Full-size samples of M11 monochrom that demonstrate its capabilities?

[VanDooglz]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have been waiting for the M11 Monochrom launch for a while. I have the Sony A7R IV which uses the same sensor but with the color filter array. So... having a decent understanding of what to expect, I was quite excited to see what this sensor is capable of if Bayer demosaicing is removed.

And I am not seeing it with the M11 Monochrom. The sample images I was able to find... let's just say they don't live up to the hype. In fact I believe I get similar results by converting my Sony images to B&W in Photoshop.

I looked at many galleries and I see the same softness, halo around the edges, and mushy detail. for example, all images in this review, would have looked way better on a regular Bayer sensor converted to B&W. 80% of them have motion/shake blur which is understandable. But others are just generally mushy and are full of edge halos. The detail is just not there. Some are comically bad. Meanwhile the text in the reviews keeps mentioning "incredible detail". WTF... have they not seen the output of a regular 60MP camera?

Can anyone recommend a good review / web page with full-sized images showing the advantages of the Monochrom?

Edited September 11, 2023 by VanDooglz

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[hdmesa]

1 hour ago, VanDooglz said:

I have been waiting for the M11 Monochrom launch for a while. I have the Sony A7R IV which uses the same sensor but with the color filter array. So... having a decent understanding of what to expect, I was quite excited to see what this sensor is capable of if Bayer demosaicing is removed.

And I am not seeing it with the M11 Monochrom. The sample images I was able to find... let's just say they don't live up to the hype. In fact I believe I get similar results by converting my Sony images to B&W in Photoshop.

I looked at many galleries and I see the same softness, halo around the edges, and mushy detail. for example, all images in this review, would have looked way better on a regular Bayer sensor converted to B&W. 80% of them have motion/shake blur which is understandable. But others are just generally mushy and are full of edge halos. The detail is just not there. Some are comically bad. Meanwhile the text in the reviews keeps mentioning "incredible detail". WTF... have they not seen the output of a regular 60MP camera?

Can anyone recommend a good review / web page with full-sized images showing the advantages of the Monochrom?

Having both the M11 and M11M, yes the Mono has some additional sharpness, clarity, and a unique tonality. But the main differentiator is high ISO performance, where the Mono is insanely good – like a video game's "god mode" but for low light shooting. If you want to see full size images, rent one along with either the 35 or 50 APO lenses. It's either that or reviews that are behind paywalls, so better to have your own personal experience, IMO.

[Jeff S]

Screen shot evaluations are a waste of time; even more when relying on someone else’s unknown shooting and processing workflow and decision making/judgment. Make your own shots. Make your own edits.  Make your own prints.  Even then, subpar results will more likely be due to the user than the gear; just like most everything in photography.

Jeff

Edited September 12, 2023 by Jeff S