According to Leica the R8 and R9 cameras will become the world's very first hybrid 35 mm cameras that can be used for digital or analog photography. The Leica DIGITAL-MODUL-R combines tradition and progress in a unique way. Nearly all high performance lenses in the Leica R system since 1965 can be used for digital and analogue image recording. The Leica DIGITAL-MODULE-R makes full use of their exceptionally high imaging performance.

Some of the specifications are:

- Interchangeable digital module, fully compatible with LEICA R8 and R9, can be exchanged by the photographer her-/himself
- all Leica R-lenses as well as those earlier LEICAFLEX/SL/SL2-lenses that have been modified by adding the R-cam can be used
- Image Sensor: 3872 x 2576 Pixels (10 Megapixel) CCD-Chip, active sensor area 26.4 x 17.6 mm, focal length extension factor 1.37
- ISO 100 up to at ISO 1600
- SD card for storage
- RAW, TIFF, 2 JPEG-compression rates
- BW-Display: Frame counter, ISO, exposure compensation, battery status, self timer, compression rate, resolution, moiré on/off, white balance
- Menu: sharpness, colour saturation, contrast, frame number, contrast of colour display, brightness of colour display, duration of auto review
- histogram on/off, power save options, card format, warning signals, audio histogram on/off, date, time, user-profiles, firmware update, reset
- IEEE 1394 FireWire interface
- proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack for power
- Color monitor for image control and menu-controlled settings
- Size is comparable to LEICA R8/R9 with Motor-Drive (W x H x D) 158 x 140 x 89 mm
- Weight: DMR with Power Unit and Battery: 725g, DMR complete with R9: 1395g