RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Leica’

Leica announces shortlist for the €35,000 Oskar Barnack award

16 Jun

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_3059056603″,”galleryId”:”3059056603″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

Leica has released details of the 12 photographers that have been shortlisted for this year’s Oskar Barnack competition. The company says that over 3200 photographers from 108 countries submitted portfolios of 12 images to compete for the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award. The top prize for the main award is €25,000 in cash as well as Leica M system equipment to the value of €10,000, while the Newcomer will win €10,000 and an M camera and lens. Each of the remaining 10 finalists receive €2500 in cash.

Although the competition is open to all countries the majority of winners come from Europe this year, with France taking five of the shortlist slots on its own. Only one shortlisted photographer is from Leica’s home nation of Germany.

The winner will be announced at a Berlin ceremony at the end of September during the run up to the European Month of Photography. For more information, and to see the complete portfolios of the shortlisted photographers (highly recommended), visit the Oskar Barnack Awards website.

Press release:

Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2016 finalists revealed

Twelve finalists selected in prestigious international photographic competition

Leica Camera has announced that the twelve finalists in this year’s ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Award’ have been selected. Chosen by a jury of prominent international experts, the complete portfolios in the categories ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Award’ and ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award’ can now be viewed at www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com.

This year, more than 3,200 photographers from 108 countries took part in and submitted their work to enter the long-established international photographic competition, organised by Leica Camera AG. This is a new record number of entrants in the history of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award. The announcement of both category winners will take place on 28 September at an official awards ceremony in Berlin. During EMOP Berlin – the European Month of Photography – Leica will publicly present the work of all twelve finalists for the first time in a grand exhibition at the ‘Neuen Schule für Fotografie Berlin’, from 29 September to 23 October 2016.

The twelve finalists are as follows:

  • Juan Pablo Bellandi, Venezuela: ‘Chasing HAMPA’
  • Fulvio Bugani, Italy: ‘Soul y Sombras’
  • Scarlett Coten, France: ‘Mectoub’
  • William Daniels, France: ‘C.A.R.’
  • Vincent Delbrouck, Belgium: ‘New Paintings’
  • Guillaume Herbaut, France: ‘Ukraine: Maidan to Donbass’
  • Stéphane Lavoué, France: ‘The North East Kingdom’
  • Max Pinckers, Belgium: ‘Two Kinds of Memory and Memory itself’
  • Guilio Piscitelli, Italy: ‘Informal facilities in the Jungle’
  • Clémentine Schneidermann, France: ‘The Unbearable, the Sadness and the Rest’
  • Sadegh Souri, Iran: ‘Waiting Girls’
  • Esther Teichmann, Germany: ‘Mondschwimmen’

The members of this year’s Leica Oskar Barnack Award jury were: Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Chief Representative Leica Galleries International (Austria), JH Engström, photographer and last year’s award winner (Sweden), Christine Ollier, Art Director Galerie Filles du Calvaire (France), Chris Boot, Executive Director Aperture Foundation (USA) and Lorenza Bravetta, Director Camera – Italian Centre for Photography (Italy).

Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Chief Representative Leica Galleries International, said, “The entire jury was impressed by the number of entrants, and the ongoing diversity and quality of the portfolios from 108 countries entered in this year’s competition. This once again underlines the international importance of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, to which we have responded this year with its new alignment. The return of the prestigious award to Germany, and the roots of the man who lent it his name, was a wish that was very close to our hearts. We are looking forward to sharing the delight of the finalists at the exciting award-giving ceremony and the grand exhibition in Berlin.”

With prizes amounting to a total value of 80,000 euros, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award is one of the industry’s most prestigious photographic competitions. The winner in the main category will be honoured with a cash prize of 25,000 euros and Leica M-System equipment (a camera and lens) valued at an additional 10,000 euros. The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive a cash prize of 10,000 euros and will also be presented with a Leica rangefinder camera and lens. In order to honour the work of all twelve finalists, this year’s competition will be the first to award cash prizes of 2,500 euros each for the works of a further ten photographers in addition to the awards for the winners of the two main categories.

