Leica X1 Digital Camera Review

Leica X1 Digital Camera Review

Still remember the Leica X1 that we mentioned in September 2009? PhotographyBLOG has a short review of this 12.2-megapixel compact digital camera. As a reminder, the Leica X1 comes equipped with a 36mm fixed lens and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The camera uses an APS-C sized (23.6mm x 15.8mm) CMOS sensor with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The image-stabilized Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 lens provides a focal length of 36mm in 35mm terms. Additional features include a sensitivity range of ISO 100 - 3200, a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second, JPEG and DNG RAW file support, and a continuous shooting rate of up to 3 frames per second. Here is the conclusion:

The Leica X1 is a camera of extremes, offering a compelling blend of stunning design, fantastic handling and superlative image quality, but ultimately suffering from a pared-back feature set, sluggish responsiveness and a sky-high price-tag. The combination of a fantastic prime lens and large APS-C size sensor result in outstanding image quality that easily beats most other compacts and also most other entry-level DSLRs. Low-light images are excellent too, with the X1′s faster ISO settings delivering low-noise results. Add the ability to shoot DNG RAW files as well as JPGS, and it’s clear that the X1 is a real class-leader.

You can purchase the Leica X1 digital camera for around $1,995 each. [PhotographyBLOG]

Super Expensive, Incredibly Limited Edition Leica M7 Hermes Could See Monday Release

Super Expensive, Incredibly Limited Edition Leica M7 Hermes Could See Monday Release

If the rumors swirling this weekend are to be believed, the Leica M7 Hermes—a limited edition film camera with a run of only 100 units—will arrive on Monday for a lofty $14,000.

Rumors surrounding the launch of this expensive little retro looker have been with us since about November 10, when the expertly named Leica Rumors site broke word that the company sharing their namesake was all but prepared to reveal a limited edition film camera.

Two weeks before that, the M7 Hermes camera was showcased in Tokyo, looking gorgeous. Its presence there was no accident, apparently, as the latest tidbits, mentioned above, are that this M7 Hermes thing is about to skip onto the scene in a mere 24 hours.

For the price of a compact sedan, it could be yours.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Leica gets official with M9 and X1 cameras, hands-on ensue

Leica gets official with M9 and X1 cameras, hands-on ensue

No surprises here (at all), but Leica's 09/09/09 event has just led to the formal unveiling of the full-frame, 18 megapixel M9 rangefinder and the compact X1. The former (which is shipping now) supports all Leica M lenses and ships with a 'newly developed glass sensor cover designed to guarantee the suppression of the infrared portion of the light spectrum.' There's also a quick-access ISO adjustment button alongside a few other hotkeys, a full metal housing, Kodak-sourced CCD, a fresh microprocessor-controlled shutter (which is supposedly 'near silent') and a staggering £4,850 ($8,004) price tag. As for the X1, you'll find a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C), a fixed-mount Leica Elmarit 1:2.8/24mm lens, numerous 'auto' modes for the newbies in attendance, a maximum ISO of 3200, 2.7-inch rear LCD and a Live View function that replaces the optical viewfinder. Expect to hear more regarding price when the January 2010 ship date nears, but for now, feel free to peruse the hands-on galleries linked below.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Leica M9 Photos and Full Specifications Leaked

Leica M9 Photos and Full Specifications Leaked

Last week we showed you some leaked photos of two new cameras from Leica, the Leica M9 and X1, which are due to be unveiled on Wednesday, well it looks like more photos have been leaked of the Leica M9 along with some specifications.

Here are the full specifications

Camera type

Compact digital view and rangefinder system camera.

Lens attachment

Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding.

Read Full Specifications

(Via Geeky-Gadgets.)

Leica M9 and X1 leak out ahead of schedule

Leica M9 and X1 leak out ahead of schedule

Wondering what Leica has up its sleeve for that destined-to-be-overshadowed event on the 9th? Well, wonder no more: these pics of the long-rumored M9 and something called the X1 just leaked out, along with some specs. We're told the M9 will sport a full-frame 18.2 megapixel sensor and improved low-light performance, but the real surprise is the X1, pictured above, which'll supposedly have a 12 megapixel APS-C sensor, a fixed 24mm lens and that funky grip handle, by which we're oddly fascinated. Maybe Leica's got some surprises left for the 9th after all -- pic of the M9 after the break.

