Leica M9
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 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 9, 2009 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm |
| Camera weight | 585 g |
Optics42/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Leica M9 receives a score of 34/100 for its general specifications. The camera measures 139 x 80 x 37mm and weighs 585g or 1.29lbs. Although the Leica M9 offers a compact and lightweight design, its specifications may not hold up to the competition in today’s market, especially considering the advancements in camera technology since its release. Leica M9 Overview and OpticsThe Leica M9’s optics score is 42/100. With 18 megapixels, a shooting speed of 2, and a CCD sensor, this camera features a Maestro II processor. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 69, and the camera has a full-frame sensor size. The lens mount is Leica M, and there is no image stabilization. The aspect ratio is 3:2. In the current market, the Leica M9’s specifications may not be as competitive as newer models. Its 18-megapixel resolution is lower than many modern cameras, and the shooting speed of 2 is not ideal for fast-paced photography. The lack of image stabilization also limits its versatility in various shooting conditions. The Leica M9 remains a classic camera with a strong reputation, but its optics may not be the best choice for those seeking cutting-edge technology and features. | |
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. | 24 x 36 |
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. | 444080 |
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 lacks video functionality. Unlike other cameras, it does not record video. | |
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 receives a feature score of 17/100. This score results from a combination of various specifications, including a 2.5-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 230,000 dots. The camera lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. In today’s market, the Leica M9’s specifications fall short compared to other cameras. The small screen size and low resolution hinder the user experience. The absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, and wireless connectivity options limits the camera’s versatility and convenience for photographers. Despite its high-quality optics and video capabilities, the Leica M9’s outdated features make it a less competitive option for photographers seeking advanced functionality and convenience. The low feature score reflects these limitations. | |
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 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD and SDHC cards. In today’s market, this might not be sufficient for users who require more storage capacity or the convenience of switching between multiple cards. The battery life of the M9 lasts for 350 shots, powered by a BP-SCL1 battery. USB charging is not available, which can be a disadvantage for those who prefer convenient charging options. Considering these specifications, the Leica M9’s storage and battery performance falls short compared to modern cameras. Users may find it less convenient and practical due to its limited storage options and charging capabilities. | |
| 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 |