Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Leica M Monochrom: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica M-D (Typ 262) 10.4 e⁻ (ISO 200), Leica M Monochrom 13.3 e⁻ (ISO 320).

Leica M-D (Typ 262)

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) was measured at 16 ISO settings from ISO 200 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 3.53 DN, or 10.4 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 48,185 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 590.

Leica M Monochrom

The Leica M Monochrom was measured at 17 ISO settings from ISO 160 to ISO 10000. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (320) read noise is 7.52 DN, or 13.3 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 320 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 28,787 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 560.

Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Leica M Monochrom read noise table

ISO	Leica M-D (Typ 262)	Leica M Monochrom
160	–	7.568
200	3.531	–
250	3.681	–
320	4.691	7.516
400	5.657	9.318
500	6.727	11.713
640	8.574	13.833
800	11.081	17.148
1000	12.467	21.407
1250	16.679	27.284
1600	21.407	34.535
2000	27.284	42.814
2500	34.297	54.569
3200	44.017	69.071
4000	54.948	86.223
5000	71.012	109.896
6400	90.510	139.102
8000	–	173.645
10000	–	219.793

Popular comparisons

All cameras · Open the full tool