A special issue of LFI Magazine presenting the winners and finalists, and their comprehensive portfolios, will be published to accompany the Leica Oskar Barnack Award.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Leica announces shortlist for the €35,000 Oskar Barnack award

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Panasonic introduces splash-proof Lumix G Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4

15 Jun

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4269830725″,”galleryId”:”4269830725″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

Panasonic is introducing a new prime lens to the Micro Four Thirds family: the Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH. It will be the widest prime that company offers (not counting its 8mm fisheye) and provides an equivalent 24mm view on Micro Four Thirds bodies. Designed to withstand a little wear-and-tear in the form of splashes and dust, the 12mm F1.4 offers a dedicated ring to control its nine-bladed aperture.

Its rugged build includes a metal mount, body and included lens hood. The lens uses inner focus drive and a stepping motor for quiet operation, and is made up of 15 elements in 12 groups. Pricing and availability information has yet to be announced.

Press release:

PANASONIC LUMIX G LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm, F1.4 ASPH Lens

The H-X012 Micro Four Thirds Professional Wide Angle Mirrorless Lens

NEWARK, NJ (July 1, 2016) – Panasonic unveiled a new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. (35 mm camera equivalent: 24 mm) digital interchangeable lens for Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera based on the Micro Four Thirds standard. The new 12mm wide-angle lens enables photographers to capture beautiful group, event, and nature photography. It also allows indoor shooting in low lighting and produces an impressive, natural defocusing effect with its F1.4 aperture. In addition, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. boasts a rugged, splash/dust-proof design (when combined with splash and dustproof LUMIX G Mirrorless camera models) to meet the needs of a wide-range of photographic situations.

Integrating two aspherical lenses, two UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and an ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, the lens system is comprised of 15 elements in 12 groups. The adoption of five special lenses makes it possible to meet the stringent LEICA standard for exceptional image quality with high resolution and minimum distortion. In general, flare is commonly seen around the periphery of a point source with many high-speed lenses when a large aperture is employed. However, the new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. achieves high resolution from the center of the image to the corners by suppressing this flare. Users can take advantage of this lens to shoot a brilliant night skies or night scenes containing illumination to capture true-to-life images with minimal blurring and distortion at the edges. The multi-coated lens elements also minimize ghosting and flaring.

Incorporating an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. is capable of smooth, silent operation together with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at a maximum of 240 fps to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed AF. This stunning AF performance is excellent for recording 4K videos, where precise focusing is essential.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. comes with an aperture ring for direct, intuitive aperture control. Nine blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for repeated use. The lens mount, the barrel and the hood are all made of metal to provide a sleek, sophisticated design that matches the entire line-up of LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras.

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 12mm F1.4 specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 12 mm
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.4
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 15
Groups 12
Special elements / coatings 2 aspherical lenses, 1 ED lens, 2 UED lenses
Focus
Minimum focus 0.20 m (7.87″)
Maximum magnification 0.1×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Unknown
Physical
Weight 335 g (0.74 lb)
Diameter 70 mm (2.76″)
Length 70 mm (2.76″)
Sealing Yes
Filter thread 62.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Panasonic introduces splash-proof Lumix G Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Hands-on with new Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

15 Jun

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

Panasonic has just announced a new prime lens for Micro Four Thirds. The Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH is a metal-bodied prime that provides an equivalent focal length of 24mm in full-frame terms. We’ve got one in our hands, and we’ve got pictures to prove it! 

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

As you can see, the new 12mm prime is a fairly substantial lens, and at 335g it’s relatively heavy, too. Panasonic is touting its all-metal construction (which even extends to the detachable hood) and 15 glass elements also contribute substantially to the weight. A nine-bladed aperture should ensure both attractive bokeh and sunstars at smaller apertures. 

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

Of those 15 elements, two are ‘ultra’ extra-low dispersion glass, and one is regular extra-low dispersion. According to Panasonic, they should combine to provide very good edge-to-edge sharpness even at wide apertures, making this an ideal lens for astrophotography (among other things). The front filter ring has a diameter of 62mm. 

