The following press release from Leica reached us this morning:
Allendale, NJ (February 25, 2014) - Leica Camera presents a sleek, silver version of the Leica X Vario as an alternative finish to the understated black of the standard model. In classic black or stylish silver, the Leica X Vario is a product that epitomizes the Leica’s trademark quality and offers even greater versatility and creative freedom as well as brilliant image quality.
Allendale, NJ (February 25, 2014) - Leica Camera presents a sleek, silver version of the Leica X Vario as an alternative finish to the understated black of the standard model. In classic black or stylish silver, the Leica X Vario is a product that epitomizes the Leica’s trademark quality and offers even greater versatility and creative freedom as well as brilliant image quality.
The Leica X-System is defined by its
high-performance, APS-C format, CMOS image sensor with over 16.5 megapixels
(effective 16.2 MP), remarkably large compared to other cameras in its class.
The Leica X Vario is the first compact camera to combine this professional
sensor with a high-performance zoom lens – the Leica Vario Elmar 18–46 mm
f/3.5–6.4 ASPH. – and, as a result, delivers particularly brilliant exposures
in all photographic situations.
For expansive interior shots,
landscapes or portrait photography, the zoom range offered by the Leica X Vario
allows entirely new horizons for creative photography. Its versatility is further
emphasized by a full-HD video recording function, along with crystal-clear
sound recording, that lets photographers capture those special moments in
moving pictures with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels at a frame rate of 30
full frames per second. A wide range of camera setting options and fast,
precise autofocus further enhance the features offered by the Leica X Vario, a
camera with a performance profile that offers even the most demanding
photographers maximum creative freedom for spontaneous shots as well as for
carefully arranged compositions.
Leica also offers an extensive
portfolio of accessories for the X Vario that can be added to the camera to
make it easily adaptable for every photographic situation. For example, the
Leica EVF 2 Viso-Flex electronic accessory viewfinder with 1.4 megapixels and
90° swivel function is extremely helpful when shooting from unusual angles. The
accessories also include a handgrip and finger loops in three different sizes
that perfectly balance the weight of the camera in the photographer’s hands. An
optional lens hood diminishes reflections, and the Leica SF 24 D flash unit
offers greater freedom for subject lighting. The portfolio of accessories is
further complemented by a comprehensive range of premium-quality bags, cases
and straps.
Looking at both versions, I think I like the silver one better.
ReplyDeleteIs this the camera they falsely named a mini M?
ReplyDeleteYes, and the hoards of people that severely criticized Leica for that are all guilty of a severe lack of reading comprehension. The ad in which this reference was made not only referred to the upcoming Leica Vario XL as a mini M, but they continued to refer to to the rest of Leica models below this as macro and nano M cameras. That fact should have been indication enough that Leica was NOT advertising a new, sub-M camera. In addition, the Leica X Vario has proven to be a camera very much worthy of the Leica name. All the criticism quickly disappeared once the performance of this camera came to light.
DeleteAre you saying that the ad was not misleading?
DeleteOnly to those whose reading comprehension was hampered by wishful thinking.
DeleteI never understood the criticism regarding the Leica X Vario while nobody was bothered by the same play on words with the other cameras in the ad.
There was also a lot of complaints about the size of the camera, especially the lens. The lens has also been criticized for its relatively slow speed.
DeleteAll of which quickly disappeared once the incredible performance level of the camera and lens became known. Sure, the lens could have been made faster, but that would also have made it larger. Making it smaller and maintaining the relative speed would have resulted in a mechanically inferior lens. As it is, the lens is a perfect compromise of size and speed. Besides, I find the criticism regarding the lens speed rather silly in view of the fact that today's digital cameras offer rather high ISO indexes without compromising overall performance.
Delete