CameraReview
Leica M9 P
33
SCORE
Leica · Mirrorless · 18 MP · Full Frame

Leica M9 P

General 33Optics 42Features and Benefits 17Storage and Battery 21
From $6,995 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
ModelM9 P
Released2011
Announcement date21/01/2011
Camera typeMirrorless

General 33

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.
21/01/2011
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
139 x 80 x 37 mm
Camera weight
600 g

Optics 42

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
Read our notes on optics

The Leica M9 P receives a score of 33/100 in our evaluation. Launched in 2011 with an announcement date of 01/21/2011, this mirrorless camera came with a hefty price tag of $6950. 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 Optics

The 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.

Leica M9 P Video Performance

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
Read our notes on leica m9 p video performance

The 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.

Leica M9 P Features and Benefits 17

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
Read our notes on leica m9 p features and benefits

The 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.

Leica M9 P Storage and Battery 21

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
Read our notes on leica m9 p storage and battery

The 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.