Leica M Edition 60 has a
24.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Leica M9 has a
18.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CCD sensor .
Leica M Edition 60's sensor provides 6MP more than Leica M9's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
One other difference between these two cameras that is worth mentioning is that Leica M9's sensor doesn't have an anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the M Edition 60 and M9 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica M Edition 60 and Leica M9 Cameras
Leica M Edition 60 and Leica M9 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Leica M9 has 30% larger pixel area (47.73µm 2 vs 36.50µm 2 ) compared to Leica M Edition 60, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Leica M Edition 60
or the
Leica M9 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
