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How many megapixels in the next M?


Neko

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They will always make the M sensor perform as optimally as possible with legacy lenses as well, a requirement that only exists in a limited way for the SL. The sensors will certainly not be the same. Not now, not in future.

 

If they were I'd not be buying.

 

Hopefully the sensor assembly will be optimised for M lenses.

 

Now, if the quality of the accessory EVF matched that of the SL, well...bring it on!

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I think it would bode well for Leica to make two M cameras, identical, except for resolution. Maybe one with the SL sensor and the other in the 40-45 MP range. Sharing much of the camera components and accessories plus expanding the range of potential purchasers. Sony have done this with some success and I don't see any reason it wouldn't be good for Leica.

 

I fact if I were Leica I'd keep the current body (possibly with some more aluminium for weight savings) as is. Upgrade the EVF (built in GPS as well) and shutter. Make 24, 42MP, Monochrom and M-D versions. That expands Leicas M range in the most economical way and gives choice and flexibility to buyers who, like me, would be happy not to have to repurchase grips and accessories.

 

Gordon

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I think it would bode well for Leica to make two M cameras, identical, except for resolution. Maybe one with the SL sensor and the other in the 40-45 MP range. Sharing much of the camera components and accessories plus expanding the range of potential purchasers. Sony have done this with some success and I don't see any reason it wouldn't be good for Leica.

 

 

I think that is an excellent idea, potentially keeping everyone happy - I can only hope that there is a much higher megapixel version of the M. If they don't, I'm potentially done with color Ms. I need the higher resolution for what I do.

 

When I see what a quasi "higher resolution" M246 can do with the 50 APO for large prints, I'd like to see that detail and image quality from a color M camera too .....

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I think that is an excellent idea, potentially keeping everyone happy - I can only hope that there is a much higher megapixel version of the M. If they don't, I'm potentially done with color Ms. I need the higher resolution for what I do.

 

When I see what a quasi "higher resolution" M246 can do with the 50 APO for large prints, I'd like to see that detail and image quality from a color M camera too .....

 

 

I'm heading the same way too. I'm seriously thinking about getting out of M's and going completely to the SL. I love the M but mine just aren't getting used. Without dismissing the significant advantages of the M (battery life, RF, build quality) I find my XPro2 more than great for a small camera and the SL the camera I reach for when I want something robust. For me the issue is if i want to use the EVF and a flash the SL is actually smaller and lighter. If I sold *most* of my M collection I'd be well into building a small S system and I can use those lenses on the SL as well.

 

*If* the next M has more MP, does away with the time limitations on the shutter and sorts the long exposure NR then I can't think of a camera I'd prefer to travel with. As it stands now the Leica workshop I'm doing this month I'll probably attend without a Leica camera.

 

Gordon

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It all depends on the course Leica will want to take with the M.

If they stick to its traditional role of reportage, travel, street etc., it is highly doubtful that they will make a dramatic increase in pixel count, as it would impact the ease of use for general photography.

If they see a pricepoint at which a high-megapixel sensor in an M body would attract a sufficient number of photographers with enough financial clout to make the idea viable, they may well consider building one as a special model.

On the other hand, there is of course the prestige factor associated with megapixels.

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I would guess - from Leica's past behavior - that the next M will simply switch to the SL sensor.

 

Still 24 Mpixels - but perhaps "better" pixels in terms of DR and noise and ISO and such. (Haven't seen much SL output to judge).

 

But it somewhat depends on when Leica introduces the next significant M upgrade - if not this year, the whole 24x36 line (M, Q, SL) may get upgraded together to one totally new sensor.

 

 

My prediction which is why they changed the 28 2.8 ASPH.  They did not change it so it works with an SL.

 

20/25 MP seems to be kind of a sweet spot for detail and ability to get higher iso.  Nikon D750 and new D5 are fantastic low light cameras and produce reasonable detail.   This is where we are at until someone invents new sensor technology. 

