Leica X1 12.2MP APS-C CMOS Digital Camera

Description: Leica X1 12.2MP APS-C CMOS Digital Camera

The Leica X1 is a 12.2-megapixel compact camera with an unusually big, APS-C sized sensor and a fast wide-angle lens. It has a fixed-mount, fixed-focal-length Leica Elmarit 24mm (36mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens with high-speed autofocus, and a 23.6x15.8mm CMOS sensor with a 3:2 aspect ratio.

The Leica X1 has all the manual control an advanced photographer can desire, from manual exposure to manual focus, but it also comes equipped with a number of automatic options. Touted as an ideal choice for available-light photography, the Leica X1 has a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 3200.

With a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second and a continuous shootig rate of up to 3 frames per second, the Leica X1 is equally well suited to capturing fleeting, split-second moments.

LEICA X1: Photography as spontaneous as life itself

Leica Camera AG has announced the X1. Designed and made in Germany by Leica engineers, this camera is set to become a future classic. The desirable LEICA X1 achieves exceptionally high resolution and quality for a camera of such small dimensions, and will set new standards.

The LEICA X1 is equipped with a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor in APS-C format, as found in much larger DSLR cameras. This sensor, combined with the all-purpose LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens, offers outstanding picture quality comparable with professional cameras. Furthermore, the X1’s technical specifications and broad spectrum of setting options – from manual to automatic operation – makes it a perfect companion for creative photographers, while the compact size means it can be carried at all times – ideal for capturing those unique, spontaneous moments in life.

The large sensor area of the individual pixels on the CMOS sensor receive more light, guaranteeing low noise levels, high dynamic range and accurate color differentiation. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35mm film format, which means the fixed-mount LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens is transformed into a universal reportage lens with an effective (35mm equivalent) focal length of 36mm. This is a true classic amongst prime lenses and has captured innumerable iconic images in history.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager digital compact cameras at Leica Camera AG, commented, “The LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 ASPH is a true Leica lens with terrific optical performance. Its moderate wide-angle character creates sufficient distance when needed, but still allows photographers to get in close to pick out the details whenever the situation requires. This lens ensures that photographers won’t miss any shot, situation or detail, however fine.”

The straightforward design of the X1 is strongly reminiscent of the legendary Leica M cameras. This, in combination with its robust, all-metal construction and tactile, high-quality leather trim, makes the X1 typically ‘Leica’.

The LEICA X1 offers clearly laid-out, intuitive functions. For ‘uncomplicated’ photography, the X1 offers numerous automatic features ranging from precise autofocus to automatic exposure, guaranteeing photographers perfectly exposed, sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release. This allows the user to concentrate on the creative aspects of composition and framing. Thanks to its numerous automatic functions, the X1 is always quick and versatile whenever the need arises. Photographers can also achieve creative freedom with the camera’s manual control options. Both aperture and shutter speed can be selected manually with the easy-to-use dials on the top plate of the camera. Even the plane of focus can be set manually, along with white balance and various other image capture parameters. Consequently, the X1 offers photographers complete manual control of the creative process while also guaranteeing rapid reaction ability with its automatic functions, when required.

The large size of the sensor, a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200 and large aperture make the LEICA X1 an ideal choice for ‘available light’ photography. Whether in adverse lighting conditions, or for conscious manipulation of depth of focus, the X1 offers numerous options for individual and creative composition.

The bright 2.7” display of the X1 almost fills the entire back of the camera and reveals the finest details, even in bright surroundings. The live-view function replaces an optical viewfinder and shows an accurate preview with all essential image information. The Live Mode also makes the X1 particularly versatile for shots taken from unusual perspectives.

