Leica M10-R: The Brand’s New 40MP Digital Rangefinder With Colour

Photography enthusiasts, there’s a new high-end full-frame digital rangefinder camera on the block. The Leica M10-R has just been announced, and here’s why it’s so exciting.

As part of the M-series, the M10-R uses the M-mount and as such, will be able to use incredible lenses like the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 and more.

Credit: Leica

The camera has a 40.78MP CMOS sensor, which is similar to the one used in the Leica M10 Monochrom that we reviewed previously. The difference with the M10-R is that there’s a colour filter array which means you’ll be able to shoot in colour with this camera instead of being limited to black and white.

The pixel architecture is the same as the Leica S3 DSLR, and the Maestro II processor is also used here. The silent shutter from the M10-P also makes another appearance here.

With a die-cast magnesium chassis and brass coverings for the top and bottom, the M10-R feels and looks just as you would expect out of something from Leica.

Credit: Leica

This is a rangefinder, so manual focusing is the only option here. But aside from the optical viewfinder, you also get a live view option on the screen at the back, which supports focus peaking for an easier time trying to nail the focus.

You get ISO from 100 to 50,000, which is more than most people will ever require, but the camera appears to handle low-light situations exceptionally well with little noise from the photos showcased during the announcement. Leica also claims that the M10-R has the best noise control out of all the colour-shooting M-series digital cameras, so we’re definitely looking to test that out when we have the chance to.

Unfortunately for videographers, this still is not the camera for you. Leica states that many M-series customers have given feedback that they’re more still-shooters, so they’re keeping video functionality out in the M10-R.

The M10-R also supports Wi-Fi connectivity so photos can be transferred easily to phones and such. There’s 2GB of buffer memory, which allows for up to 10 successive 40MP shots. As for card slots, the camera supports SD, SDHC and SDXC, which might be a bit of a drawback for people hoping to be able to fully utilise UHS-II cards.

Credit: Leica

There’s so much to unpack with this camera, so we can’t wait till we get our hands on it for a full review so that we can bring it through its paces properly and let you guys know what we think.

The Leica M10-R (S$12,470) is now available for preorder from the Leica website.