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I understand the logic of keeping the 24 MP sensor as it is both less technically challenging to shoot and larger MP count threatens S system sales. In addition few photographers print in sizes over 24x36 inches or at least not very often. Still there are many photographers who both make large prints and don't want to lug a S and spare lenses around in the field. You're looking at 20 pounds worth of gear with a light tripod. And there is the expense of the S to consider. You are looking at $32,000 plus for a minimal landscape S kit.

The S system is wonderful. The IQ is stunning. But I almost always leave my S2 in the studio and take one or two M bodies in the field or travel. Horses for courses as the English like to say.

So grow up Leica. Give us 36 MP in a M body. We promise to only use the best glass and use a high enough ISO to allow a shutter speed sufficient to record the additional detail. I for one will not buy another M body until you do.

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We all have our personal vectors that shape our desires, but for what and how I shoot, I'd gladly trade those extra pixels for one or two more useable stops. Far more valuable in my view if advances in sensor technology are employed to transform Elmars into a Summicrons as opposed to Ms into Ss. But then I rarely print even to 20x30. Regardless, if one is forced to bump ISO the obvious consequence is more noise. If we shoot in controlled conditions or good light all the time at base iso, no problem. But if not, will you really get what the added acuity you're after?

 

I assume that the impetus for this desire is coming as a direct result of the current crop of Sony/CaNikon high MP FF offerings. If so, from a practical day to day shooting standpoint, its important to remember that they all, in one form or another, sport a 3-5 stop advantage over any thing a Leica can hope to achieve unless you're expecting the new M will be equipped with IBIS. I just dont see that happening. If a 36-40MP Leica is a must for some, perhaps Leica will, as these others have, offer a higher MP sensor along side a standard one  in an existing body. But even in that case, I suspect that the best hope for such a development lies with the SL.

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Wisest words said in this thread so far...

 

If a 36-40MP Leica is a must for some, perhaps Leica will, as these others have, offer a higher MP sensor along side a standard one  in an existing body. But even in that case, I suspect that the best hope for such a development lies with the SL.

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The M needs to play to its strengths which, to be fair to Leica, it has done nearly all the time.

 

That means not increasing the mp count unless the photographic benefits are easily achieved while using the camera in the way most users currently do.

 

It is not primarily a tripod or studio camera but a pre-eminent environmental, people close and personal and spontaneous type of camera, and it's not immediately obvious to me how an increase to 36 or more mp will be more of a help than a hindrance in that type of photography.

 

I'd like the M to be slightly better at handling all lighting conditions, and I personally would like an SL- style EVF to put on it when I wish to. A screen is essential of course, as is LV if it is not to become a "statement" camera rather than the best of its kind available.

 

Beyond that,

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The M needs to play to its strengths which, to be fair to Leica, it has done nearly all the time.

 

That means not increasing the mp count unless the photographic benefits are easily achieved while using the camera in the way most users currently do.

 

It is not primarily a tripod or studio camera but a pre-eminent environmental, people close and personal and spontaneous type of camera, and it's not immediately obvious to me how an increase to 36 or more mp will be more of a help than a hindrance in that type of photography.

 

I'd like the M to be slightly better at handling all lighting conditions, and I personally would like an SL- style EVF to put on it when I wish to. A screen is essential of course, as is LV if it is not to become a "statement" camera rather than the best of its kind available.

 

Beyond that,

 

   I´m Ok with that, but.... a 36+ mp version would be terrific for landscape and studio shooting, taking into account the quality of some m lenses. Hiking with such a compact system...... A dream !!!

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*M6 size

*24MP

*EVF-contact integrated into the hotshoe

*4.4MP+ Superfast EVF

*4GB (or more) buffer

*072x Viewfinder

*Max 600g weight (base camera)

*Longer battery life

*100 base ISO

*50000+ max ISO

*12stop+ DR

 

That's my list :). Most of the points should be fairly easily doable and most of the points needs to be implemented for me to sell my M (240) and 246 in favour of a new M.

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Actually I wouldn't mind if Leica created (maybe through a partner) a similar flash system like Nikon for both M and SL. A wireless flash transmitter could be integrated into the M and from the menu there could just be a simple button to "pair up" with the flash. Then you are free to place the flash anywhere!

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