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.
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.
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.
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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Rob Challis commented on Facebiook:
ReplyDeleteLooks 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.
Ketil Are Haugsand commented on Facebook:
ReplyDelete....Die lässt dich nicht im Regen stehen....
...oder in einem Sandsturm.
DeleteRussell Greenberg commented on Facebook:
ReplyDeleteWhat will keep water or sand from going into the microphone ports on top of this camera?
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.
DeleteRussell Greenberg answered on Facebook:
DeleteIt 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.
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