B&W ISO Showdown

[skimmel]

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In case you haven't seen it yet: David Farkas posted a large series of ISO comparisons among multiple Leica cameras, including the M10M, M246, SL2, and M10P (converted to B&W).

 

I'd suggest downloading the JPGs as it's the best way to really see the differences -- e.g., banding.

 

https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2020/05/bw-iso-showdown-2020-leica-m10-monochrom-vs-m-monochrom-typ-246-vs-m10-p-vs-sl2/

[Jeff S]

Interesting to me that the SL2 shows more resolution and detail at 6400 and below (IBIS reduces need to go higher)  than the M10M, given that David and others explain how the lack of Bayer array in the latter effectively increases MP by 25% or more. David seemed surprised by the gap as well.

I'll continue to be satisfied with b/w conversions using an SL2 and M10, and take out the original M Monochrom when the mood strikes to maintain an all-b/w shooting and processing workflow.  The M Monochrom is also no slouch in the ISO department (David's prior article),  especially for someone like me who has no interest or need in shooting at 10,000 to 100,000 ISO.  In fact, a bit of noise (or film grain) for night shooting...a 'grittier' look... is generally preferable for me anyway. Another interesting test by David, but as he writes at the outset, there's more to it for many than ISO (especially in the context of an overall print workflow).

Jeff

[chasdfg]

Regarding the SL2 vs M10M resolution, I was surprised by the difference between 41mp and 47mp at 100% too (the bottle label makes it rather evident). However because these are 100% crops, I'd contend this is actually unfair to the M10M. The M10M supposedly resolves the same detail as a 56-60mp sensor and I think this still holds true. You just won't see it when you have 100% crops of sensors of different resolutions. You'd see if it you cropped the M10M picture magnified to the same degree as the SL2 (e.g. 125% crop of M10M vs 100% crop of SL2). I've never done such a test myself so I can't be certain. 

On the ISO bit, because the M10M retains so much detail it does absolve it of the higher background noise I'm seeing. In my shooting I see a relatively high amount of grain over 6400 but the amount of detail is extraordinary, even at ISO 100,000. I never thought a Leica M would successfully address the triumvirate of high ISO performance, wide dynamic range and resolution all in one, just that it doesn't do colour. I suspect the M10R will remedy the colour bit but as usual won't excel as well in high ISO performance and possibly dynamic range as the M10M does. My view is that the SL line will continue to carry IBIS in Leica FF cameras whilst the M continues to leave it out, which will allow the SL line to carry the tag as the all rounded/flexible Leica FF camera and further differentiate the product lines. IBIS is definitely more useful than 1 stop of higher ISO performance.

[dancook]

I was just looking at this after seeing it posted on Facebook

strengthens my resolve to get one!

[SrMi]

On 5/13/2020 at 5:02 PM, Jeff S said:

Interesting to me that the SL2 shows more resolution and detail at 6400 and below (IBIS reduces need to go higher) ....

... for stationary subjects.

[davidmknoble]

For me, the M10M provided the slim body size and pairs great with the M10-D as they share the same battery.  More, the M10M has a great dynamic range which lets me play more with the tones, so for an old black and white film guy, it retains a lot of that flexibility and fun.  The 47mp was a surprise bonus and I have to say, I have enjoyed it.  

After using the monochrom so long, I really don't like converting to black and white unless it's necessary.  I don't like the introduced noise as I try to lighten blues or other tones. I find it easier to use black and white filters (color filters) especially since I still shoot black and white film.  Just less variables between mediums... But, that is just my opinion.