Leica M (Typ 240): Sensor

A Few Technical Data | A Collection of Opinions on the Sensor | Conclusions | References

Archive

This page discusses the sensor that is used in the Leica M (Typ 240): a 24 Megapixels CMOS sensor built by the Belgian company CMOSIS. Since this sensor presents a departure from CCD sensors to a CMOS sensor for the M camera series, there were some debates in the photo forums about it. On this page, I collect a few technical data, available test results, and opinions on the sensor.

A Few Technical Data

Here are the most important technical data for the Leica M's (Typ 240) sensor:

Sensor type: CMOS sensor (built by CMOSIS, co-developed with Leica according to Leica specifications)
Sensor size: full-frame (active area approx. 23.9 x 35.8mm (corresponds to usable format of analog Leica M models); JPEG: 5,952 x 3,968 pixels JPG, DNG: 5976 x 3992 pixels)
Pixel count: 24 million pixels (effective according to Leica); effective resolution 23.7 megapixels (according to Luminous landscape)
Aspect ratio: 3:2
Linear dynamic range: approximately 76 dB (according to Leica), allowing ISO values up to 6400
AA filter: no AA filter

A Collection of Opinions on the Sensor

Leica

"Maximum image quality
Superior sharpness and the finest reproduction of detail. The Leica M features a newly-designed, high resolution, 24-Megapixel CMOS sensor in full 35 mm format – the Leica Max 24-MP sensor. When combined with the Leica Maestro image processor, only outstanding images are created. Additionally, the low noise performance makes the M ideal for available-light photography." (from Leica Website: us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M/Details)
"EXCELLENT RESOLUTION from a 24-MP sensor
The Leica M features a high-resolution, 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in the full 35 mm format. In combination with the Leica Maestro image processor, already employed in the Leica S-System, the Leica Max 24-MP sensor is responsible for the outstanding imaging quality of the Leica M. For the first time in the history of the digital M-System, all components in the image creation flow, from lens to image file, were developed in-house by Leica. Here, our team of engineers has successfully perfected the entire image creation chain for use with M- and R-Lenses without any compromises, in order to exploit the full potential of these lenses. The consequence of this integration can be seen in images with superior sharpness and the finest reproduction of details. The M delivers extremely low-noise and richly detailed images, even at higher sensitivities of up to ISO 6400. In combination with fast Leica lenses, this low noise capture capability makes the camera an ideal tool for available-light photography. Thanks to the integrated imaging electronics of the Leica Maestro image processor, the Leica M is also distinguished by fast response times and an almost instantaneous wakeup time – ensuring that photographers are always ready to shoot." (from Leica M brochure)

DxO

DxO published the Leica M (Typ 240) sensor test results at the end of March 2013. In this test, the Leica X Vario achieves a DxOMark score of 84 points. DxOMark's conclusion is: "An Overall Score of 84 ranks 8th for all full frame sensors on the DxOMark database placing the Leica M’s new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in to the top ten (March 2013). ... Its individual category rankings are all down on 11th place however making it a good all rounder without a particular strong point."

Color discrimination (24 bits) and dynamic range (13.3 EV) are rated both quite OK for its class, but the Low-Light ISO performance (1860 ISO) seems to be behind the competition (although it is much better than the X Vario's performance).

Thus DxOMark concludes: "Despite a big step forward for image quality DxOMark Sensor Scores for the Leica M indicates the new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor remains a little behind the best full frame sensors available."

For details, see Leica M (Typ 240) sensor review: How does the new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in Leica’s latest rangefinder perform? (DxO sensor rating) and the references below.

Others

In progress

Imaging Resource (from Leica M 240 Impressions, Michael Reichmann): Image Quality. Let’s cut right to the chase. The M240 new CMOS sensor is brilliant. I mean that the way the British use the word; ie: terrific. I didn’t have an opportunity to directly compare images between it and an M9, but I have no reservations about any of the sensor’s major characteristics – colour rendition, dynamic range, high ISO and resolution. There are sensors that may score higher on tests, but for real-world photography it’s hard to find anything not to like about the new M’s sensor. Sean Reid sees some occasional banding at high ISO, but I see nothing to fuss me. I do see some IR contamination when very deep shadows are opened up, but the M isn’t alone in this regard, and I’m talking six stops or more below 18%. Reviewers whose opinion I respect seem to pretty much agree that this is a great sensor, or at least let’s say that I now agree with them.

To be continued...

Conclusions

In the Leica M (Type), Leica uses a new 24 Megapixels CMOS sensor built by CMOSIS that offers better low light performance, that is high ISO behavior that the CCD sensors in the preceding models (M9, M8). Overall, this new sensor does not seem to come quite up to the expaectations. In newer full-frame Models (Q, SL) Leica uses other sensors (or two variants of the same sensor).

In 2013, primarily with firmware update 2.0.0.11 (October 2013 - a year after the camera's announcement at Photokina 2012!), Leica improved the color and white balance behavior of the camera considerably, probably because it had more experience with this new sensor.

References

Below, I list references to dicussions of the sensor, sensor tests and other sensor-related stuff.

For more information about the sensor, read The Leica M Max Sensor Explained on Photography Daily - Theme (www.the.me/the-leica-m-max-sensor-explained/).
This article is based on an article in the 1/2013 issue of LFI (Leica Fotografie International), which offers insights by the creators of the Leica M's Max sensor and Maestro processor.
Technical details about the Max sensor can be found on the CMOSIS Website: www.cmosis.com/news/press_releases/new_leica_m_uses_cmosis_24_mp_cmos_image_sensor
Some technical details about the Max sensor can also be found in the Luminous Landscape Leica M Preview (Mike Tomkins): www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/leica-m/leica-mA.HTM
DxOMark did a test of the Max sensor, which can be found here:
- Leica M Typ 240: Tests and Reviews (www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Leica/M-Typ-240)
- Leica M review: How does the new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in Leica’s latest rangefinder perform? (www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Leica-M-review-How-does-the-new-24-megapixel-CMOS-sensor-in-Leica-s-latest-rangefinder-perform)
- Leica M: New 24-megapixel CMOS sensor significantly improves image quality (www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Leica-M-review-How-does-the-new-24-megapixel-CMOS-sensor-in-Leica-s-latest-rangefinder-perform/Leica-M-sensor-performance)
- Conclusion (www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Leica-M-review-How-does-the-new-24-megapixel-CMOS-sensor-in-Leica-s-latest-rangefinder-perform/Conclusion)