• Accessories and software The LEICA X1 offers a comprehensive range of accessories that expand the abilities of the camera and adapt it to the photographer’s personal photographic style: A 36-mm bright-line accessory, for instance, can be inserted in the camera’s accessory shoe and ensures a clear view without unnecessary power drain. If required, the camera display can be switched off when an accessory finder is used. In this case, a prominently placed LED indicates successful automatic focusing. In addition to this, there is an accessory handgrip that aids the safe and secure handling of the camera. A comprehensive range of camera cases is also available: the ever-ready case offers sufficient room for the camera with an attached handgrip and includes a small case attached to the carrying strap to hold the accessory finder. The high-quality transport case offers perfect protection for the camera, while the attractively designed system case has space for the camera and all its accessories.

The LEICA X1 features a retractable flash that can do much more than simply replace other sources of light. It also serves as a fill-in flash and can even be synchronised to the second shutter curtain. If more power and flexibility is required, the Leica SF 24D and SF 58 system flash units are also compatible with the X1.

The LEICA X 1 is supplied with a battery charger and a high-performance battery, and also includes a comprehensive software package. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, is available as an online download for all registered LEICA X1 customers. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom offers a vast range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images, whether in JPEG or DNG format. If the images from the X1 are saved as raw data in Adobe Digital Negative format (DNG), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom guarantees direct and extremely high-quality image processing.

Three Stars for Value, Five Stars for Everything Else., July 17, 2010

By Ms_Ladi "...just wandering the world." - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leica X1 12.2MP APS-C CMOS Digital Camera (Electronics)

Three Stars for Value, Five Stars for Everything Else.

I'll just get to the meat and potatoes of this review.

Looks just like the steel gray mini M9. Makes me wish I had the M9 versus the M8 (yes, just for looks!). Very nice and sleek, definitely not boxy and boring as the online reviews made it appear. The camera is sturdy for a point and shoot, and fits well in my hands. I tested the dials. They are not flimsy on my camera as has been mentioned in previous internet reviews. I have small fingers, however, so I may not trigger a dial to move as other shooters. The screen is BAD. I'm sorry, but for $2K, I need a $2K screen. At least 920K dots. I'm disappointed at the screen...the subjects appeared grainy and the screen kept locking up as I tried to maintain focus. This is subpar. The other buttons and the flash are easy to use, nice and fits well on the camera.

Features are not overwhelming. As a mini M, I'm not surprised at the simplistic usability. I like it...but for a point and shoot, I have a nagging feeling I could be missing something. I don't know: perhaps the "kids and pets" feature would just make me feel at home. That's a joke. However, I would l like zoom features...5x if possible. The menus and buttons are easy to use, although I would like a toggle button (versus button/menu) for AF/Macro similar to the D-Lux 4.

Image quality is indeed SLR-like. Reviews and comments online usually have images attached that have been photoshopped to a degree. My out of camera jpeg photos are wonderful! I guess I had to see this to believe it. I have a D-Lux 4, and the difference is very evident (not to discredit the D-Lux 4). Now, is the image quality $2K worth? All of Leica's cameras are incredibly overpriced, but I know of no other point-and-shoot that gives the image quality of this camera. I had a hard time believing it before it got into my hands. Still, my answer is leading to, "no, still too expensive".

AF: The minimum focusing distance is far, almost two feet for accurate focusing. Ensure AF Macro is enabled for those "close-up" situations. In this manner, zoom would really be seen as a positive in order to get those close personal shots. It would be difficult to hand this camera to someone (a point/shooter) and say, "please take my photo...no wait, move farther" For my M8.2, I understand when folks have a hard time using it, but for the X1?

ISO quality is superb. Blown up on my screen, it's very comparable to my 7D, with a Leica flare to it.

What I've stated are the few things that I value; there are plenty more pros to this camera. In the end, like most Leicas, the X1 is definitely not a camera for the budget, quick shooter. To the ones who just want a point and shoot to capture moments, the price of the X1 is difficult to justify. One can even get an Micro Four-Thirds camera with excellent image quality for 25% the price of the X1. This camera is out of stock as we speak, but perhaps a lower price would make it maniacal to the masses. Also, a closer minimum focal distance, and a better screen. But I cannot let myself unhand this fine piece of hardware. I find myself foregoing essential pieces of clothing, toothpaste and soap, and a few meals a day in order to have the chance to master the equipment so painstakingly made from the company called Leica. By the way, I didn't really give up soap, that was a joke.