Continue reading Leica M9 and X1 leak out ahead of schedule

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Leica S2 DSLR Specs And Release Date Unveiled

Leica S2 DSLR Specs And Release Date Unveiled

Leica has unveiled the specifications including release date of their upcoming DSLR system ‘S2′ which is targeted towards professional users. This medium-format camera features a 37.5 megapixel CCD sensor (45 x 30mm), a 3-inch TFT display and a weatherproof body. It also sports several advanced features including dual shutter system, high-speed autofocus, ISO up to 1250, three metering modes, four exposure modes, an integral metal shutter provides 32 to 1/4000 sec and a flash sync of 1/125 sec. The Leica S2 DSLR will start shipping in October for $22,995. [dpreview]

Leica debuts D-LUX 4 Safari special edition camera

Leica debuts D-LUX 4 Safari special edition camera

Leica has never been one to shy away from special edition cameras, but we're not about to start complaining, especially when they keep churning out packages that look like this. As Leica fans will no doubt notice, this one is just a regular D-LUX 4 camera, but with a new olive drab, safari-style appearance that has also graced Leica's high-end M8.2 rangefinder. Of course, while this model is thousands of dollars cheaper than that camera, it is still a somewhat hefty $995 (stylish, water-resistant case included, naturally). Look for it to be available this August.

(Via Engadget.)

Leica special edition white M8 spotted at car show in Tokyo

Leica special edition white M8 spotted at car show in Tokyo

Some keen-eyed fellows at the Audi Forum Tokyo car show were just hanging out, checking out an R8, when bam! The recently announced special edition white Leica M8 appeared out of thin air, ready to impress. We don't know what the circumstances were, or how the cam came to be there, but it's looking really fly, we can tell you that much. There's still no official word on pricing or availability, but rumor has it that it's going to appear sometime in May and might cost around €7,000 (about $9,150). One more shot after the break.

(Via Engadget.)

Leica rolls out truly special Special Edition white M8 digicam

Leica rolls out truly special Special Edition white M8 digicam

Seems like Special Edition white digital cameras are quickly becoming a trend, and one that we'll freely admit to being fans of. The Leica M8 has gotten a fresh coat of paint (as you can see above) and it's looking pretty good. We're not hearing many details yet -- no release date or price -- but don't expect it to be cheap. The wild stuff never is.

(Via Engadget.)

Safari Leica M8 Digital Camera

Safari Leica M8 Digital Camera

Leica is known for its finest cameras and lenses. The company has recently released the M8 digital camera. Priced at approximately $6,500, the M8 comes in black or silver model. Its luxury green version retails for a hefty $10,000. The shooter comes with a matching canvas/leather carrying case and 28mm F2.8 Summicron lens.

[CNet]

LEICA launches 1,000 units of 'D-LUX 4 TITAN' in Japan

LEICA launches 1,000 units of 'D-LUX 4 TITAN' in Japan

LEICA launches its limited edition digital camera 'D-LUX 4 TITAN' in Japan market in January, 2009.



Equipped with a 10.1M 1/1.63-inch CCD image sensor, the D-LUX 4 TITAN adopts a 2.5X zoom lens and a 3-inch 460,000-pixel LCD monitor.



Only 1,000 units of D-LUX 4 TITAN will be available. Coming with an unique case made of finest calf leather, it is available for 122,000(JPY).

(Via AVING WORLD | English.)

Leica introducing special edition M8.2, D-Lux 4, C-Lux 3 cameras

Leica introducing special edition M8.2, D-Lux 4, C-Lux 3 camerasIt's just been a few months since Leica rolled out its standard issue M8.2, D-Lux 4, and C-Lux 3 digital cameras, but it looks like the company is already set to enter the special edition fray, with new, somewhat 'limited' versions of each apparently set to roll out over the next few weeks. That includes two special edition versions of the M8.2, one with a Hammertone finish and one with a 'green safari' finish, as well as a limited titanium edition of the D-Lux 4 that also comes with a presumably pricey leather case (it'll run $1,400). Slightly less limited is the Zadig & Voltaire-designed C-Lux 3 pictured at right, which is apparently the first of the lot to become available and, at just €670 (or just under $850), one of the cheapest.

(Via Engadget.)

Leica Offers D-Lux 4 Titanium Digital Camera

Leica Offers D-Lux 4 Titanium Digital Camera

Leica comes back with a limited edition digital camera. The Leica D-Lux 4 Titanium will be available in the 3rd week of December 2008. This limited edition digicam will come with the special leather case. It is priced at around $1,400.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Leica debuts S-system, 37-megapixel flagship S2 camera

Leica debuts S-system, 37-megapixel flagship S2 camera

Is it Photokina time, or what? Joining the host of other camera manufacturers with sparkly fresh announcements this week is none other than Leica, which just announced a trio of new cams a few days back. This introduction, however, stands alone, and Leica's making some pretty remarkably bold statements about its new S-system. The first device to take advantage is the 37-frickin'-megapixel S2, which sits between Canon's EOS 5D and EOS 1Ds MkIII in terms of body size. The company designed the camera to provide 'the quality of medium format and the handling and flexibility of 35mm,' and the outfit also has nine S-system lenses on tap. As for expectations? Leica says it'll perform 'twice as fast as Hasselblad H-series cameras,' and if that wasn't straight-up enough, the firm's David Bell proclaimed that '[Leica] thinks it has the best professional camera system in the world with this.'

(Via Engadget.)