out a detailed comparison, visit the "compare" link.