Leica M9-P vs Leica M9

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9
      46
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      46
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica M9-P and the Leica M9, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Leica M9-P was introduced in June 2011 and Leica M9 was introduced in September 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Leica M9-P Highlights

      • 18.0 MP Full Frame CCD Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 80 - 2,500 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (rangefinder) Viewfinder
      • 2.0 fps Continuous Shooting

      Leica M9 Highlights

      • 18.0 MP Full Frame CCD Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 80 - 2,500 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (rangefinder) Viewfinder
      • 2.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Leica M9
      4. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      5. Screen and Viewfinder
      6. Sensor
      7. Photography Features
      8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      9. Other Features
      10. Physical Parameters
      11. For Different Types of Photography
      12. Evaluations
      13. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Leica M9-P and Leica M9.

      PROS

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      •   Large Sensor
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      •   No Video Capture
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.0 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 68
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.0 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica M9-P.

      Leica M10
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Leica M11
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Leica M8
      Image cannot be found

      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Leica M-E Typ 220
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Leica M8.2
      Image cannot be found

      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Leica M11 Monochrom
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Leica M Monochrom
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      19 MP

      Leica M Typ 240
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Leica M Edition 60
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      23.7 MP

      Hasselblad X2D 100c
      Image cannot be found

      Medium format

      100 MP

      Sony a7R V
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Fujifilm X-H2S
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      26.16 MP

      Advantage of Leica M9

      Leica M9
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica M9 over Leica M9-P.

      Leica M9-P vs Leica M9
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 854 vs 884
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.6 vs 11.7
      Higher DxO Overall Score 68 vs 69
      Lighter 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) vs 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica M9.

      Leica M10
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Leica M8
      Image cannot be found

      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Leica M11
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Leica M-E Typ 220
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Leica M Typ 240
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Leica M Edition 60
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      23.7 MP

      Leica M Monochrom
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      19 MP

      Leica M11 Monochrom
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Leica M8.2
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      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Panasonic GF2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Pentax K100D
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Canon 4000D
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Leica M9-P Leica M9
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        Low Native ISO8080
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Leica M9-P Leica M9
        No Video Capture
        Low Native ISO2,5002,500
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        No Live View
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.0 fps2.0 fps
        No HDMI Output
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life350 shots350 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Leica M9-P and Leica M9 have 2.5" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinders. Leica M9-P has 100% coverage with 0.68x magnification and with 0.68x magnification.

      Sensor

      Both models feature a 18.0 megapixel Full Frame CCD sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Their native ISO range is 80 - 2,500


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Leica M9-P can take pictures up to 5212 x 3472 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2592, 2592 x 1728, 1728 x 1152, 1280 x 846 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Leica M9 can take pictures up to 5212 x 3472 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2592, 2592 x 1728, 1728 x 1152, 1280 x 846 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Leica M lens mount. Due to their Full Frame sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      No Low-Pass Filter

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on either of the cameras. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Leica M9-P it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica M9 nothing can be done. On Leica M9 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica M9-P nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Leica M9-P, and up to 1/4000 sec on Leica M9. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 2.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Leica M9.

      Physical Parameters

      Leica M9-P and Leica M9 bodies have the same dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46"). Leica M9-P weighs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) and Leica M9 weighs 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz).

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      139 mm

      80 mm

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      139 mm

      80 mm

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      80 mm

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      80 mm

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      37 mm

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      37 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica M9-P and Leica M9

      Leica M9-P and Leica M9 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      GOOD
      70
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      70
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      POOR
      48
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      48
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      POOR
      47
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      47
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica M9-P and Leica M9 and give both of them the score of 46 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      OVERALL
      46
      OVERALL
      46

      Sensor

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.0 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 68
      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.0 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   2,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69

      Photo

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      BAD
      0
      •   No Face Detection
      BAD
      0
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Leica M9-P

      Leica M9

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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