Allendale, NJ—Leica Camera unveiled the Leica X Vario compact point-and-shoot camera, which combines a large sensor with a wide-to-telephoto autofocus zoom lens that offers a maximum aperture of f/3.5.
The Leica X Vario utilizes a 16.2 megapixel APS-C format CMOS image sensor, which is larger than that of many cameras in this class. The professional sensor works with the camera’s Leica Vario Elmar 18–46 mm f/3.5–6.4 Asph lens, which covers an equivalent range from 28–70mm. Thanks to its large sensor, processor and lens, the camera achieves a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,500.
The X Vario contains the DNA of the Leica M, with a design that concentrates on compactness and construction. For example, the top plate is machined from solid aluminum in the same process used for the Leica M. And the magnesium and aluminum body is trimmed in soft leather.
Also following the lead of the Leica M when it comes to handling, all X Vario functions and controls are clearly laid out, and settings can be changed in an instant to meet the needs of varying photographic situations. The menu interface displayed on the high-resolution 3.0-inch monitor provides an overview of all settings. In addition, users have the ability to quickly switch between automatic and manual control. The click-detent dials on the top plate allow manual preselection of the required shutter speed and aperture values, while the required focusing distance and focal length can be set via the focusing ring on the lens.
The compact camera also offers Full HD 1,920×1080 video recording at 30 full frames per second with an integrated wind-cut filter to help ensure audio clarity. To make sharing easier, the Full HD videos can be saved in the web-friendly MP4 format and uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution for Mac OS X and Windows, is included in the Leica X Vario package. The image-processing software offers a range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images. Leica customers can download the software free from the Leica website upon registering their camera.
Additionally, the X Vario has a hot shoe that makes it compatible with a range of optional accessories, such as the Leica EVF 2 Viso-Flex electronic viewfinder with 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel function. A handgrip that balances the weight of the camera in the photographer’s hands is also available, and as in the case of the Leica M, finger loops in three sizes are available for attachment to the handgrip. Also, an optional lens hood is offered to help minimize glare and reflections, and the Leica SF 24 D flash unit offers flexibility for subject lighting. Accessories also include bags, cases and straps.
The Leica X Vario is available in a black finish for an MSRP of $2,850. us.leica-camera.com
