Leica X1

“The [Leica] X1 is a pocketable but serious camera that can deliver sharp, noise free images with a superb amount of detail.”

We’ve added a new Leica X1 [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix.

TechRadar has published their review of the Leica X1 [Specs], the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm), non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens, RAW (DNG), Contrast Detect AF, Face Detection, PASM, ISO 100-3200, 2.7-in. (230K dots), built-in flash, hot shoe, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as standard image editing software.

You can read the Leica X1 Review at: TechRadar.

Leica X1 Black

Press Release

New: The LEICA X1 in New Design

The high-performance digital camera is now available in black

Solms, Germany (September 21, 2010) – Leica Camera AG is pleased to present the LEICA X1 in a new black version, debuting at this year’s Photokina on September 21. Available starting October 2010, the X1 not only features an elegant new color scheme, but also a sophisticated structured leather trim. With its combination of refined styling and high-performance technical features, the LEICA X1 is the ideal companion for discerning photographers in whichever finish they prefer.

The LEICA X1 is characterized by clean lines and an intensely focused design. The straightforwardness of its design, with a reduction to pure essentials and a compact, handy form, is strongly reminiscent of the 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 true Leica camera.

The LEICA X1 offers clearly laid-out functions and intuitive handling thanks to its simple operating concept. For uncomplicated photography, the X1 offers numerous automatic functions ranging from precise autofocus to automatic exposure. When set, these functions guarantee photographers perfectly exposed sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release, thus letting the user concentrate on the creative aspects of composition and framing.

Because of its numerous automatic functions, the X1 is always quick and versatile whenever the need arises. Photographers gain additional creative freedom with the camera’s manual control options. Both aperture and shutter speed can be selected manually to influence the final image by using the easily set dials on the top deck of the camera. Even the plane of focus can be set manually, along with white balance and various other image capture parameters.

Leica X1 Black Back View

The brilliant 2.7-inch display of the X1 fills almost 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. Its “Live Mode” also makes the X1 particularly versatile for shots taken from unusual perspectives.

The technical specifications of the camera and the standard accessories included in the package are identical to those of the existing model. The X1 features a 12.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor; each individual pixel has a large sensor area and receives more light, this guarantees low noise levels, a high dynamic range and accurate color differentiation. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35-mm film format, meaning that the fixed-mount LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens of the LEICA X1 is transformed into a universal reportage lens with an effective (35-mm equivalent) focal length of 36 millimeters. This true classic among prime lenses has captured innumerable iconic images.

Leica X1 Black Top View

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

A comprehensive range of accessories is available to expand the abilities of the camera and adapt it to the photographer’s personal photographic style: for example, an accessory viewfinder showing a 36-mm bright-line frame can be mounted on the camera’s accessory shoe and ensures a clear view without any unnecessary power drain. Additionally, there is an accessory handgrip that aids the safe and steady handling of the camera. A broad range of camera cases and bags is also available: the ever-ready case offers sufficient room for the camera with an attached handgrip and features a small case attached to the carrying strap to hold the accessory finder. The high-quality carrying case offers perfect protection for the camera when not in use, while the attractively designed system case has room enough for the camera and all its accessories.

The LEICA X1 is supplied complete with a comprehensive software package. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, are standard features provided with the X1. The software is available as an online download for all registered LEICA X1 customers. This ensures that the latest release is always readily available.

The LEICA X1 is available in black for $1,995.00 starting October 2010.

Leica X1

The Leica Camera Blog talks to Tom Grill on the subject of Stock Photography, especially on producing stock images having the highest selling power.

You’ll also read about how the Leica X1 [Specs] is the first digital compact camera to meet their high standards for stock photography.

Read the interview at: The Leica Camera Blog.

Leica X1

“The Leica X1 is a camera of extremes, offering a compelling blend of stunning design, fantastic handling and superlative image quality.”

We’ve added a new Leica X1 [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix.

PhotographyBLOG has published their review of the Leica X1 [Specs], the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm), non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens, RAW (DNG), Contrast Detect AF, Face Detection, PASM, ISO 100-3200, 2.7-in. (230K dots), built-in flash, hot shoe, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as standard image editing software.

You can read the full Leica X1 Review at: PhotographyBLOG.

