Leica M9 P
Leica · Mirrorless · 18 MP · Full Frame
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Leica |
| Model | M9 P |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2011 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 21, 2011 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm |
| Camera weight | 600 g |
Optics42/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Leica M9 P receives a score of 33/100 in our evaluation. Measuring 139 x 80 x 37mm and weighing 600g (1.32lbs), it has been on the market for quite some time now. Considering today’s market, the Leica M9 P’s specifications are not as competitive as they once were. Despite its high price, modern cameras offer more advanced features and better performance. Therefore, the Leica M9 P may no longer be the best option for photographers looking for a top-tier camera. Leica M9 P Overview and OpticsThe Leica M9 P scores 42/100 in the optics category. It features an 18-megapixel full-frame CCD sensor with a 3:2 aspect ratio, a Leica M lens mount, and no image stabilization. The camera has a shooting speed of 2 frames per second and is powered by a Maestro II processor. Its DXOMARK sensor score is 68. In today’s market, the Leica M9 P’s optics may not be as competitive as newer models with higher megapixel counts and faster shooting speeds. Moreover, the lack of image stabilization could be a drawback for some photographers. However, the full-frame sensor and Leica M lens mount still make the M9 P a viable option for those who appreciate the quality of Leica lenses. Although the Leica M9 P’s optics may not be top-of-the-line, it remains a solid choice for photographers seeking the unique character and performance of Leica lenses. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 18 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5212 x 3472 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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. | 23.9 x 35.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2 fps045 |
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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 16030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. | 25003003280000 |
Min 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. | 8030200 |
Max 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. | 25003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 844080 |
Max 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. | 400080032000 |
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. | 00300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Leica M9 P, unlike many modern cameras, lacks video functionality. It solely focuses on photography, providing no option for video capture. This absence of video capabilities makes the Leica M9 P a specialized, photography-centric camera. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse 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. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features17/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Leica M9 P features a score of 17/100 in the camera specifications department. This camera comes with a 2.5-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. In the current market, the Leica M9 P falls short when compared to other cameras with more advanced features. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen can hinder user experience, while the lack of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity limits the camera’s versatility for sharing and transferring photos. The Leica M9 P, with its limited specifications, may not be the ideal choice for photographers seeking cutting-edge features in today’s competitive camera market. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.5" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
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. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | No |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Leica M9 P storage and battery receive a score of 21/100. The camera has a single memory card slot that supports SD and SDHC cards. In today’s market, this is less than ideal as many cameras now offer dual card slots for increased storage and backup options. The M9 P’s battery life is 350 shots per charge, using a BP-SCL1 battery. Unfortunately, the camera does not support USB charging. Compared to other cameras in the market, the battery life is relatively low, and the lack of USB charging is a disadvantage. Taking these factors into account, the storage and battery aspects of the Leica M9 P are not particularly competitive in the current market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | BP-SCL1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 350 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |