After much anticipation in the swirling rumor mill, Leica announced its latest M-model, the 60-megapixel Leica M11. Not only is this new model a step up in resolution from the 24-megapixel M10 and the 40-megapixel M10-R, but the company has delivered a camera that has a surprise or two hidden beneath its modestly enhanced Leica rangefinder design.

Built around a full-frame, 60-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, the M11 offers photographers a choice of three resolutions—60MP, 38MP and 18MP—that utilize the full sensor during capture. Employing pixel binning (which combines several pixels into a single pixel), the M11 can create the latter two lower resolution 14-bit Raw DNG files.

Astrophotography cameras take advantage of the same technique to increase light sensitivity, so it’s no surprise that the M11’s smaller files suggest lower image noise at higher ISOs. And, while Leica claims 14 stops of dynamic range for 60MP files, 15 stops of dynamic range are likely with 38MP and 18MP images.

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The camera also provides a base ISO of 64 for shooting under extremely bright conditions in combination with its electronic shutter speed of 1/16,000^th second (vs. 1/4000^th second with the mechanical shutter). ISO tops out at 50,000, providing plenty of flexibility in low light.

With the M11, Leica has also eliminated the standard base plate, allowing for easier access to its battery and SD card slot. Battery life has been improved, delivering up to 700 shots on a single charge, according to CIPA ratings.

No, the Leica M11 doesn’t have dual card slots. Rather, Leica has conveniently included 64GB of internal flash storage that can be used as the sole storage if necessary or as a backup that you can transfer to an SD card or computer.

In addition to its viewfinder, with automatic parallax compensation, the M11 features a touch control, 2.95-inch, 2.3 dot LCD with a Gorilla Glass cover. The optional EVF Visoflex 2 (approximately $740) is available, as is a new handgrip.

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Although the manual-focus M11, like other M-series Leicas, doesn’t end up in pro camera bags for fast-action shooting, it features a new Maestro III processor and can capture up to 4.5 frames per second.

USB-C connectivity and charging as well as the Leica FOTOS app for iOS and Android rounds out some of the M11’s most useful functions. Leica plans to issue a firmware update later in 2022 for improved connectivity and increased transfer rates.

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The moderately weather-resistant, full-metal Leica M11 is available in black with aluminum and magnesium, or a silver version constructed of magnesium and brass. Both feature a leatherette cover. The former is about 20 percent lighter at 18.7 ounces vs. 22.6 ounces for the silver version (with the battery). Each measures approximately 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches.

The Leica M11 may not be for everyone, especially priced at $8,995, but there’s something about shooting with a Leica M-camera that brings with it an experience you won’t find with any other camera. Along with Leica’s long and meaningful heritage, that seems worth the price to us.

For more details, go to Leica’s website.