Hands-on with the new Leica X1

Ahead of our in-depth review, we took the new Leica X1 to the streets of London to see what this new compact with an APS-C sensor could do…

As I roamed the sunny streets of Mayfair, London, yesterday, Leica X1 in hand, I felt privileged to be holding something so prestigious.

Leica may be a small company, but it has a big reputation for top-quality cameras that attract discerning customers from far and wide. Some are photography professional or enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating each Leica product, while others are attracted by the iconic status of the Leica badge and – I’m told – buy them to display as works of art in their homes!

While Leica cameras are pricier than their average competitors, you’re paying for something that’s not been mass-produced on the same scale that other brands tend to be, rather a product that’s been carefully planned and constructed to the highest standards, with components designed specifically for that model.

Enter the Leica X1: the latest camera from the manufacturer that sets out to challenge the existing handful of compacts toting APS-C-sized sensors.

Designed and manufactured in Germany by Leica engineers, the X1 retains the classic Leica styling and build quality, but incorporates thoroughly modern technologies. Sporting a 12.2mp APS-C CMOS sensor, combined with a purpose-built Leica Elmarit 24mm f2.8 ASPH lens (equiv. roughl 36mm on a 35mm camera) the X1 promises to deliver superbly crisp, clean images.

On the top panel of the camera two dials allow you quickly alter the shutter speed and aperture, or you can set one, or both, to Auto if you just want to ‘point and shoot’. Out on the streets of London yesterday, I found this system to be very simple to use – no fiddling about in menus to find the settings you want – simply turn the dials and snap away.

The AF system is also pretty responsive, and there’s the option to focus manually too. Working in MF mode, a magnified square appears in the centre of the screen, enlarging your subject so you can check for precise focusing – another superb feature.

Image quality is -as you’d expect from a Leica – superb. Images are richly detailed, faithfully coloured and incredibly clean throughout the camera’s ISO sensitivity range, right up to the top ISO 3200 setting. While images at the top of the scale do contain visible noise, it’s film grain-like, and colours become pleasingly slightly warmer rather than washing out. All in all, the X1 is an impressive camera that’s incredibly simple to get to grips with.

‘As spontaneous as life itself’? I think so!

Look out for the full test in an upcoming issue of DP!

More info at http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cameras/x1/

Specifications:

Camera: LEICA X1
Order no. 18420 steel-grey anodized
Lens: LEICA ELMARIT 24 mm f/2,8 ASPH., 8 elements in 6 groups, 1 aspherical lens.
Optical zoom: No
Digital zoom: No
Focal distance: 24 mm (KB-equivalent: 36 mm)
Aperture: F2.8/F16.0 (1/3 EV steps)
Focusing area: Normal: 60 cm – infinity, macro: 30 cm – infinity, manual focus: 30 cm – infinity.
AF metering range: 1-point, 1-point high speed, 11-point, 11-point high speed, spot, face detection.
AF assist lamp: Yes
Image sensor: APS-C CMOS sensor, 12.9 megapixels.

Camera effective pixels: 12.2mp

ISO sensitivity range: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200.

White balance: Auto, halogen, daylight, flash, cloudy, shadow, manual 1, manual 2; White balance adjustment (2 axis).
Exposure: Program automatic, aperture priority automatic, shutter priority automatic, manual.
Exposure compensation: 1/3 EV step, -3 to +3 EV.
Auto bracketing: 1/3 – 3 EV step, 3 frames.
Light metering: Intelligent multiple, center weighted, spot.
Shutter speed: 30–1/2000 s
Self timer: 2 s, 12 s.
Auto review: 1 s, 3 s, 5 s, hold.
Film mode: Standard, vivid, natural, BW natural, BW high contrast.

Recording format: JPEG, DNG.

Aspect ratio: 3:2
Resolution: 4272 x 2856 pixels (12.2 megapixel), 3264 x 2160 pixels (7 megapixel), 2144 x 1424 pixels (3 megapixel),
1632 x 1080 pixels (1.8 megapixel).
Image quality: JPEG super fine, JPEG fine, DNG+JPEG super fine, DNG+JPEG fine.
Motion picture: No
Burst shooting mode: 3 fps/2 fps. Max. pictures in JPEG fine+DNG: 6 pictures.
Built-in-memory: approx. 50 MB
Built-in-flash: Auto, Auto+Red-eye reduction, Forced on, Forced on+Red-eye, Slow Sync., Slow Sync.+Red-eye reduction,
Studio first curtain, Second curtain can be set.
Hot shoe: Yes. Compatible with SF24D, SF58.
LCD display: 2.7″ LCD (230K Pixels) TFT. Field of view: 100%.
Playback mode: 16-thumbnail display, zoomed playback (16x Max.), image rotation, protection.
Storage medium: Built-in memory (approx. 50 MB), SD memory card, SDHC memory card.
Microphone: No
Speaker: Yes
Interface: HDMI output , USB (USB 2.0 High Speed).
Power supply: Li-ion battery pack (included).
Battery capacity: approx. 260 exposures (CIPA-standard).
Battery charging time: 200 min.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 124 x 32 x 59,5 mm
Weight: 286 g (without rechargeable battery).
Scope of delivery: LEICA BP-DC8 rechargeable battery, battery charger (LEICA BC-DC8), protective battery cover, leather carrying strap, manual, USB cable, lens cap, AdobePhotoshop LightroomTM (download option after product registration).