The Leica M10-P is the latest addition to Leica’s range of digital cameras, designed to be the brand’s most discreet model yet thanks to its extremely silent shutter. Despite its name, it isn’t the direct successor to the M-10 but rather a sister model complete with a number of the same features including:
- a weather-resistant brass construction
- 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Leica Maestro II image processor
- 0.73x optical viewfinder
- 3-inch 1.04 million dot screen
- ISO range of 100-50,000
- up to 5fps shooting
If you’re visiting this article, you’re more than likely curious about the ways in which the Leica M10 and M10-P differ. Keep on reading to find out more!
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1. Design
The design of the M10 and M10-P is identical barring a few small details. The red dot logo has been omitted to give the new camera a more unobtrusive and discreet appearance and a branded inscription has been added to the top plate in a similar fashion to the Leica M-P model. Both models are available in black and silver.
2. Rear LCD screen
The M10-P debuts touch functionality for the M system, making it easier to check focus in live-view and playback modes. You can use the controls to swipe through your images in playback mode and pinch-to-zoom to check focus. Additionally if you double-tap the screen, it brings up a magnified view of your scene in live-view mode. The M10 lacks all touch sensitivity, so you have to use the buttons to perform all functions on the camera.
3. Built-in level gauge
The new built-in level gauge on the M10-P is a minor yet helpful upgrade that will help photographers compose their shots with more accuracy, especially those that contain architecture.
4. Silent shutter
The hallmark feature of the M10-P is its incredibly silent shutter which is virtually inaudible to the ear. According to Leica, it is the quietest digital or analog camera they’ve ever manufactured. By having a silent shutter, you can get closer to your subjects and avoid alerting them to your presence.
The M10 also has a fairly quiet shutter but it is audibly louder than the M10-P.
5. Hot shoe cover
The M10-P comes with a colour-matched metal hot shoe cover, giving the top plate a seamless and sleek appearance. As you might have guessed, the M10 doesn’t come with a cover.
Conclusion
As with all Leica branded products, neither the M10 nor M10-P comes cheap. The former is currently priced at just under $7300 while the new model is set to debut at just shy of $8000. Whether you feel the M10-P is worth the extra $700 all comes down to how much importance you place on the silent shutter, level gauge and touch capabilities. If none of these features interests you, there is no question that the M10 is the more logical choice.
Check price of the Leica M10 on
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