Our previous test was aimed to assess M10 performance under the direct sunlight. It did very well handling extreme contrast. Now it is time to see how good it is in a low-contrast conditions offered by the overcast sky. For the test we chose Elmarit-M 2.8/24 ASPH lens for its known ability to resolve details of very close tonal values. This lens did not perform well on the M9 (or, rather, M9 could not handle it), rendering noticeable color shifts on the sides. So, it was interesting to see how M10 sensor would work with this lens in the conditions most favorable for it.

Technical data: M10, Leica Elmarit-M 2.8/24 ASPH, ISO3200, f/8, 1/2000, AWB, DNG

The image was exposed to highlights to preserve the maximum amount of detail in the sky. We already established that at ISO3200 shadows could be lifted all the way up to 100. Therefore exposing to highlights in such a comparatively low-contrast scene did not pose much of a threat.

The file was developed in Lightroom with Leica M10 color profile and subtle adjustments:

• contrast +47
• highlights -50
• shadows +72
• clarity +20
• vibrance +20

With these settings colors came out with just a little bit more saturation, yet the color balance is true-to-life. Shadows are clean, highlights are preserved 100%