GEAR TALK - CANON 5D II VS LEICA M8
Entry #43: Comparing the Canon 24-105L IS against Leica Summiluxes
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Leica M8 & 50mm Summilux @ F4
Canon 5D Mark II @ 65mm with the 24-105L IS @ F4
Leica M8 & 50mm Summilux @ F8
Canon 5D Mark II @ 65mm with the 24-105L IS @ F8
Leica M8 & 75mm Summilux @ F4
Canon 5D Mark II @ 98mm with the 24-105L IS @ F4
Leica M8 & 75mm Summilux @ F8
Canon 5D Mark II @ 98mm with the 24-105L IS @ F8
CONCLUSIONS
In the 50mm sequences the Canon 5D Mark II (set at 65mm to offset for the crop 1.33x crop on the M8) netted a more detailed image which is not surprising since the Canon 5D Mark II has 2X the megapixels. The 50mm Summilux had more DOF, but that could be a difference in the focus plane. The Canon 5D Mark II was focused via Live View @ 10X magnification - which minimizes focus errors. Whereas the M8 was focused via the viewfinder which introduces a margin of error. Using Photoshop’s bicubic algorithm is not the best option for upsizing; using an application like Genuine Fractals would be an interesting comparison. The 75mm test was a surprise with the detail in those images nearly identical. Probably the only thing proven is the 24-105L’s lack of resolution at the longer focal lengths. On the other the Leica M8 kept pace and if the images were printed at 20x30”, I doubt there would be much difference. There are some differences in exposure because it was overcast and the sun was peeking between the clouds for a couple seconds here and there.
Canon 5D II and Leica M8 - Mano a Mano - Round 2
THE NEXT ROUND IN CANON VS LEICA
Rangefinders and SLRs are fundamentally different tools - each with its respective pro’s and con’s. Comparisons such as this are loaded with pitfalls - different crop factors, different MP counts, different lenses, different bit counts. After spending a couple weeks with the Canon 5D Mark II, I feel the files lack detail. I decided to compare the Canon 5D Mark II and Leica M8 side-by-side to see how much the details varies. This exercise helps me decide if it is better to spend money on Leica lenses or Canon lenses.
Today’s testing methodology is different than yesterday’s. Today’s tests compare equal field of views and the the Leica M8 images are upsized to the same horizontal pixel count as the Canon 5D Mark II files. This is a fairer approach for the Canon 5D Mark II because the 5D is able to apply all its megapixel horsepower. Also this approach is more reflective of real-world shooting where we foot zoom and/or zoom the lens as needed to achieve the desired field of view. Yesterday’s test was more of a per-pixel sharpness comparison. Today’s test pits the Canon 24-105mm L F4 IS against the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux-M ASPH and Leica 75mm F1.4 Summilux-M ASPH.
It was very windy today, so the tree branches and leaves were in motion. When comparing the images, keep that in mind. Each of the link images is ~10 MB.