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

A manual aperture ring and wide, well-damped focus ring give a feeling of real quality to the new 12mm, and although it’s not a lightweight lens, handling is very nice on the Lumix DMC-GH4. Autofocus is handled by a stepping motor, which Panasonic claims is capable of keeping up with the 240 fps refresh rate of modern Panasonic M43 cameras’ sensor-based autofocus. 

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

When paired with a weather-sealed camera like the GH4, the 12mm F1.4 becomes relatively weather-resistant. Panasonic claims that this combination should be ‘splash and dust’ proof. 

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

It’s hard to make out in this image, but around the lens mount you’ll find the slimmest of rubber seals, to prevent moisture and dust from getting into the camera when the 12mm F1.4 is attached.

Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

Here’s the included lenshood in all its glory. The Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH is the sixth Leica lens in Panasonic’s current M43 lineup – pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but we’ll keep you posted.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Hands-on with new Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Leica releases audio and S-lens adapters for SL mirrorless

06 Jun

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_2220794024″,”galleryId”:”2220794024″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

Leica has announced the availability of a pair of adapters for its SL full frame mirrorless camera that will allow users to fit lenses from the S medium format system and to use microphones and headphones when shooting video. The Leica S-Adapter L opens the camera to 16 lenses from the S system including the company’s collection of leaf-shutter lens. While this doesn’t add any focal lengths that aren’t available via the existing SL zooms it will allow access to wider apertures for some and will also save existing S users having to buy extra lenses.

The new audio adapter uses the camera’s USB port and provides a pair of 3.5mm jack sockets for connecting a microphone and audio monitors for those shooting video with the SL.

The Leica S-Adapter L is available now and will be priced at £950, while the audio adapter AA-SCL4 will be on sale at the end of the month for £120. US pricing has yet to be announced.

For more information visit the Leica website.

Press release

Leica announces availability of Leica S-Adapter L and forthcoming release of Audio Adapter for the Leica SL

– Leica S-Adapter L enables S-lenses to be used with the Leica SL
– Leica AA-SCL4 Audio Adapter available end of June

Leica Camera has today announced that the Leica S-Adapter L for the Leica SL mirrorless camera system is now available. This adapter further extends the range of lenses that can be used with the Leica SL to include those of the Leica S medium format camera system.

The S-Adapter L allows the use of 16 Leica S-Lenses with focal lengths from 24 to 180mm (including six central shutter lenses), in addition to the system’s own lenses, the Vario-Elmarit–SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. and the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4. The exceptionally fast S-Lenses are the result of more than 100 years of experience and expertise in optical design and precision engineering. Combining traditional Leica quality with cutting edge technology, they achieve uncompromising imaging quality in virtually all photographic situations, in the studio and on location.

Furthermore, the outstanding compatibility of the Leica SL-System grants photographers access to almost every Leica lens ever made. For example, Leica T lenses can be mounted on the Leica SL without an adapter, the M-Adapter T (already available) enables the use of almost all Leica M-Lenses with the Leica SL, while the R-Adapter L (available Q3/2016) will provide access to an entire range of Leica R-System lenses.

Leica AA-SCL4 Audio Adapter

Another new addition to the range of accessories and equipment for the Leica SL camera system is the AA-SCL4 Audio Adapter, which is scheduled to be available at the end of June 2016.

Pricing and availability

The Leica S-Adapter L is available now from Leica stores and authorised Leica dealers in the UK at a suggested retail price of £950 including VAT. The AA-SCL4 Audio Adapter, available at the end of June 2016, will have an SRP of £120 including VAT.

Additional information can be found at uk.leica-camera.com

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Leica releases audio and S-lens adapters for SL mirrorless

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Novoflex releases Canon EF electronic adapter for Leica SL

28 May

Just bought a Leica SL but can’t afford to buy a Leica lens to put on it? Don’t worry – German manufacturer Novoflex has just the thing for you.

