Wednesday, January 20, 2016

LEICA ANNOUNCES X-U (TYP 113) WATERPROOF/SHOCKPROOF ADVENTURE CAMERA




By David Farkas

Today, Leica has announced a new addition to the X System: The X-U (Typ 113).

This is Leica’s first go at an underwater and shockproof adventure camera, and it looks to be quite the first effort. Based off of the excellent X (Typ 113), the new model features an attractive and rugged exterior clad in flexible TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) armoring, with aluminum top and bottom plates. Under the hood is the same proven APS-C 16 MP CMOS sensor, paired with the stunning 23mm f/1.7 (35mm equivalent) lens, but the construction is entirely new and has been tweaked to provide proper functionality while submerged.

Leica X-U_2

Chunkier shutter speed and aperture dials have moved back and overhang for easy operation underwater or with diving gloves. Similarly, the rear buttons around the LCD are enlarged to improve accessibility. The rear dial of the X is replaced with +/- buttons. The flash, now cleverly sits atop the front the of the lens, in order to facilitate underwater macro photography, in conjunction with a very usable 20cm minimum focus distance. I’m impressed that the manual focus ring has retained its functionality, even under water. This should make close-up photography of underwater flora and fauna (or fast moving children) a lot faster, as you can just prefocus and shoot when ready. There is also a new UW (Underwater) button on the back of the camera, placed at the bottom of the D-Pad, which automatically compensates for water distortion and color cast.

Leica_X-U_back 

The X-U is more than dust and splash proof, offering rated waterproofness down to 15m (50 ft) for 60 minutes. This should prove more than adequate for reef divers or resort outings, as well as splashing in the surf, horsing around in the pool, hiking through a rainforest, or for a day out on the boat. The X-U is also protected from shock, rated for a 1.2m (4ft) drop onto a hard surface. So, while it’s never a good idea to toss your camera around, the X-U can stand up to a lot more abuse than most.

Leica X-U_splash

Leica X-U_sand

All in all, the X-U looks promising. With the outstanding image quality of the X113 and its adventure-ready durability, this new model could prove to be very popular for any casual outdoor photographic pursuits. Living down in Miami, it sure makes a lot of sense in my family, where a day at the beach can be a virtual death sentence to most cameras.

The X-U (Typ 113) will be available next week for a price of $2,950. You can pre-order the camera at Leica Store Miami. 

   


  

  


  
  


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7 comments:

  1. Rob Challis commented on Facebiook:

    Looks very good snd I am pleased Leica is doing such innovative stuff to keep specific models alive.
    I have a Silver with brown leather X which my daughter and I love but we have no interest in underwater stuff. If it performs as well submerged as it does on dry land it deserves to be a winner. Some very good competitors out there too even when one considers say the Olympus OMD micro four thirds range with the very nice underwater housing.
    Good on you Leica.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ketil Are Haugsand commented on Facebook:

    ....Die lässt dich nicht im Regen stehen....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Russell Greenberg commented on Facebook:

    What will keep water or sand from going into the microphone ports on top of this camera?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good question for which I don't have a direct answer. I assume Leica did the same waterproofing as is done with under water microphones.

      Delete
    2. Russell Greenberg answered on Facebook:

      It would be nice to have a confirmation on this before shelling out €3250 on this. I'm sure that many people have the same question.

      Delete
    3. The fact that Leica has certified the camera for underwater use clearly shows that the microphone is properly sealed. Let's not look for problems where none exist.

      Delete