The M-series has long been favoured by photojournalists and has been used to capture iconic imagery across the decades. Continuing the tradition of the series is the Leica M11-P. This model takes the contemporary tech and classic design first seen in the M11 and makes some key improvements. Leica has consistently developed "P" models of their cameras with tweaks that make them better suited to professionals and photojournalists. The M11-P is the world's first camera to feature Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) technology. In the M11-P, this technology shows up as Leica Content Credentials. By using a secure processing chip, the camera will encrypt image metadata at the point of capture. This information can then be independently verified and even appended when using compatible applications, such as Adobe Photoshop. The higher resolution suits more detail-oriented applications, like landscape and architectural subjects, and the noise-reduction benefits of the BSI design improve clarity and color accuracy when working in low-light conditions with higher ISOs. This unique pixel binning process allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP output, with each resolution making use of the full sensor area and providing rich 14-bit color.  An ISO 64-50000 range is now available for greater detail, quality, and natural color rendering at lower ISO settings. The Maestro III also enables continuous shooting at up to 4.5 fps and facilitates fast file saving for an intuitive shooting experience.

An electronic shutter function now permits shooting at shutter speeds up to 1/16,000 sec, which is perfect for working with faster f/0.95 lenses without the need for ND filters. A mechanical shutter still offers shutter speed support up to 1/4000 sec and flash sync at 1/180 sec. Multi-field exposure metering is available in addition to spot and center-weighted average, which helps reduce the need to meter and then re-compose before shooting. The M11-P features a timeless design inspired by the original M camera, the M3, from 1954. This classic and recognizable form prioritizes intuitive handling and shooting along with a sleek and minimalist appearance. On the front of the camera, a viewfinder frame selector can be used to manually change the apparent image field to help visualize the scene with varying focal lengths; options are available in 35mm/135mm, 28mm/90mm, and 50mm/75mm focal length pairs. Live view stabilization helps reduce the appearance of camera shake on the rear LCD or optional Visoflex 2; this electronic stabilization makes it easier to manually focus longer focal length lenses with greater accuracy. 

This black finish version of the M11 features an aluminum top plate with a scratch-resistant coating. This design is about 20% lighter than the silver-chrome version, which features a brass top plate, and weighs 1.2 lb with the battery installed. The M11 line is the first M camera to not feature a removable baseplate; instead, the M11-P borrows a design from the Q and SL systems and uses a new BP-SCL7 battery that is inserted directly into the base of the camera body. The USB type-C port can be used in conjunction with the included FOTOS Cable, which allows direct attachment to an Apple iPhone via the Leica FOTOS app for easy file management and sharing.