Photokina, Cologne, 21 September 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced that its successful high-performance digital camera, the LEICA X1, will be available in an elegant black finish from October 2010. The LEICA X1 Black, which is made in Germany, will have a more coarsely-textured leather trim, and will offer the same high specifications and accessory range as the original model.

With its combination of refined styling and unique features, the LEICA X1 is the ideal companion for discerning photographers – both amateur and professional – and, with this new launch, is now available in the choice of discreet black or classic steel grey.

The LEICA X1 features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor in APS-C format, identical in size to those used in semi-professional DSLR cameras, and particularly large for this class of camera. In combination with the X1’s all-purpose LEICA ELMARIT 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, this sensor offers outstanding picture quality comparable with professional models. Each individual pixel has a generous surface area and collects more light, therefore ensuring low noise levels, high dynamic range and accurate colour differentiation. The large sensor size, maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200 and the extremely fast lens also make the LEICA X1 an ideal choice for ‘available light’ photography.

Furthermore, with a sensor crop factor of 1.5 (compared to 35mm film format), the fixed-mount LEICA ELMARIT 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens is transformed into a universal reportage lens with an effective 35mm equivalent focal length of 36mm. This is considered to be a truly classic focal length amongst prime lenses, and has captured innumerable iconic images.

The LEICA X1 is characterised by clear lines, a compact format and an intensely focused design that concentrates on the essential features – strongly reminiscent of Leica’s legendary ‘M’ cameras. This, in combination with its robust, all-metal construction and the tactile experience of its high-quality leather trim, makes the X1 a typical Leica camera.

Furthermore, the LEICA X1 offers clearly laid-out functions and intuitive handling. For ‘uncomplicated’ photography, the X1 offers numerous automatic functions ranging from precise autofocus to automatic exposure. These functions guarantee photographers perfectly-exposed, sharp images with a simple press of the shutter release, allowing users to concentrate on the more creative aspects of photography, such as composition and framing.

For photographers who prefer more freedom, the LEICA X1 offers full manual controls. Both aperture and shutter speed can be selected manually using the dials on the top plate of the camera, and the photographer can also select manual focusing, white balance and other image capture settings.

A 2.7” display almost fills the entire back of the X1 and reveals the finest details even in bright surroundings. The live-view function shows an accurate preview with all essential image information, and Live Mode makes the X1 particularly versatile for shots taken from unusual perspectives. The LEICA X1 features a retractable flash that can do much more than simply replace other sources of light. It serves as a fill-in flash and can be synchronised to the second curtain when longer shutter speeds are required. If more power and flexibility are required, Leica’s SF 24D and SF 58 system flash units are also compatible with the X1.

Accessories and software
A comprehensive range of accessories are available for the X1, which expand the abilities of the camera and adapt it to the photographer’s personal style: for example, an accessory viewfinder with 36mm bright-line frame can be mounted on the camera’s hotshoe and ensures a clear view, while also saving battery power. An optional handgrip ensures safe and steady handling of the camera, and a comprehensive range of cases and bags is also available: the Ever-Ready Case offers sufficient space for the camera with an attached handgrip, and includes a small complementary case to hold the viewfinder (attaches to the camera strap). The high-quality leather carry case offers perfect protection for the camera alone, while the attractively designed system case has room enough for the camera and all its accessories.

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, is available as a download for registered LEICA X1 customers, ensuring the latest release is always readily available.

Pricing and availability
The LEICA X1 Black will be available in the UK from October 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA X1 Black is £1,395 (camera only), £1,500 including Leica Ever-Ready Case or £1,790 including Leica Ever-Ready Case, Hand Grip and Viewfinder.

Individual accessories are priced as follows (SRP including VAT):

Ever-Ready Case - £160 36mm Bright Line Viewfinder - £250
Leather Case - £90 Hand Grip - £90
System Case - £175 Wrist Strap - £25