[Leica] Digital Leica M

[abridge at gmail.com (Adam Bridge)]

I'm thinking that even "RAW" images involve camera-level processing.
They aren't "pure". So Leica could decide to do some manipulation on
even RAW (or DNG) images.

Since Leica knows the optical formula for these lenses quite well they
could actually do some very crafty optimizations in the background.

Those who have the DMR - which doesn't have an anti-aliasing filter -
does the DMR's RAW file show the results of software anti-aliasing if
it's turned on in the camera? I'd have to think it does. Doug?

Adam

On 6/7/06, Robert Schneider <schneiderpix@mac.com> wrote:
>
> The puzzle for me is what kind of "optimization" they'll actually
> produce in camera, other than recording focal length and max aperture
> for EXIF data.  Since most serious M8 users will be shooting RAW
> (won't they?), any in-camera magic is rendered moot in the RAW file.
> Perhaps there will be embedded coding that will be picked up by
> Leica's RAW converter, but if it's like most camera manufacturers
> software (weak) it will be quickly abandoned (or ignored completely)
> by those with established workflows in Adobe Camera Raw, Capture 1, etc.
>
> The Leica release also says:
>
> On account of their legendary quality, nearly all Leica M lenses are
> ideal for digital use. However, the new 6-bit coding also uses the
> performance reserves in the image processing of the camera to give
> our customers the excellent image result they expect from Leica,"
> says Rainer B?ltert, product manager for the M system at Leica Camera
> AG.
> -------
>
> So, which is it, the lenses are "ideal for digital use" or their
> images need special processing?  If the M8 is only using the "sweet
> spot" of this expensive glass by relying on a 1.33 crop factor, what
> kind of processing is necessary?  Canon's L glass performs extremely
> well on the 1.3X cameras (1d, 1dMkII).  Leica R lenses do a heck of a
> job as well on both Canon 1.3X cameras and on the DMR (1.37X).  But M
> lenses will need a tweak?  Is this a factor of the closeness of the
> rear elements to the sensor plane, or is it just some extra verbiage
> to encourage customers to spend $125 a lens to record EXIF data?  I'm
> sure all the codes will be figured out within days of the release of
> the M8, then $2 stickers will soon be available to "code your own."
>