[Leica] New M(246) Outputs 12 bit Files

[Frank Filippone]

The most significant difference between the MM and the M246 is the sensor,
and pertinent to this discussion,, who made that sensor.

Kodak made the MM sensor.  Leica, through CMOSIS, made the M246 sensor.

If the Folk that designed the M246 sensor did not have a 14 bit ADC, then
the capability of that sensor is limited to 12 bits.  This is discussed in
one of the early entries of this thread.

We do not know the detail, yet.  Speaking of details, .....

If you want to see some real life testing., try this:
http://tinyurl.com/moew4pl .  A single scene; in or converted to B+W; with
M9, MM, M246, and MP cameras; using differing ISO.  Study the picture at the
extreme right of the beach scene for Image details.  The M246 wins.  Hands
down.

Bob, still breathing?

Frank Filippone
Red735i at verizon.net

 As to why Leica made this choice, who knows? It might be a matter of
acceptably fast processing speed, or that the imaging hardware can't handle
the extra bits meaningfully.