Leica CL vs Leica M (Typ 240): read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica CL 3.9 e⁻ (ISO 100), Leica M (Typ 240) 7.7 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Leica CL

The Leica CL was measured at 10 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.46 DN, or 3.9 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 1600 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 41,726 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 260.

Leica M (Typ 240)

The Leica M (Typ 240) was measured at 17 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 3.61 DN, or 7.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 250 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 35,065 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 430.

Leica CL vs Leica M (Typ 240) read noise table

ISO	Leica CL	Leica M (Typ 240)
100	1.464	3.605
200	2.585	3.605
250	–	3.945
320	–	4.891
400	2.042	6.021
500	–	7.311
640	–	8.938
800	3.758	11.472
1000	–	14.520
1250	–	18.126
1600	6.821	23.918
2000	–	29.651
2500	–	37.792
3200	12.906	49.522
4000	–	61.820
5000	–	77.172
6400	24.590	103.250
12800	47.505	–
25600	93.701	–
51200	181.019	–

Popular comparisons

All cameras · Open the full tool