Featuring a new higher-resolution design, the M11's 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor also features a back-illuminated (BSI) design that offers improved noise performance and faster readout speeds. The higher resolution suits more detail-oriented applications, like landscape and architectural subjects, and the noise-reduction benefits of the BSI design improves clarity and color accuracy when working in low-light conditions with higher ISOs.The sensor's physical design also includes an updated ultrathin dual-layer filter glass, which absorbs UV and IR wavelengths for greater clarity and more accurate rendering from the M lenses.
Triple Resolution Technology
Besides the 60MP resolution and BSI design, another first for M cameras is Triple Resolution Technology. This unique pixel binning process allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP outputs, with each resolution making use of the full sensor area and providing rich 14-bit color. By pixel binning, rather than cropping, the lower resolutions have improved dynamic range and noise levels:
- 60MP: 14 stops of dynamic range, highest resolution
- 36MP: 15 stops of dynamic range, best balance of resolution and noise
- 18MP: 15 stops of dynamic range, lowest noise levels
The new Maestro III processor contributes to the faster processing and Triple Resolution Technology of the M11. It helps achieve a wider sensitivity range than past M cameras. An ISO 64-50000 range is now available for greater detail, quality, and natural color rendering at lower ISO settings. The Maestro III also enables continuous shooting at up to 4.5 fps and facilitates fast file saving for an intuitive shooting experience.
Imaging Improvements
The M11 is still a photo-only camera that prioritizes manual operation, but a variety of improvements and functional updates have been made to make it the most contemporary M camera yet:
- An electronic shutter function now permits shooting at shutter speeds up to 1/16,000 sec, which is useful for working with faster f/0.95 lenses without the need for ND filters. A mechanical shutter still offers shutter speed support up to 1/4000 sec and flash sync at 1/180 sec.
- Two digital zoom steps can simulate working with longer focal length lenses by cropping into the image slightly, at 1.3x (39MP) and 1.8x (18MP) levels. These are reversible crops when recording a DNG or permanent crops if shooting straight to JPG.
- Multi-field exposure metering is available in addition to spot and center-weighted average, which help reduce the need to meter and then re-compose before shooting.
- Long Exposure Noise Reduction helps reduce the appearance of noise but can also be disabled for faster saving times.
Despite the M11's similarity to past M cameras, it features a variety of notable changes to its body design:
- This version of the M11 features a glossy black finish on the camera dials, on/off switch, and brass top plate. Over time, the friction of frequent use exposes the underlying brass and creates a distinctive patina evocative of the camera’s specific history. This design, which also forgoes the traditional red Leica dot, weighs 1.4 lb with the battery installed - about 20% more than the standard black version, which features an aluminum top plate.
- First M camera to not feature a removable baseplate; instead, the M11 borrows a design from the Q and SL systems and uses a new BP-SCL7 battery that inserts directly into the base of the camera body.
- BP-SCL7 lithium-ion battery has 64% more capacity than the previous generation's battery and is CIPA-rated for 700 shots per charge. However, if working with the optical viewfinder only, approximately 1700 shots per charge is possible.
- Revised design also incorporates a single UHS-II SD memory card slot within the battery compartment.
- Built-in 64GB memory means you can forgo using a memory card altogether, or use the internal memory in conjunction with an SD card to simulate having dual card slots for splitting file types or for overflow storage. Image files can also be transferred from the internal memory to the SD card for easy backup.
- USB-C port on the base permits in-camera battery charging and file transferring.