Leica X1

“[For] Those who want the highest quality compact on the market and do not need blazing AF.”

We’ve added another Leica X1 [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. The Leica X1 is the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm). It has a non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens.

SteveHuff Photo has published his review of the Leica X1. He asks the question, “Is this the best compact digital camera ever?” and compares its image quality and performance against the Micro Four-Thirds Digital Interchangeable Lens cameras. As expected, he finds the X1 to be sleek, sexy and gorgeous. But is it worth the US $2K asking price?

You can read the full Leica X1 Review (and his conclusions about the price, high ISO image quality, auto focus speed and who will — and who won’t — love the X1) over at: SteveHuff Photo.

Leica X1

“Best high-ISO performance of any compact camera, bar none.”

DPReview has published their review of the Leica X1 [Specs], the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm), non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens, RAW (DNG), Contrast Detect AF, Face Detection, PASM, ISO 100-3200, 2.7-in. (230K dots), built-in flash, hot shoe, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as standard image editing software.

[ Read the Leica X1 Review at: DPReview ]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

The future is clearly compact digital cameras with large sensors, like the Panasonic GF1 [Specs], pictured above. But, the first generation of such digital cameras face some real technological challenges and many are wondering why. To find out, Dan Havlik, PDN’s Technology Specialist, talks to representatives from Sigma, Olympus and Leica to find out what is so tough about putting a large image sensor into a small camera body — and what they see for the future.

[ Read the full article at: PDNGearGuide ]

Leica X1

DPReview has published their hands-on preview of the Leica X1 [Specs], the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm), non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens, RAW (DNG), Contrast Detect AF, Face Detection, PASM, ISO 100-3200, 2.7-in. (230K dots), built-in flash, hot shoe, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as standard image editing software.

Related Links:
- Leica X1 QuickFact Sheet
- Leica X1 Press Release
- Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens [B&H Price]

After submitting to years of the mega pixel war that sought to cram ever more millions of tiny pixels into tiny image sensors — with the engineers telling us that they got the data to prove they are giving us better pictures [ROTFL] — and years of mindless smile technology, blink technology, slimming technology, and a thousand and one other gimmicks that probably caused many a reviewer to fall into a software-induced comatose state, Leica has sounded the clarion loud and clear that it is bringing digital camera development back to its roots, back to its senses and back to what’s really important in being able to capture a moment in time that we can treasure for years.

Strip a digital camera of all superfluous baggage and we are left with four essential functions, features, elements, call it what you may:
the lens to bring the light in, the image sensor to receive the light, a focusing mechanism to focus the light fast and precisely, and an exposure function that combines shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance for correct exposure of light and colors.

In its latest models, Leica has pared down its digital cameras to these four essential elements, and ensured we receive the best of all four. Just like it did years ago when it introduced the first 35mm camera and revolutionized photography, the new Leica M9 and Leica X1 have set digital cameras onto the right track again.

Though we have yet to see the images from the M9 and X1, the technological hurdle of putting a full-frame sensor in the X9 and an APS size sensor in a compact body like the X1 has been overcomed, and that in itself has to be applauded.

Concerned photographers can all breathe a sigh of collective relief that we will soon start seeing “real” digital cameras coming out this and the years to follow.

Like a lion that, with one roar, quiets the mindless chattering in its forest, Leica can sleep peacefully tonight in the sure knowledge that it is once again at the forefront of camera development.

Well done, Leica!

Addendum: the lion has roared and perhaps awokened some other beasts of the forest that might not appreciate the return of the lion king? I betcha Canon and Nikon will have their versions of the X1 soon. The (digital camera) world is right again.

Leica X1

Luminous Landscape has published their brief hands-on preview of the Leica X1 [Specs], the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm), non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens, RAW (DNG), Contrast Detect AF, Face Detection, PASM, ISO 100-3200, 2.7-in. (230K dots), built-in flash, hot shoe, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as standard image editing software.

[ Read the Leica X1 First Impressions at: Luminous Landscape ]

Leica X1

DPReview has published their brief hands-on preview of the Leica X1 [Specs], the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm), non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens, RAW (DNG), Contrast Detect AF, Face Detection, PASM, ISO 100-3200, 2.7-in. (230K dots), built-in flash, hot shoe, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as standard image editing software.