M8 and M9 side by side

[raid]

I have now been using the M8 and the M9 side by side for some time, and I just got back from a short trip to Tennessee where I used one day the M9 with the Kobalux 28/2.8, and the M8 with the CV 50/1.5 (about 66mm). On the next day, I switched the lenses around, and the M8 got the 28/2.8 (about 36mm). We were in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I took photos at same places on both days.

I wonder whether I can detect major differences between these two cameras when used mostly at ISO 160. I will post some images next.

Please feel free to post your own images fir M8 versus M9. There is already a thread on M8 images, and one for M9 images.

I cannot upload here DNG files, so I will use LR to save some image files as jpg for posting here, without any modifications.

If such a thread sound boring, just let me know so that I don't spend time on it. This is not a test or lens comparison (as an experimental with a design). These are just some results.

Thanks.

 

[Addy101]

"LR to save some image files as jpg for posting here, without any modifications."
There are is no such thing as "without modifications" when you convert RAW's - why not use pictures out of camera?

 

[raid]

M8:

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-gv27pR3/0/X3/M8 50mm-X3.jpg

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M9:

larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-BxSt9zm/0/X3/M9 50mm-X3.jpg






M8

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-RVt4dJh/0/X3/M8 (2) _-X3.jpg

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M9

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-NDWrgfr/0/X3/M9(2)-X3.jpg

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M8

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-QBdCfxh/0/X3/M9 (3)-X3.jpg


M9

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-6S6Xp75/0/X3/M8 (3)-X3.jpg

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M8

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-3vGjKtC/0/X3/M8 (4)-X3.jpg


M9

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-gB4GTXQ/0/X3/M9 (4)-X3.jpg

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M8

Larger file: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-FTgTbtb/0/X3/M8 (6)-X3.jpg


M9

Larger image: http://raid.smugmug.com/Other/Great-Smoky-Mountains-2013/i-jcQMCcH/0/X3/M9 (6)-X3.jpg

 

[ChrisLivsey]

I suspect that Lightroom will use different settings for the two cameras from the built in LR profiles. So despite your effort not to modify that will happen. It is known that Leica made changes to the M9 compared to the M8 in the embeded jpeg rendering so that would not help either. I'm sure you will see variation in colour and probably white balance. There will also be the sensor cover difference in the ir rendering assuming you used filters on the M8 and no filter on the M9.
Certainly it will be interesting but despite their close relationship I would expect differences wether they will survive web jpegs and wether they are important enough to worry about in real life is interesting, thank you in advance!

 

[Gary Sandhu]

I had done this and sold the M9 and kept the m8. Other than a crop, I didn't detect any per pixel differences -- the M9 down sampled was better because of the greater quantity of pixels.
Also, the wide angle lenses uncoded and uncorrected in camera had vignetting and color casts in the sides. My impression was that the M9 was using the inferior outer regions of the lens image and I could consider the M8 as using the superior inner parts.
However, I do recall the M9 being quieter and the viewfinder image being bigger and brighter.
Also, I was happy with the performance of my 28 cron (after coding and correction) in the m9 and would like to buy another m9 now that they are a lot cheaper.

 

[Gary Sandhu]

Also, I detected magenta cast in some images of the m9 and none in the m8 with IR filters

 

[raid]

"LR to save some image files as jpg for posting here, without any modifications."
There are is no such thing as "without modifications" when you convert RAW's - why not use pictures out of camera?

I meant to say that I used LR to save DNG files into jpg files. I understand that this has an effect. I just don't know how to post DNG files here.

 

[raid]

I had done this and sold the M9 and kept the m8. Other than a crop, I didn't detect any per pixel differences -- the M9 down sampled was better because of the greater quantity of pixels.
Also, the wide angle lenses uncoded and uncorrected in camera had vignetting and color casts in the sides. My impression was that the M9 was using the inferior outer regions of the lens image and I could consider the M8 as using the superior inner parts.
However, I do recall the M9 being quieter and the viewfinder image being bigger and brighter.
Also, I was happy with the performance of my 28 cron (after coding and correction) in the m9 and would like to buy another m9 now that they are a lot cheaper.