The new Novoflex SL-EOS adapter allows certain Canon EF lenses and teleconverters to be used on the Leica SL, with support for several functions including autofocus. 

Novoflex has launched its new SL – EOS electronic adapter which, according to the manufacturer allows ‘around 30’ Canon EF lenses to be used with the Leica SL camera. The adapter transmits focal distance and aperture EXIF data, has an AF/MF mode, and supports autofocus, aperture control, and depth of field indication. According to Novoflex, ‘around 30’ Canon EF lenses and teleconverters work with the adapter, and image stabilization is not supported.

The SL-EOS adapter is currently listed on Novoflex’s website for €499 (~$ 555)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Novoflex releases Canon EF electronic adapter for Leica SL

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Leica launches M-D (Typ 262) digital rangefinder with no rear screen

29 Apr

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4857686221″,”galleryId”:”4857686221″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

German camera manufacturer Leica has announced a new M digital rangefinder that has no LCD panel. The Leica M-D (Typ 262) will be almost exactly the same as the existing M (Typ 262) but without a rear screen for reviewing images and working the menu. The company says it has produced a camera with only the ‘essentials of photography’, or ‘Das Wescentliche’, and that it will help photographers concentrate on the important elements of image making rather than getting distracted with the camera functions.

This isn’t the first time Leica has produced a digital M with no rear screen, as the company launched the limited edition M Edition 60 to mark the sixtieth anniversary of its rangefinder camera system. Leica made only 600 of these models, and they sell for about $ 18,000/£12,000, but the M-D (Typ 262) will be the first full production model without a rear LCD.

This new model will feature the standard 24MP CMOS sensor, will have an ISO range of 200-6400, and will have brass base and top plates. The viewfinder has a magnification of 0.68x and offers bright-frame markings for 35/135mm, 28/90mm and 50/75mm lenses. The body has no traditional red dot as Leica says it wants the camera to be discrete, and the single frame mode uses a particularly quiet shutter cocking system.

Users will have control only of aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings, and the camera records in DNG Raw format only.

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) will go on sale in May with a price of $ 5995/£4650. The M (Typ 262), which does feature a rear screen, actually costs less, at $ 5195/£4050, but it doesn’t have the quiet shutter or brass top and bottom plates.

For more information visit the Leica website.

Press release:

Leica M-D: The return of anticipation

New digital Leica rangefinder focuses on the absolute essentials of photography, and excludes an LCD screen
 
Leica Camera has extended its iconic rangefinder camera series with a new model: the Leica M-D (Typ 262). The fifth product in the Leica M range, the Leica M-D joins the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240), the Leica M (Typ 262) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), offering a greater choice for photographers looking for specific functionality from their rangefinder camera.
 
The Leica M-D is the first serial production model of the digital M family to be made without an LCD monitor screen. The standard location of the screen on the back of the camera is taken by the ISO sensitivity setting dial – one of the few, but essential, features of the camera. Although the Leica M-D embodies the entire range of technical developments perfected over decades for the Leica rangefinder system, it intentionally omits all but the most vital features. Concentrating entirely on the key parameters required for photography: shutter speed, aperture, distance and ISO sensitivity, the Leica M-D focuses the user on the most essential aspect – the picture they are taking – and brings back the anticipation of discovering the results later in the process, as when shooting with film.
 
Jason Heward, managing director, Leica UK, said, “With the exclusion of the ubiquitous LCD screen, photographers must return to the principles of photography when shooting with the Leica M-D: accurate framing and composition, selecting the appropriate parameters and settings, and ensuring that they capture the decisive moment with the thought and consideration that has always been necessary in analogue photography. This unique rangefinder camera also brings back the fascination and expectation associated with film – returning photography to its origins during the capturing process, whilst maintaining the obvious convenience and benefits of digital technology.”
 
