Leica launches new 12.1 and 18-megapixel compact cameras
Leica has announced two new compact cameras that, while nice, are sure to put of a bit of a shock on the pocketbook of any photographer.
The new models from Leica, the X1 and the M9, are an attempt by the company to service both the hobbyist and professional customers at the same time.
The X1 is the hobbyist model of the two, but still packs a heck of a punch. Unlike your normal point and shoot cameras that offer high megapixel counts that they can’t possibly back up, the X1 is sporting an APS-C sized sensor to help the camera deliver on what it actually promises. The camera is also designed to replicate the well-known M series look and feel by sporting a similar metal body, which may not seem to matter much, but at least you know it’ll be rugged.
The new M9 is the continuation of the popular M series, and while it has about all the features you could desire, it’s sporting a price tag that seems out of line. Perhaps it was a typo in the product sheet, but £4,850 ($8,035) seems a bit high for a compact shooting at 18-megapixels. There are numerous high-end DSLRs out there with even higher pixel counts that sell for less, so we’re not quite sure why the M9 is priced quite so high. Don’t get us wrong, it looks to be a smashing camera with all of its features listed below, but still, the price is a knock-out.
Leica X1 Details
- 12.2-megapixels
- APS-C sized sensor
- Leica Elmarit 24mm (36mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens
- 23.6×15.8mm CMOS sensor with a 3:2 aspect ratio
- Sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 3200
- 3 frames per second shooting rate
- 2.7” display
- December release with suggested retail price of €1550 ($2,259)
Leica M9 Details
- 18-megapixels
- 23.9×35.8mm Kodak sensor with an IR cut filte
- 0.68x viewfinder magnification
- Compatible with all M lenses
- Metal focal plane shutter
- Shutter speed range of 1/4000-32 seconds
- Dedicated hot-shoe with a speed of 1/180
- 2.5” display
- 2 frames per second shooting rate
- DNG and JPEG format choices
- Release this month with a suggested retail price of £4,850 ($8,035)
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