I switched around the lenses to see if this cast shows up more in the M9 or not. The CV lens had a IR filter when used on the M8. There was no IR filter for the Kobalux.

 

[raid]

Also, I detected magenta cast in some images of the m9 and none in the m8 with IR filters

I get a blue cast often with the M9 in the shade.

 

[raid]

I suspect that Lightroom will use different settings for the two cameras from the built in LR profiles. So despite your effort not to modify that will happen. It is known that Leica made changes to the M9 compared to the M8 in the embeded jpeg rendering so that would not help either. I'm sure you will see variation in colour and probably white balance. There will also be the sensor cover difference in the ir rendering assuming you used filters on the M8 and no filter on the M9.
Certainly it will be interesting but despite their close relationship I would expect differences wether they will survive web jpegs and wether they are important enough to worry about in real life is interesting, thank you in advance!

Most likely you are right here, Chris.
I was just curious what the two cameras would give me back.

 

[raid]

Obviously, the colors need some corrections.
I am happy to have both cameras.
It could be that the edges of the wider lenses result in M9 images that appear to be slightly inferior to M8 images.

I don't really know, and I don't care. They are fun to use.

 

[gb hill]

Photos look too close to make a determination. That is why one doesn't need a high $$ camera to photograph & post photos on internet forums. Too much restrictions. I think the M9 would shine over the smaller sensor of the M8 if you were making prints to hang in a gallery or on your wall.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

Most likely you are right here, Chris.
I was just curious what the two cameras would give me back.

So am I 😀

Interest declared; M8 owner

Out of curiosity are all the white balances matched?
Wish I was there, fed up with wet and windy weather here!!

 

[raid]

Photos look too close to make a determination. That is why one doesn't need a high $$ camera to photograph & post photos on internet forums. Too much restrictions. I think the M9 would shine over the smaller sensor of the M8 if you were making prints to hang in a gallery or on your wall.

I don't make large sized prints for exhibit anymore. Those times are gone for me.

 

[35mmdelux]

Thanks for the comparative analysis. Its great.

I've shot both M8 and M9. In my personal opinion, the M8 went toe to toe with my M9. Except for the crop factor, other issues moot for me. However I just have to have FF.

I'm not looking for ultimate perfection nor razor sharp imagery --although nice when I can achieve it. I'm shooting fast and furious. Both cameras exceptionally capable; however as I said I have to have FF whatever the edge results -

 

[raid]

Thanks for the comparative analysis. Its great.

I've shot both M8 and M9. In my personal opinion, the M8 went toe to toe with my M9. Except for the crop factor, other issues moot for me. However I just have to have FF.

I'm not looking for ultimate perfection nor razor sharp imagery --although nice when I can achieve it. I'm shooting fast and furious. Both cameras exceptionally capable; however as I said I have to have FF whatever the edge results -

The M8 is great for portraits with a 50mm lens due to the crop factor.

I find the two cameras very suitable for almost all types of photography except macro and maybe very dark scenes. The other negative aspect is the cost. If I were to take both cameras on a trip to a big city, I would be extra careful to keep them safe.

I enjoy going over the DNG images nd seeing the details.

 

[raid]

So am I 😀

Interest declared; M8 owner

Out of curiosity are all the white balances matched?
Wish I was there, fed up with wet and windy weather here!!

I did not match any white balances.

 

[gb hill]

I don't make large sized prints for exhibit anymore. Those times are gone for me.

But it's nice to know that you have a camera capable of doing so. I suspect the M8 is also capable of making nice prints.

 

[ChrisN]

Obviously, the colors need some corrections.
I am happy to have both cameras.
It could be that the edges of the wider lenses result in M9 images that appear to be slightly inferior to M8 images.

I don't really know, and I don't care. They are fun to use.

Agreed! And that is the most important thing! 😀

 

[raid]

With all the new digital cameras each 6 months, there has to be a time at which we say "slow down and enjoy photography with what you have."