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Leica unveils the Sofort instant film camera
With Kodak and others trying to make film cool again, Leica has jumped into the fray with an instant camera, the Sofort. It uses Fuji's Instax format, and Leica has even decided to release its own brand of film, available in black and white or color. The German company designed the body itself, though it's very ... un-Leica like. If anything, Fuji's own retro-styled Instax camera has a more Leica-esque look.
Huawei confirms that smartphone cameras still aren't DSLRs
It's not the camera, it's the photographer, right? Actually, sometimes it's both, as Huawei just proved. It recently posted a lovely image, complete with a lens flare, implying that it was taken with its photo-centric P9 smartphone. "The #HuaweiP9's dual Leica cameras makes taking photos in low light conditions like this a pleasure," says the Google+ post caption. The only problem? It was actually taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III equipped with a very pricey 70-200mm F/2.8 lens worth $4,500 total, as the EXIF data clearly proves.
Leica's M-D is a digital camera for manual purists
You may be able to live without WiFi on your camera, but would you be willing to ditch JPEG capture, autofocus and any kind of electronic screen? Oh, and pay $6,000 for the privilege, plus thousands more for a lens? If not, you don't fit into Leica's target market for its latest model, the 24-megapixel M-D. The company calls it a "purely functional" camera that's "radically reduced to the most important parameters required for photography -- shutter speed, aperture, distance and ISO sensitivity."
Huawei P9 review: New phone, familiar tricks
Huawei still isn't a household name in every corner of the world, despite having ousted Microsoft last summer to become the world's third-largest smartphone manufacturer. The company might not have the pedigree of LG, Sony and others, but there are few greater endorsements than being recruited by Google to deliver a Nexus device. That was more than six months ago, but it's with that kind of exposure in mind that we welcome Huawei's latest flagship, the P9, and see what it has to offer.
Huawei's P9 flagship phone has a Leica-endorsed dual camera
Thanks to its affordable and often feature-packed devices, Huawei has firmly entrenched itself as the third biggest smartphone manufacturer, behind Apple and Samsung. Over the past six months or so, the company has added new handsets to its bigger-screened Mate range and it's crafted the Nexus 6P on Google's behalf. But it's time to turn our attention back to the flagship P series. It's been a year since the P8 debuted, after all, so it's with barely any surprise whatsoever that we welcome the Huawei P9 today. Or the P9 family, we should say.
Huawei partners with Leica to improve its smartphone cameras
There's already a big announcement at the CP+ camera show in Japan, but it's actually for smartphones. Huawei has announced a strategic partnership with Leica, the German company known for making some of the best, and most expensive, cameras and lenses in the world. In a fabulously over-the-top press release, Huawei promised "both technology and photography brands combining their shared ethos in a long-term commitment to the art of craftsmanship ... to create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography. " The companies say the tie-up will "span research and development, design, co-engineering, user experience, marketing and retail distribution," but gave no other details.
Recommended Reading: Twitter's identity crisis
What Everyone's Got Wrong About Twitter (Including Twitter) Ian Schafer, Recode Twitter's earnings dropped this week, followed by a number of theories on the future of the company. Deep Focus founder and chairman Ian Schafer posted an op-ed on the matter to discuss the social network's identity crisis. Is it a media company? Is it a data company? Schafer makes the case that Twitter needs to decide soon, for it's own good.
Leica's X-U is the most stylish ruggedized camera you'll find
Leica has revealed its first ever outdoor and underwater camera, the X-U (Typ 113). As we're accustomed to with the German manufacturer, this new shooter doesn't leave much to be desired in terms of industrial design -- it's compact and super sleek, especially when compared to other ruggedized cameras out there. But what's most important here are the X-U's dustproof (sealed body), shockproof and waterproof attributes, which allow it to be submerged up to 49 feet without any consequences.
Panasonic's new compact camera features a 30x zoom and 4K
Canon isn't the only camera maker announcing new products at CES 2016. Panasonic today revealed the Lumix DMC-ZS60, a compact shooter with an 18-megapixel MOS sensor and a 30x zoom lens. The glass, which is a 24-700mm equivalent, is powered by Leica -- an aspect set to appeal to many people. In addition to this, the DMC-ZS60 is capable of capturing 4K (3,840 x 2,160) at 30fps and 1080p at 60 fps, as well as weighing a mere 11 ounces. If you're interested, it'll be available in mid-March for $450.
Leica's SL full-frame camera features an impressive high-res EVF
Fresh off of its Q release this past summer, Leica is back with another full-frame camera: the SL Typ-601. The new shooter, which Leica says is geared toward professional photographers, comes with a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, Maestro II processor, an ISO range of up to 50,000, WiFi for remote access and image sharing and a weather-sealed body. Leica's latest SL also features an 11 fps continuous shooting mode and max mechanical shutter speeds of 1/8,000 -- the company says an electronic option will be available at a later point. Video-wise, you'll have access to both 1080p and 4K (3,840 x 2,160), with the latter capable of handling 24 and 30 fps. While the SL is stacked with all of the aforementioned specs, Leica wants people to focus on the new, round 4.4-megapixel (60 fps) electric viewfinder; it is the highest resolution EVF on the market, according to the German manufacturer.
Leica's Q camera is beautiful, expensive and totally worth it
Leica is known for making cameras that are too expensive for most people. Its latest one, the Leica Q (Typ 116), is no exception. You can tell a lot about its high value simply by glancing at it; the gorgeous magnesium alloy and matte black finish makes it look exquisitely premium. There are also little details around the chassis to make you further appreciate its design, including an area that allows your thumb to rest comfortably while you're shooting. At roughly 23 ounces (640 grams), the Q isn't exactly lightweight, but doesn't feel heavy either -- its mass is distributed perfectly throughout. But OK, enough about the appearance. How does this $4,250 camera actually perform in the real world?
