Leica M-E Typ 220
Leica · Mirrorless · 18 MP · Full Frame

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Leica |
| Model | M-E Typ 220 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 17, 2012 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm |
| Camera weight | 585 g |
Optics43/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Leica M-E Typ 220 receives a score of 34/100 in our evaluation. Measuring 139 x 80 x 37mm and weighing 1.29lbs (585g), the camera’s specifications are somewhat dated compared to current offerings. Despite its age, the Leica M-E Typ 220 still has a dedicated following among photography enthusiasts. However, given its specifications, it might not be the first choice for those seeking the latest technology in the camera market. Leica M-E Typ 220 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Leica M-E Typ 220 receive a score of 43/100. This camera possesses 18 megapixels, a shooting speed of 2, and a CCD sensor type. The Maestro processor and a DXOMARK score of 69 for the sensor contribute to its overall performance. With a full-frame sensor size and Leica M lens mount, the camera has a 3:2 aspect ratio but lacks image stabilization. When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Leica M-E Typ 220 has relatively low megapixels and shooting speed. The CCD sensor type is less common and typically not as advanced as the CMOS sensors found in modern cameras. The absence of image stabilization may also be a drawback for some users. Despite its shortcomings, the Leica M-E Typ 220 still maintains some appeal, especially for those who appreciate the classic Leica design and build quality. However, it may not be the ideal choice for photographers seeking the latest technological advancements in optics. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 18 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5212 x 3472 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 2 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Leica M |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Maestro |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 8030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 16030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 444080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 00300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (rangefinder) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Leica M-E Typ 220 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses on photography only. No video functions are available. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features17/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Leica M-E Typ 220 features a score of 17/100 in terms of its specifications. This camera has a 2.5-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it lacks modern amenities such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Leica M-E Typ 220 falls short in offering the latest technological advancements. Many contemporary cameras come equipped with larger screens, higher resolution displays, and various connectivity options, which are absent in the M-E Typ 220. Despite its iconic brand name, the Leica M-E Typ 220 struggles to keep up with current market demands. Its specifications do not meet the expectations of photographers who seek advanced features in their cameras. Therefore, the M-E Typ 220 may not be the most suitable choice for those looking to invest in a modern, feature-rich camera. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.5" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | No |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery27/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Leica M-E Typ 220 scores 27 out of 100 in the storage and battery department. This camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD and SDHC cards. In comparison to other cameras in the market, having only one slot may be limiting for some users. The battery life of the Leica M-E Typ 220 is 450 shots, powered by a BP-SCL2 battery. This number is on the lower side, with many modern cameras offering longer battery life. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which is a common feature in today’s market. Taking these factors into account, the Leica M-E Typ 220’s storage and battery performance falls short of current industry standards. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | BP-SCL2 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 450 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |