Leica Unveils M10-R with 40MP Sensor and Better Low-Light Performance

Leica has just revealed another M10 variant. Following in the footsteps of the Leica M10-P with its quiet shutter, the M10-D that lacks the LCD screen, and the M10 Monochrom with a 40MP black-and-white image sensor, we now have the Leica M10-R: a high-resolution version of the Leica M10 that uses the same sensor as the Monochrom, but shoots color.

In most ways, the Leica M10-R is the twin of the M10-P: it features the same quiet shutter, touchscreen functionality, and the characteristic M10 ISO dial on the top plate. Where it differs is the 40MP Leica-designed image sensor, which it inherits from the recently-released Leica M10 Monochrom.

This sensor—now paired with a bayer filter for color photography—not only delivers far more resolution than the 24MP chip found in the M10, M10-P, and M10-D, it also boasts “significantly reduced image noise as well as a wider dynamic range.” Despite using the same ISO range of 100 – 50000, Leica assured us that low-light performance and overall dynamic range are closer to what you might expect from the M10 Monochrom, and the maximum exposure time has been increased to 16 min (when shooting at 100 ISO) as a result.

Here’s a closer look at the new camera:

And here are some full-resolution sample images (TIFFs, exported as 100% JPEGs) for your pixel-peeping pleasure. Click to enlarge:

In addition to low-light performance, when we spoke to Leica about the camera they emphasized that the higher resolution sensor makes the M10-R an ideal companion for both older and newer M lenses. Newer, more clinically “perfect” glass will obviously benefit from the higher resolution, but Leica believes that the additional 16MP will “also emphasize the distinct characteristics of older M lenses.”

Which, of course, brings us to the price—i.e.: how much you’ll have to pay to experience these benefits for yourself.

The Leica M10-R is available to order now starting at $8,295—the same launch price as the M10 Monochrom—in either Black or Silver finish, with shipping scheduled for the end of July. To learn more or pick one up for yourself, head over to the Leica website or pre-order yours today.

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