Finally the Leica mini M / X Vario announced today, the leica X Vario / Mini M is exactly the same as the rumors, the X Vario features 28-70 mm equivalent lens and 3.5-6.4 aperture range, the X Vario features 16.5 MP, APS-C, CMOS image sensor (effective 16.1 MP), see full specification after the price tab,
Pre-order Leica X Vario from B&H Photo
Leica X Vario / Mini M Price
Leica X Vario / Mini M Full Specification
Lens
Leica Vario-Elmar 1:3.5-6.4 (28-70 mm equivalent), 8 lenses in 6 groups, 1 aspherical lens
Focal Length
18-46 mm (28-70 mm film equivalent)
Apertures
3.5 to 16 (at 28 mm) / 6.4 to 16 (at 70 mm) in 1?3 EV increments
Focusing range
30 cm – infinity
Focusing options
1 point, 11 points, spot, face detection
Image sensor
16.5 MP, APS-C, CMOS image sensor (effective 16.1 MP)
Resolution
JPEG format, 16 M – 4928 x 3272 pixels, 12.2 M – 4288 x 2856 pixels, 7 M – 3264 x 2160 pixels, 3 M – 2144 x 1424 pixels, 1.8 M – 1632 x 1080 pixels, DNG: 4944 x 3272 pixels
Image data file format
JPEG super fine, JPEG fine, DNG + JPEF super fine, DNG + JPEG fine
Exposure Control
Exposure modes
Automatic program (P), program shift, aperture priority (A), shutter speed priority (T) and manual setting (M)
Exposure compensation
Gradation: 3EV in 1/3 EV increments
Automatic exposure bracketing
3 pictures in graduations up to 3 EV, adjustable in 1/3 EV increments
Metering modes
Smart multi-segment metering, center-weighted metering, selective (spot) metering
White balance
Automatic, presets for daylight, cloud, halogen lighting, shade, electronic flash, 2 manual settings, manual color temperature setting, fine adjustment option for all settings
Sensitivity
Automatic, optionally with limits for shutter speed and sensitivity, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500
Shutter speeds
30s to 1/2000s, with normal flash modes from 1/30s, with flash modes with slower shutter speeds from 30s
Continuous shooting
3 fps of 5 fps, max. 8 consecutive exposures with constant shooting speed in DNG + JPED fine quality
Color settings
Standard, Vivid, Natural, B&W Natural, B&W High Contrast
Flash modes
Auto, flash exposure correction, red-eye correction, fill-in flash, slow sync, studio, 1st / 2nd curtain sync
Hot shoe
Compatible with Leica SF 24D, Leica SF 58 flash units
Monitor
3” TFT LCD, approx. 920,000 pixels, wide-angle field of ives: 100 %
Internal memory
Approx. 110 MB
Memory card
SD, SDHC, SDXC
Interfaces
HDMI out, USB (USB 2.0 high speed), Leica EVF socket
Battery (lithium-ion)
Capacity: approx 450 exposures
Dimensions
Approx. 133 x 73 x 95 mm or
Weight
Approx. 650 / 680 g or 22.9 / 24 oz (without / with battery)
Product includes
Battery (Leica BP-DC8), battery charger (Leica BP-DC8), battery case, leather carrying strap, USB cable, lens cap, user manual
Software
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (free download option after camera registration)
Leica X Vario / Mini M Press Release
“The Leica Vario-Elmar 28-70 mm f/3.5 – 6.4 ASPH (35 mm equivalent) and the APS-C CMOS sensor ensures images of unsurpassed brilliance. The size and quality of the sensor means low image noise, high dynamic range and accurate color reproduction. The wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of the Leica X Vario offers photographers the options for many more creative compositions: indoor scenes, impressive landscapes or intimate portraits. The Leica X Vario allows users to change focal length easily and quickly to spontaneously capture the perfect moment giving the user the feel of classic Leica controls. In addition, the autofocus is fast and extremely precise while the switch from autofocus to manual focusing is intuitive – simply move the focusing ring on the lens from MF to AF mode”
“The design and finish of the Leica X Vario reflects the ultimate art of engineering with attention to detail and the use of the finest materials. When you first see the Leica X Vario, the Leica DNA will be obvious. A few minutes of handling the Leica X Vario and design characteristics of the Leica M will be apparent including compactness and construction. The top plate is machined from solid aluminum, the process identical to that used for the Leica M. The magnesium and aluminum body feels solid while the soft leather trim provides a comfortable but firm and reassuring grip. The Leica X Vario provides the user with a unique,one of a kind visual and tactile experience which is synonymous with a Leica made in Germany.”
As if nearly 3k for a ridiculously spec’d camera weren’t enough, they want $140 for a (plastic?) lens shade and $160 for a grip. $110 for a wrist strap…. Go on, Leica. Suck, suck, suck every dollar from those privileged but gullible rubes.