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Leica M9 P

Optics
Features
Storage & Battery
Leica M9 P
33%
General
33%
Price
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
Camera Weight

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.

Optics
Optics
42%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
18 MP
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
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 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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
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.
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
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
8 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
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
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)

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.

Video
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
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 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.

Features
Features
17%
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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
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"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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 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.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC
Dual Memory Card Slots
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 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
68%
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.'
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.'
11.6 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'
854
Scores
User Scores
B&H photo video

Leica M9 P Alternatives

Do you want to know how the Leica M9 P compares to its competitors? Have a look at the most popular comparisons for this camera below:

Leica M9 P photographed on a colored background

Leica M9 P FAQ

Does the Leica M9 P Have Built-in Image Stabilization?

The Leica M9 P does not have built-in image stabilization. Users must rely on steady hands or use a tripod for stable shots.

Does the Leica M9 P Support 4K Video Recording?

The Leica M9 P does not support 4K video recording as it lacks any video functionality. It is primarily designed for high-quality still photography.

What Size Sensor Does The Leica M9 P Have?

The Leica M9 P is equipped with a full-frame sensor, offering superior image quality and performance compared to smaller sensor cameras.

Does the Leica M9 P Have a Dual Memory Card Slot?

No, the Leica M9 P has only a single memory card slot, which means users need to manage their storage carefully.

Does the Leica M9 P Have a Touch Screen?

No, the Leica M9 P does not have a touch screen, relying on traditional button and dial controls for operation and settings adjustments.

Does the Leica M9 P Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

The Leica M9 P does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, which limits wireless transfer and remote control options.

Does the Leica M9 P Have GPS?

No, the Leica M9 P does not have a built-in GPS feature, so users must manually geotag their photos if desired.

Is the Leica M9 P Weather Sealed?

No, the Leica M9 P is not weather-sealed, making it less suitable for use in extreme or wet conditions without additional protection.

Does the Leica M9 P Have a Built-in Flash?

No, the Leica M9 P does not have a built-in flash, requiring external flash units for low-light or fill-flash situations.

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