Principally, the technical features of the Leica M-D are based on those of the Leica M (Typ 262). As with all other digital Leica M cameras, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a high resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, which has been designed exclusively for rangefinder photography, and supports neither video recording nor Live View. Its 24 megapixel resolution delivers exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity, making it perfect for available light situations. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of image data. Exposures are captured exclusively as RAW data in DNG format, enabling photographers to apply the required adjustments in post-processing software.
 
Leica’s focus on ‘Das Wesentliche’ (the essentials of photography) is immediately recognisable in the design of this camera. The Leica M-D expresses purely functional, formal clarity, and features characteristics such as a brass top plate with a ‘step’ at the end, referencing the design of the Leica M9. The Leica ‘red dot’ logo has been omitted from the front of the camera for ultimate discretion.
 
Furthermore, the barely audible shutter of the Leica M-D ensures the camera is inconspicuous when shooting: an invaluable advantage in scenarios where the photographer wishes to remain unobtrusive. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is particularly quiet in single exposure mode, and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the Leica M-D has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.
 
The Leica M-D is available in a black paint finish, and includes a real leather carrying strap in full-grain cowhide.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Leica launches M-D (Typ 262) digital rangefinder with no rear screen

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Huawei clarifies Leica involvement in P9 camera design

21 Apr

Huawei has released a statement clarifying Leica’s involvement in creating its P9 and P9 Plus camera module. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Huawei clarifies Leica involvement in P9 camera design

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Major Leica SL firmware update brings better AF, new top shutter speed

15 Apr

Leica has introduced firmware version 2.0 for its SL (Typ 601) camera that brings a major change to the camera’s focusing as well as a new top shutter speed of 1/16,000sec. The firmware takes the number of AF points available in single point mode from 49 to 529. Leica claims it has also made improvements to the autofocusing system’s speed, accuracy and tracking abilities.

Exposure compensation gets a new access point with the update and can now be controlled via the top dial and the thumb wheel on the camera’s rear, while the longest exposure timed by the camera goes from 60 seconds to 30 minutes. The company says that it has created a new top shutter speed of 1/16,000sec by using the fast-reactions of the aperture in the system’s SL lenses.

General image quality of JPEG files is also said to have been optimized, as has the focus peaking feature, and Raw files can now be magnified in review mode.

For more information see the Leica firmware download page.

Press release:

Leica releases firmware update 2.0 for Leica SL mirrorless camera system

New firmware enhances camera performance, handling and workflow

Leica Camera has released a new firmware update for the mirrorless Leica SL camera system. Firmware version 2.0 can be downloaded by registered Leica SL owners from the Leica Owners’ Area (https://owners.leica-camera.com). Alternatively, customers can bring their camera to any Leica Store or Leica’s Customer Service department in the UK, for a complimentary update service.

The numerous new features included in firmware update 2.0 have been designed to further improve the performance of the Leica SL and enable a faster photographic workflow. For example, the autofocus function has been revised and optimised. Already impressively fast in combination with SL-Lenses, it now offers even faster focusing, increased precision and optimised subject tracking. A further enhancement increases the number of AF focusing points available for the single point AF setting to 529.

Also new in firmware 2.0 is direct exposure compensation controlled by the top dial and the click wheel on the back of the camera, in the three automatic exposure modes, P, T and A. The firmware update also extends the range of shutter speeds. Timed exposures of up to 30 minutes can now be captured automatically without additional support and, thanks to the fast, electronically-controlled aperture of the lenses, exposures can be made with the highest shutter speed of 1/16,000s.

Additional improvements have been introduced with regard to JPG quality, white balance, the video menu, Auto ISO options and the focus peaking function. Pictures taken in DNG format can now be magnified for better image evaluation, and the camera is also now compatible with all Leica flash units. An update to the app to allow the use of the optimised functions, and three noise reduction settings, complete the improvements provided by this latest firmware update.

