Leica officially announced their new X Vario compact camera (a.k.a. Leica Mini-M). There are no surprises today – the camera is exactly what I reported three weeks ago. The price is $2850 (see accessories pricing here).
Unboxing video:
Press release:
New: Leica X Vario
The Highly Anticipated ‘Mini M’ Features Characteristics Reminiscent of the Legendary M-System
Solms, Germany, 11 June 2013: Leica Camera AG has unveiled the latest addition to its digital compact camera offerings and presents the Leica X Vario. Made in Leica Camera’s headquarters in Germany, the X Vario features a high-performance 16.5-megapixel (effective 16.1), APS-C format, CMOS image sensor, a zoom lens covering a range of focal lengths from 28 to 70 mm (35 mm equivalent) and Full-HD video recording capability. With several design and handling characteristics of the storied M-System, the ‘Made in Germany’ Leica X Vario offers great versatility and creative freedom.
The X Vario’s high performance image sensor is unusually large for a camera in its class. Combined with the Leica Vario Elmar 18-46 mm f/3.5-6.4 ASPH, it sets completely new standards for imaging quality in the compact segment with outstanding exposures in all situations. The Leica X Vario is the world’s first compact camera to combine a large, APS-C format, CMOS image sensor with a zoom lens.
From expansive interior shots, landscapes to portrait photography, the range of focal lengths offered by the Leica X Vario opens up entirely new horizons for creative photography. The camera’s versatility is further expanded by a new, 1080p Full HD video recording function that allows photographers to record memories at a frame rate of 30 full frames per second. The video data can be saved in MP4 format and uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion. An integrated wind-noise filter that reduces undesirable noise guarantees crystal-clear sound recording.
The Leica X Vario’s wide range of camera setting options combined with its fast and precise autofocus offers even the most demanding photographers maximum creative freedom – for spontaneous shots as well as for carefully arranged compositions.
The Leica X Vario is distinguished by an intensely focused design concept. Its handy form, linear design and the premium materials used in its construction are reminiscent of the Leica M-System. For instance, the top plate is machined from solid aluminium in the same process used for the Leica M. This, in combination with its robust metal construction and premium high-grip leather trim ensures that the X Vario is a classic Leica camera in terms of both look and feel.
Further showcasing Leica M DNA, the X Vario features an intuitive handling concept with clearly laid out functions. The user-friendly operation of the menu interface guarantees rapid access to an impressive range of automatic and versatile manual setting options. Combined with the ease of switching between manual and automatic control, it allows photographers to concentrate completely on composing their subjects and choosing the decisive instant to shoot in any situation. The dials on the top plate provide grip when setting the shutter speed and aperture. Moreover, changing the plane of focus, the white balance, and other imaging parameters allows photographers to consciously influence the look or mood of their images. In Live View mode, the generously sized high-contrast, 3-inch monitor offers photographers complete control at all times and a detailed view– even in bright surroundings.
Accessories
An extensive range of accessories is also available to adapt the Leica X Vario to photographers’ particular needs. For example, the Leica EVF 2 Viso-Flex electronic accessory viewfinder with 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel function is extremely helpful when shooting from unusual angles. An accessory handgrip makes it easier to shoot one-handed and provides a better grip. As with the Leica M (Typ 240), finger loops in three different sizes (S, M and L) can be attached to the handgrip, helping further ensure safe and steady handling of the camera. An optional lens hood ensures the minimisation of reflections and the Leica SF 24 D flash unit offers greater freedom for subject lighting.
Leica continues to provide a comprehensive range of superbly finished bags, cases and straps that complement the elegance of the X Vario: An ergonomically designed camera protector and an every-ready case in premium black or tan leather; wrist and carrying straps that can be combined with all Leica X and M cameras are also offered in untreated natural leather in black or tan. Whenever the X Vario is used with multiple accessories, photographers can take advantage of the system bag.
Included Software
Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac® OS X and Microsoft Windows®, is also included in the Leica X Vario package. This digital image processing software offers a wide range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images. The software is available to X Vario customers as an online download after product registration.
Technical specifications:
| Technical data(Last revised in May 2013 / we reserve the right to make technical changes) | LEICA X VARIO |
| Lens: | Leica Vario Elmar 18 – 46 mm f/3.5 – 6.4 ASPH. (35 mm equivalent. 28 – 70 mm)8 elements in 6 groups1 aspherical lens element |
| Aperture settings: | 3.5 to 16 (at 28 mm), 6.4 to 16 (at 70 mm)1/3 EV increments |
| Focusing range: | 30 cm–infinity |
| AF focusing: | 1-point, 11-point, spot, face detection |
| Image sensor: | APS-C CMOS image sensor with 16.5 MP (effective 16.1 MP) |
| Resolution: | JPEG in 3:2 format: 4928 × 3272 pixels (16.1 MP), 4288 × 2856 pixels (12.2 MP),3264 × 2160 pixels (7.1 MP), 2144 × 1424 pixels (3.1 MP), 1632 × 1080 pixels (1.8 MP)DNG in 3:2 format: 4944 × 3272 pixels (16.2 MP) |
| Image data file formats: | JPEG super fine, JPEG fine, DNG + JPEG super fine, DNG + JPEG fine |
| Exposure control | |
| Exposure modes: | Automatic programme (P), automatic aperture priority (A), manual setting (M) |
| Exposure compensation: | Increments: 1/3 to 3 EV increments, 3 exposures |
| Automatic exposure bracketing: | 1/3 to 3 EV increments, 3 exposures |
| Metering modes: | Smart multi-segment metering, centre-weighted metering, selective (spot) metering |
| White balance: | Auto, halogen, daylight, flash, cloudy, shade, electronic flash, 2 manual settings, manual colour temperature setting with fine tuning |
| Sensitivity: | Auto, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500 |
| Shutter speeds: | 30 s to 1/2000 s |
| Continuous shooting: | 3 fps or 5 fps, max. 8 consecutive exposures with constant shooting speed in DNG + JPEG fine quality |
| Film modes: | Standard, vivid, natural, b/w natural, b/w high contrast |
| Flash | |
| Flash modes: | Auto, flash exposure correction, red-eye correction, fill-in flash, slow sync, studio, 1st/2nd curtain sync |
| Hot shoe: | Compatible with Leica SF 24D, Leica SF 58 flash units |
| Monitor: | 3″ TFT LCD with approx. 920,000 pixels, wide-angle field of view: 100% |
| Review modes: | 16-thumbnail display, zoom review (16× max.), image rotation, deletion protection |
| Storage Media | |
| Internal memory: | None |
| Memory cards: | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Interfaces: | HDMI out, USB (USB 2.0 high speed), Leica EVF socket |
| Battery (rechargeable lithium-ion): | Capacity: approx. 450 exposures |
| Dimensions (L × H × D): | ~ 133 x 73 x 95 mm |
| Weight: | ~ 650/680g (without/with battery) |
| Package includes: | Battery (Leica BP-DC8), battery charger (Leica BC-DC8), battery case, leather carrying strap, USB cable, lens cap, user manual |
| Software: | Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® (free download option after product registration) |