The Leica Q is a compact and stylish full-frame camera
Leica's been relatively quiet since Photokina 2014, where it revealed a full set of cameras for every different budget and taste. Today, though, the German manufacturer is stepping out of the shadows and introducing the Leica Q, a beautiful small camera with some powerful attributes. It features a 24-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor, an ISO range of up to 50,000, a 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot LCD screen, NFC, WiFi and 1080p video-recording at 30 or 60 fps. Leica says the sensor powering the Q was custom built for it, designed to work perfectly in conjunction with the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens. Like with most of the company's cameras, however, you'll have to break the bank to own one of these. The Leica Q is available now for a cool $4,250 -- which, if it helps, does include a free copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.
Leica continues tradition of re-branding Panasonic cams with V-Lux, D-Lux
We've seen plenty of interesting rebrands in past years. Leica's perhaps the most prolific manufacturer to redesign housings and jack up a camera's price, but Hasselblad is also guilty of trying to pass off a competitor's cam as its own, with the $10,000 Solar. Leica's own recreations are hardly as egregious -- select photographers certainly don't mind paying a few hundred dollars more for what's arguably a better-looking camera from a more premium brand, making this year's V-Lux and D-Lux a reasonable purchase for some. That first model is based on the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, while the D-Lux is a deluxe version of the LX100, which squeezes a powerful Micro Four Thirds sensor into a surprisingly compact body.
Capture super-sharp shots with Leica's X point-and-shoot
Leica cameras are not without their critics, especially when it comes to pricing (which admittedly can be absolutely absurd at times), but the company's point-and-shoots are more affordable. Of course you'll still pay a significant premium for the Leica name, but if you have the cash to spare, there are some very capable cameras to choose from, including the latest X model we met at Photokina today. Like its predecessor, the X sports a large 16.2-megapixel APS-C sensor (the same size you'll find in most DSLRs), paired with a fixed 23mm f/1.7 lens, which provides a field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Leica's M-P rangefinder will run you $7,950, red dot sold separately
Of all the new Leica models at Photokina, the M-P represents the slightest of tweaks. It's essentially a Leica M, but with a new 2GB buffer, double the size of the original. It's also missing the familiar red dot on the front, which the company says makes the cam "particularly discreet" (note: you're still shooting with a massive, very expensive looking Leica). It's available now in silver chrome or black for €6,700 in Europe or $7,950 in the US. Check 'er out below.
Meet the Leica X-E, an almost-affordable APS-C compact
Leica just released an update to its X2 point-and-shoot camera here at Photokina. The X-E has a look and feel that's very similar to its predecessor, with comparable specs as well. There's a 16.5-megapixel APS-C sensor that, like the X model also announced today, can capture images with a level of quality that rivals that of many DSLRs. What you can't do, unfortunately, is swap in a different lens -- there's a 24mm f/2.8 optic permanently attached, which is what you'd expect given the light weight and compact size, but if you need to get closer to your subject, you'll need to walk forward rather than zoom in.
Hands-on with Leica's super-rare $19,400 M Edition 60
As of this writing, 15,000 Euro is the equivalent of $19,400 -- a very reasonable exchange rate indeed, and a fair price to pay for a mid-range car or a year of college. Only a select few can justify handing over that sum for a digital camera, however, regardless of the exclusivity that comes in tow. Leica's counting on at least a few die-hard fans to fork over the cash, though, for the M Edition 60, a very special model created to celebrate the M system's 60th anniversary. Only 600 have been made, and each is numbered between 001 and 600. Most peculiar is what this camera doesn't include -- a display, menu system, electronic viewfinder or any indicators at all, besides a tiny red light that flashes when the SD card is in use.
Panasonic's 'connected camera' pairs an Android smartphone with a one-inch sensor and f/2.8 lens
Compact, point-and-shoot cameras are dying, simply because people would rather use smartphones and tablets to snap their dinner and instantly share them to Instagram. Unfortunately, that's a segment of the market that Panasonic abandoned (at least in Europe) back in 2013. That left the company without a convincing rival to the Lumia 1020 and Samsung's various phone / camera hybrids. That's why the company has now launched the DMC-CM1, a "connected camera" (i.e. a smartphone with a proper lens) that's capable of taking 20-megapixel stills and record 4K video thanks to a one-inch MOS sensor.
Leica's latest rangefinder camera is both speedier and stealthier
Digital rangefinder cameras may look like retro fashion items, but they're genuinely handy for pros -- they're good for moments when you need quality without carrying a big, conspicuous DSLR. To that end, Leica has just launched the M-P, a new addition to the M series that's more about serious work than style. You're still getting a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor in a relatively small body, but the buffer memory has doubled to a hefty 2GB; the camera should almost always keep up with your rapid-fire photography. There's also a new selection lever that shows you framing for common focal lengths in the viewfinder, and an anti-reflective coating on the scratch-resistant sapphire LCD will help you review your snaps in bright sunlight.
A week with Leica's T, the most beautiful mirrorless camera money can buy
Leica's cameras have always been good-looking, and they've always been expensive. You might expect the German camera maker's most visually stunning model yet to cost more than a pretty penny, and it does, but at $1,850 (body only), it's also one of the company's most affordable interchangeable-lens cameras to date. The Leica T, machined from a single block of aluminum and hand-polished for 45 minutes, is not going to be produced by the millions and marketed around the world. And considering the nearly $2,000 you'll pay for each of the camera's brand-new lenses, you can definitely invest in a more capable camera system for less. But the T is a work of art, and people will pay ridiculous sums for a desirable piece. This one just also happens to take pictures.