Leica outs M9, X1 and proves it's still an innovator in imaging

Leonard Goh | Sep 09, 2009

Leica fans, rejoice.

The German imaging company has just announced the M9, a full-frame digital rangefinder and the X1, a compact camera with an APS-C-sized sensor and Leica's own acclaimed 24mm F2.8 optics.

Before we discuss the significance of these two cameras, let's take a quick look at their specifications.

Leica M9

(Credit: Leica)

24 x 36mm, 18-megapixel sensor

Dual imaging processors

ISO 160 to 2,500

Leica M mount

RAW (DNG format) and JPEG

2.5-inch 230k-dot resolution LCD

Supports SD/SDHC flash media

Compatible with M8 and M8.2 accessories

Leica X1

23.6 x 15.8mm (APS-C), 12-megapixel sensor

(Credit: Leica)

Non-interchangeable, 24mm Elmarit F2.8 lens (35mm equivalent)

ISO 100 to 3,200

RAW (DNG) and JPEG

2.7-inch 230k-dot resolution LCD

Supports SD/SDHC flash media

Hotshoe mount for accessories

What Leica has achieved with the M9 and X1 far surpasses what big players such as Canon and Nikon had done when it comes to camera size. The closest comparisons on the market now are probably Olympus and Panasonic with the Micro Four Thirds standard. However, the smaller sensors used in shooters such as the E-P1 and GF1 are no match for the larger ones used in the new Leica cameras.

More significantly for Leica, the M9 and X1 strengthen the German firm's presence in the imaging market. When the digital revolution took place a decade ago, Canon, Nikon and other brands were quick to jump onto the bandwagon and managed to establish themselves. However, Leica, which is more renowned for its film-based rangefinders, found itself in limbo--digital cameras got more affordable and 35mm film was, at one point, pronounced dead (though it still has a good following today). The company's premium cameras were overshadowed by cheap point-and-shoots and consumer oriented dSLRs, and soon it was merely a blip on the radar of the imaging industry. It had to do something, and quick.

So in 2007, Leica introduced the M8, a digital rangefinder which was met with much criticism for its lackluster picture quality. This issue was resolved with the M8.2 announced last year. Now, the M9 takes centerstage.

A full-frame sensor allows photographers to use lenses at the focal length intended as opposed to being cropped when attached to a camera with a smaller sensor. Also, a larger surface area allows more light to be captured and this typically produces better-quality shots. The M9, with a rumored price tag of US$6,995 (body only), is targeted at professional photographers and enthusiasts with dough to spare.

As for the X1, it is not the world's first compact camera with an APS-C-sized sensor. The Sigma DP1 and DP2 preceded it, but these two snappers were criticized for their slow response time. We don't know how fast the X1 is, so it's unfair to say that will be better than its rivals. But what we do know is that the point-and-shoot is fitted with the 24mm F2.8 Elmarit optics, a lens with legendary heritage and applauded by professionals. Since it will be used with an APS-C-sized sensor, the effective field of view is 35mm, which is a classic focal length in the rangefinder camera arena.

However, the X1 is stated to retail for US$2,000, which is much more expensive than the DP2 and out of reach for most consumers.

For professional photographers, the M9 and X1 will likely be exactly what they've been wishing for. For Leica, it appears that the shooters combined bring a statement to other imaging companies: It has done what they haven't been able to achieve and the firm is still an innovator in imaging.

We will be attending an event hosted by Leica next week, and we expect to see the M9 and X1 there. Check back to see our hands-on update.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
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drone1212

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drone1212 says...
No offense to Leica fans, I truly do not see where the innovation is in the M9. Leica has been good at making cameras and lenses, no doubt, and they continue to do so.

However, when it comes to innovating in the digital age, Leica has been left behind by a few decades, I am afraid.

For $7000 bucks, you get a 230k pixel 2.5" screen, ISO 2500, 2fps, flash sync speed of 1/180, no AF and SYNTHETIC LEATHER coating. Most entry level dSLRs can better this.

I understand that most Leica fans do not care about specs. It is almost a cult following they say. But come on, for US$7k the least you can do is give a decent LCD screen. Even a $400 Point and Shoot have better LCD than the M9. A 3" LCD with 460k dots perhaps?!.... and synthetic leather? hmmm, where does the $7k go to?

I am not even talking about crazy specs like those in D3x or 1DsMkIII or even the 5D2. I am talking about basic specs like ISO 3200, which the M9 cannot even match.

Sure, it is lighter than the dSLR. Throw out the prism and mirror, throw out the AF, throw out the high speed shutter and a whole load of features, I am sure the dSLR is about the same weight or less. It is not a fair comparison when it comes to weight.

So although Leica fans do not care much about specs, some may begin to wonder why can't Leica at least give the bare minimum, like those provided by entry level dSLR?

Charging users $7k for image quality alone or cult following is a huge gamble. Worse still, the digital Leica M series have been plagued by IQ problem in the past before.

So back to the question, where is the innovation? The sensor? Nah, that is Kodak's.

The X1 is a little refreshing but like Leonard said, it is not a new idea. Again, I am hard pressed to find where the so called innovation is.

Sep 10, 2009 02:45

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gohleonard

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gohleonard says...
Hi drone1212,

what Leica has done is, well, pretty much similar to the Micro Four Thirds system, except that it uses a full-frame sensor. I'm not sure if you know this, but a couple of years back, a major imaging brand said that it would make a compact camera with interchangeable lens and an APS-C-sized sensor. However, nothing has been done as yet from that company.

The Leica premium, or Leica tax, as i like to candidly call it, is not new. Since the first M-series rangefinder camera was out on the market decades ago, Leica has pride itself for making the cameras by hand and its precision engineering. Some people are willing to pay for such a premium.

The innovation mentioned in the article refers to the fact that Leica, despite its financial woes, has managed to churn out a full-frame digital rangefinder that is a good mix of both traditional and modern technology.

Sep 10, 2009 10:13

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