Leica M-E Typ 220 vs M9 Comparison
Leica M-E Typ 220
Leica M9
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Brand | Leica | Leica | |
Model | M-E Typ 220 | M9 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2009 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 17, 2012 | September 09, 2009 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Leica M-E Typ 220 and the Leica M9 both scored 34/100, making them equal in our evaluation. These mirrorless cameras share several specifications, including their dimensions (139 x 80 x 37mm) and weight (585g/1.29lbs). Launched in 2012, the Leica M-E Typ 220 has a slightly lower launch price of $5,450 compared to the Leica M9’s $5,500 in 2009.
The Leica M-E Typ 220’s advantage lies in its newer release, which may offer improved technology and features. On the other hand, the Leica M9, being an older model, may be available at a lower price in the market today.
Considering the equal scores and shared specifications, the choice between these cameras depends on personal preference, budget, and the importance of having the latest technology. Both cameras offer quality performance and are solid options for photography enthusiasts.
Leica M-E Typ 220 vs M9 Overview and Optics
The Leica M-E Typ 220 edges out the Leica M9 in our optics comparison with a score of 43/100 to 42/100. Both cameras share several identical specifications, including 18-megapixel resolution, 2 frames per second shooting speed, CCD sensor type, full-frame sensor size, Leica M lens mount, and lack of image stabilization. The processors differ slightly, with the M-E Typ 220 featuring a Maestro processor and the M9 utilizing a Maestro II processor. Both cameras also have a DXOMARK sensor score of 69.
The winning camera, the Leica M-E Typ 220, benefits from its Maestro processor. This processor provides faster image processing and better color rendition, leading to improved overall image quality. In this regard, the M-E Typ 220 outperforms the M9.
On the other hand, the Leica M9 has a Maestro II processor, which offers some advantages over the Maestro processor in the M-E Typ 220. The Maestro II processor allows for better low-light performance and noise reduction, giving the M9 an edge in certain shooting conditions.
However, the difference between the two cameras’ optics scores is minimal, indicating that both cameras perform similarly in most situations. The choice between the Leica M-E Typ 220 and the Leica M9 ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific shooting requirements. While the M-E Typ 220 has a slight advantage in image processing and color rendition, the M9 performs better in low-light conditions. Both cameras are solid options for photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking quality optics in a compact, rangefinder-style body.
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Optics
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Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 18 MP | 18 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5212 x 3472 px | 5212 x 3472 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD | CCD | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 36 mm | 24 x 36 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2 fps | 2 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Leica M | Leica M | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Maestro | Maestro II | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 80 | 160 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 2,500 | 2,500 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 160 | 80 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 2500 | 2500 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 4 s | 4 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 0 | 0 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (rangefinder) | Optical (rangefinder) |
Leica M-E Typ 220 vs M9 Video Performance
When discussing the video capabilities of the Leica M-E Typ 220 and the Leica M9, it is important to note that neither camera has video functionality. As a result, there are no video scores to compare for these two cameras. Both the Leica M-E Typ 220 and the Leica M9 focus solely on photography, and their overall performance is not influenced by the absence of video capabilities.
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Video
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Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | |
Leica M-E Typ 220 vs M9 Features and Benefits
The Leica M-E Typ 220 and the Leica M9 both have a feature score of 17/100, making them equal in this aspect. They share several specifications, including a 2.5-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 230,000 dots, and the absence of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities.
There is no clear winner in terms of features, as both cameras have the same specifications. However, there are other factors to consider when determining which camera might be better for specific users. For example, the Leica M-E Typ 220 has a more modern design and might appeal to users who prefer a sleeker look, while the Leica M9 boasts a classic design that may be more appealing to traditionalists.
In terms of performance, both cameras offer similar capabilities, but the Leica M9 may have a slight edge due to its slightly faster processor and higher maximum ISO. This could make it a better choice for low-light photography enthusiasts, though the difference in performance may not be significant enough for most users to notice.
On the other hand, the Leica M-E Typ 220 may be a better option for those who prioritize budget, as it is generally more affordable than the Leica M9. This price difference could make it a more attractive option for users who want a high-quality camera without breaking the bank.
Both the Leica M-E Typ 220 and the Leica M9 are excellent cameras with nearly identical feature sets. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the user’s preferences, budget, and specific photography needs.
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Features
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Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |   | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | TFT LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  2.5" | 2.5" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,000 dots | 230,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Leica M-E Typ 220 vs M9 Storage and Battery
The Leica M-E Typ 220 outperforms the Leica M9 in storage and battery with a score of 27/100 compared to the M9’s 21/100. Both cameras share similarities in storage, as they each have a single memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC cards. However, the M-E Typ 220 surpasses the M9 in battery life, offering 450 shots per charge compared to the M9’s 350 shots. This difference is due to the M-E Typ 220 utilizing the BP-SCL2 battery, while the M9 uses the BP-SCL1 battery.
The Leica M9 does not have any advantages in this category, as both cameras lack USB charging capabilities. Therefore, the Leica M-E Typ 220 is the superior choice for photographers seeking longer battery life and more shooting time between charges. The shared storage specifications ensure that either camera can accommodate the same memory card types, but the M-E Typ 220’s longer battery life gives it the edge in this comparison.
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Storage and Battery
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Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC | SD / SDHC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | BP-SCL2 | BP-SCL1 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 450 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24 bits | 22.5 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.3 EVs | 11.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1860 | 884 |
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Scores
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Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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Leica M-E Typ 220 vs M9 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Leica M-E Typ 220 or the Leica M9:
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User Scores
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Leica M-E Typ 220
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Leica M9
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B&H photo video |
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