Has anyone contrasted the Leica M9 or Leica S2 with with the Nikon D800-E?
I've done the M9/M/MM comparo with the D800e. They all look different.
The M9 versus D800e: The Nikon has more depth to the file, almost like negative film. More resolution than I need. Weighs nothing but is bulky. No complaints with resolution. Took me a while to find a workflow I like for color. Brilliant B&W camera. Really chaulky blacks and grays. A maliable file. The raws are "thick", like a negative with lots of density.
The M9 has a more fragile file, meaning less headroom, limited shadow recovery. Beautiful color from LR4 and C1-7. It is so small and light, I can fit an entire kit in jacket pockets (35 summicron, 28 elmarit, two batteries, charger, and a body). Resolution is much better than one would expect from 18mpx, and in fact enlarges rather well. The raws aren't TOO sharp but the acuity is there.
New M: See comments for the D800. Very similar file. Color is different than the 800e.
MM: better than the D800 for B&W, maybe. Really an amazing file. You can mimic almost any emulsion with the MM in post. I am shocked at how close (or identical, almost) to TMax it can get.
S2: I've handled one a few times, looked at lots of files. The files are, to my eye, very similar to D800 files, but have a different look to them. Lenses are better. handles better than a D800. GREAT viewfinder.
I'm sure you will try them all out to find what works for you, in terms of weight. I think they all make quality images.