23rd May 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Leica Camera AG, Solms, has expanded the X-line with a new compact digital camera and now presents the Leica X2. Following the Leica X1, this is now the second Leica compact camera model ‘Made in Germany’.
Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of the family to include the new Leica X2. Following the success of Leica X-system, the Leica X2 now comes with an even faster autofocus in low light and an optional electronic viewfinder. Like its predecessor, the Leica X2 is the perfect camera for semi-professional photographers and photography enthusiasts looking for an experience similar to the iconic M-System.”
The Leica X2 features a new, APS-C-format, professional CMOS image sensor with over 16.5 megapixels (effective 16.2 MP). In combination with the high-performance Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens – a classic focal length for photojournalism –this sensor ensures maximum image quality and sparkling brilliance.
The autofocus system has also been improved. It adapts to all shooting situations with enormous flexibility and enables fast, extremely precise and almost silent focusing. The camera’s profile is complemented by numerous setting options from full manual control to automatic functions and an intuitive handling concept.
All this, together with its elegant and stylish design, makes the Leica X2 the ideal premium-class compact camera for discerning photographers who wish to concentrate completely on their subjects and appreciate creative and true-to-life pictures.
The CMOS image sensor of the X2 is unusually large for a camera in the compact segment. Despite its high resolution of over 16 megapixels, each individual pixel on the sensor is very large and therefore gathers more light. The benefit of this is low image noise, a high dynamic range and accurate colour differentiation. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35-mm film format. This means that the Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens of the Leica X2 becomes a universal reportage lens with an effective 35-mm-equivalent focal length of 35 millimetres. This is considered to be a classical focal length amongst prime lenses and has captured innumerable iconic images. The moderate wide-angle character and natural rendition of dimensions by the high-performance lens of the X2 open up a broad spectrum of different options for capturing those decisive moments in outstanding, authentic and richly detailed picture quality.
The Leica X2 is characterised by clear lines and an intensely focused design concept. The linearity of its design and its compact, handy form are reminiscent of the Leica M-cameras. This, in combination with its robust, all-metal construction and premium, high-grip leather trim makes the X2 a typical Leica camera in both looks and feel. The camera is available in a discreet black or elegant silver finish.
Thanks to its simple operating concept, the Leica X2 offers clearly laid-out functions and intuitive handling. At the same time, it offers an impressive range of automatic and versatile manual setting options. Thanks to the ease of switching between manual and automatic control, photographers can concentrate completely on composing their subjects and choosing the decisive instant to shoot in any situation. The dials on the top deck provide grip when setting the shutter speed and aperture. Moreover, changing the plane of focus, the white balance, and other imaging parameters allows photographers to consciously influence the look or mood of their images. In live view mode, the generously sized high-contrast 2.7″ monitor offers photographers complete control at all times and a bright and detailed view, even in strong light.
The range of features offered by the Leica X2 provides greater creative freedom and a wide range of photographic options. For instance, its large sensor and fast lens make it ideal for shooting in available light. What’s more, the camera also features a pop-up flash that can be activated whenever an additional light source is required. If more lighting power and flexibility are required, the accessory shoe of the X2 offers full compatibility with the Leica SF 24D and SF 58 system flash units.
An extensive range of accessories is also available to adapt the Leica X2 to each photographer’s individual photographic style. Another new feature is the Viso-Flex high-resolution electronic accessory finder with 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel function for shooting from unusual angles. Also available is a bright-line mirror finder that can be mounted on the accessory shoe and ensures a bright and clear view at all times, with no drain on the camera battery. There is also an accessory handgrip that increases the grip and stability of the camera and makes it easier to shoot one-handed.
Leica continues to offer a comprehensive range of bags and cases: a premium-quality black leather case to match the elegance of the X2, an ergonomically designed camera protector in untreated leather, an ever-ready case in organically tanned cowhide to protect the camera during use, and a system bag that offers more room for the camera and a range of accessories.
Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac® OS X and Microsoft Windows®, is also included in the X2 package. This digital image processing software offers a wide range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images. Leica X2 customers can download the software free from the Leica website after registering their camera.
The Leica X2 is now available for preorder at the Leica Store @ Avenue K. The optional accessories will be available after the market launch of the camera. Stocks are subjected to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Jacen Lee
Mobile: +6017-358 6464
Email: [email protected]
Technical data LEICA X2
Lens: Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH.
8 elements in 6 groups
1 aspherical lens
Focal length: 24 mm (35 mm equivalent in 35-mm format)
Apertures: 2.8 to16 (1/3 EV increments)
Focusing range: 30 cm–infinity
AF focusing: 1-point, 11-point, spot, face detection
Image sensor: APS-C CMOS image sensor with 16.5 MP (effective 16.2 MP)
Resolution: JPEG in 3:2 format: 4928 × 3264 pixels (16.1 MP), 4288 × 2856 pixels (12.2 MP), 3264 × 2160 pixels (7.1 MP), 2144 × 1424 pixels (3.1 MP), 1632 × 1080 pixels (1.8 MP) DNG in 3:2 format: 4944 × 3272 pixels (16.2 MP)
Image quality: JPEG super fine, JPEG fine, DNG + JPEG super fine, DNG + JPEG fine
Exposure control
Exposure modes: Automatic programme (P), automatic aperture priority (A), automatic shutter priority (S), manual setting (M)
Exposure compensation: Increments: 1/3 EV increments, range: ±3 EV
Automatic exposure bracketing: 1/3 to 3 EV increments, 3 exposures
Metering modes: Smart multi-segment metering, centre-weighted metering, selective (spot) metering
White balance: Auto, halogen, daylight, flash, cloudy, shade, electronic flash, 2 manual settings, manual colour temperature setting with fine tuning
ISO sensitivity: Auto, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500
Shutter speeds: 30 s–1/2000 s
Continuous shooting: 3 fps or 5 fps, max. 8 consecutive exposures with constant shooting speed in DNG + JPEG fine quality
Film modes: Standard, dynamic, natural, b/w natural, b/w high contrast
Flash
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: 2.7″ TFT LCD with 230,000 pixels, wide-angle field of view: 100%
Review modes: 16-thumbnail display, zoom review (16× max.), image rotation, deletion protection
Storage media
Built-in memory: Approx. 110 MB
Memory cards: SD, SDHC
Interfaces: HDMI out, USB (USB 2.0 high speed)
Battery (rechargeable lithium-ion): Capacity: approx. 450 exposures
Dimensions (L × H × D): Approx. 124 × 69 × 51.5 mm
Weight: Approx. 316/345 g (without/with battery)
Package includes: Battery (Leica BP-DC8), battery charger (Leica BC-DC8), battery case, leather carrying strap, USB cable, lens cap, user manual
Software: Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® (free download option after product registration)