More information can be found at uk.leica-camera.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Major Leica SL firmware update brings better AF, new top shutter speed

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Huawei launches P9 and P9 Plus with Leica dual-camera

06 Apr

Huawei has launched the P9 and P9 Plus in London today. The new models jointly replace last year’s P8 and are the first products coming out of Huawei’s collaboration with camera maker Leica. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Huawei launches P9 and P9 Plus with Leica dual-camera

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Leica Q In-depth Review

24 Mar

The Leica Q (Typ 116) is a high-end, fixed-lens compact camera with a 24MP full-frame sensor and a 28mm F1.7 Summilux stabilized lens. It represents a new product line for Leica, and was the first full-frame Leica to incorporate an autofocus system.

Leica – one of the most traditional of traditional camera manufacturers – has been pretty innovative in recent years, bringing us the luxuriously black medium-format S-series, the full-frame mirrorless SL, and the innovative, stylish (if not particularly likable) Leica T.

The Q is styled in a similar way to Leica’s high-end M-series rangefinders, but with the addition of a high resolution electronic viewfinder and touch-sensitive LCD screen. Unlike the Leica T, where Leica made the touchscreen absolutely central to the handling experience, the Q’s touchscreen is essentially optional, and works in concert with several conventional (physical) control points. This combination of classic and modern is central to the Q, which melds manual control with electronic assistance fluidly in its ergonomics.

The Q’s full-frame image sensor and fast wide-angle lens are its two most important features. In combination, our tests show that they are capable of extraordinarily sharp images. It also turns out that shooting with the Q is just, well, a lot of fun. A lovely mechanical manual focus ring makes focusing a pleasure, but fast and accurate autofocus is on hand if you’d prefer. Likewise for manual aperture and shutter speed control; both have dedicated dials, but both can also be left on ‘A’ for auto. Images can be composed on the rear LCD if you like, but a built-in EVF offers a bright and detailed view of the world beyond the lens. While the design of the Q is reminiscent of the Fujifilm X100T, philosophically its closest match is the Sony RX1R II.

Leica Q key features

  • 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor
  • Fixed 28mm F1.7 ASPH lens with image stabilization
  • ISO 100-50000
  • 3.68M dot-equivalent LCOS electronic viewfinder
  • 3″ fixed touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots
  • 10 fps continuous shooting
  • 1080/60p HD video capture
  • Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity with dedicated Leica app
  • Magnesium-alloy body
  • Mechanical (leaf) and electronic shutter

Leica may be known for making cameras that help photographers slow down their process, but the Q also has the ability to help speed things up. It offers 10 fps bursts, even when capturing full resolution DNG images. The camera is ‘smart’, offering both Wi-Fi and NFC, and has a dedicated app for remote shooting and viewing images. Video is captured at 1080p at either 30 or 60 fps.

If the 28mm lens feels too wide, there is a feature called ‘digital frame selector’ that drops frame markers in the field of view, equivalent to your choice of 35 or 50mm. Of course you will lose some resolution cropping in. And for street shooters, options like face detect and touch-to-focus/touch-to-shoot (using the LCD) can be very effective, especially when shooting from the hip. Of course you can always pre-focus manually using the focus depth scale, if you prefer.

Compared to Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II

As mentioned above, in terms of specification, the Leica Q’s closest competitor is Sony’s Cyber-shot RX1R II. On paper, the main differences between the Leica and the Sony involve their sensors and the different lens specifications. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of key specifications below.

  Leica Q Sony RX1R II
Sensor 24MP Full Frame CMOS 42MP Full Frame BSI CMOS
Lens 28mm F1.7 35mm F2
ISO range (expanded) 100-50,000 50-102,400
Built-in viewfinder Yes Yes
LCD specs 3″ touch LCD with 1.04M dots 3″ tilting LCD with 1.2M dots
Burst 10 fps 5 fps
Video 1080/60p 1080/60p
Pop-up flash No No
Hot shoe Yes Yes
Macro mode Yes Yes
Wi-Fi enabled Yes, with NFC Yes, with NFC
Weight 640 grams 507 grams

Pricing and Availability

The Leica Q retails for $ 4250 and is available now.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X, Y, and Z and ideally A, B, and C.

This article is Copyright 1998 – 2016 and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Leica Q In-depth Review

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »