Technical sensor question

[Rdf]

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Can someone direct me to an explanation of how the Q3 sensor achieves different resolutions? (Q3 is on order).   I inadvertently took lower resolution JPEG photos with the Q2 and they looked better than I would have guessed, (maybe very slightly more pleasing than full resolution ones? Guessing about that), so I assume the firmware has a scaling function. - Is this similar to what the Q3 does for JPEG and adding raw files?  I’m just curious to know how it works, and I didn’t see much on the Leica website. Apparently it is not pixel binning. Apologies if I missed it. Thank you. 

[beewee]

2 hours ago, Rdf said:

Apparently it is not pixel binning.

I’m curious why you say this.

[Rdf]

If my memory is correct, (I  think it is but I’m not absolutely positive) I read in these forums that reviewers and Leica (?), initially said it was binning, then later retracted it. - I’d be glad for clarification. 

[Miltz]

Yes, the Leica Q3 performs pixel binning to give you triple resolution. This affects raw files and is permanent. 

[Rdf]

Thank you. But, This is why I’m confused. Please see the cut-and-paste below. — Does anyone know of a primary source statement from Leica describing the process?  

Posted June 19

• #5   

A couple of comments:

- There is no pixel binning in M11 or Q3; raw size reduction is made with smart firmware algorithms (Leica's PR department messed it up initially but removed later all references to pixel binning from their websites).

[SrMi]

7 hours ago, Miltz said:

Yes, the Leica Q3 performs pixel binning to give you triple resolution. This affects raw files and is permanent. 

No Leica camera performs pixel binning. Leica's marketing has initially referred to multi-resolutions as pixel binning. In the meantime, that error has been recognized, and any reference to pixel binning has been removed from all of Leica's documentation, AFAIK.

The three DNG resolutions are implemented in firmware.

P.S.: you are right that it affects raw files and is permanent.

[Rdf]

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Thank you. 

[M11 for me]

I think that these are just names for some technical method in the background to reduce the numbers of pixels. After all we have to be aware that in front of each pixel there is a color lens (RGB Bayer filter). So you can not just bin some neighbouring pixels. To what I understand it was never fully clear or fully clarified what they exactly do. How to come down from 60 to 36 (or 40% down from 60Mpix) and then the 18Mpix that are 50% down from 36 or 70% down from 60Mpix. When we talk of binning then we expect something linear. In any case software is in the game.

Whatever it is or however it works: Its great.

[Rdf]

Thank you.