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Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Leica M MONOCHROM (Typ 246): read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica M-D (Typ 262) 10.4 e⁻ (ISO 200), Leica M MONOCHROM (Typ 246) 12.1 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 (Typ 246)

The Leica M MONOCHROM (Typ 246) was measured at 18 ISO settings from ISO 320 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (320) read noise is 0.97 DN, or 12.1 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 12800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 51,239 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 3970.

Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Leica M MONOCHROM (Typ 246) read noise table

ISO	Leica M-D (Typ 262)	Leica M MONOCHROM (Typ 246)
200	3.531	–
250	3.681	–
320	4.691	0.973
400	5.657	1.021
500	6.727	1.133
640	8.574	1.357
800	11.081	1.404
1000	12.467	1.625
1250	16.679	2.071
1600	21.407	2.621
2000	27.284	3.340
2500	34.297	4.056
3200	44.017	5.134
4000	54.948	6.635
5000	71.012	8.515
6400	90.510	10.928
8000	–	13.642
10000	–	17.509
12800	–	21.857
25600	–	46.527

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