Leica outs M9 and X1

Leica fans, rejoice: the German imaging company has just announced the M9, a full-frame digital rangefinder; and the X1, a compact camera with an APS-C-sized sensor and Leica's own acclaimed 24mm f/2.8 optics.

Before we discuss the significance of these two cameras, let's take a quick look at their specifications.

Leica M9	Leica X1
(Credit: Leica) 24x36mm, 18-megapixel sensor Dual-imaging processors ISO 160 to 2500 Leica M mount RAW (DNG format) and JPEG 2.5-inch 230k-dot resolution LCD Supports SD/SDHC flash media Compatible with M8 and M8.2 accessories	(Credit: Leica) 23.6x15.8mm (APS-C), 12-megapixel sensor Non-interchangeable, 24mm Elmarit f/2.8 lens (35mm equivalent) ISO 100 to 3200 RAW (DNG) and JPEG 2.7-inch 230k-dot resolution LCD Supports SD/SDHC flash media Hotshoe mount for accessories

What Leica has achieved with the M9 and X1 far surpasses what big players such as Canon and Nikon have done with camera size. The closest comparisons on the market now are probably Olympus and Panasonic with the Micro Four Thirds standard. However, the smaller sensors used in shooters such as the E-P1 and GF1 are no match for the larger ones used in the new Leica cameras.

More significantly for Leica, the M9 and X1 strengthen the German firm's presence in the imaging market. When the digital revolution took place a decade ago, Canon, Nikon and other brands were quick to jump onto the bandwagon and managed to establish themselves. However, Leica, which is more renowned for its film-based rangefinders, found itself in limbo — digital cameras got more affordable and 35mm film was, at one point, pronounced dead (though it still has a good following today). The company's premium cameras were overshadowed by cheap point-and-shoots and consumer-orientated dSLRs, and soon it was merely a blip on the radar of the imaging industry. It had to do something, and quick.

So in 2007, Leica introduced the M8, a digital rangefinder which was met with much criticism for its lacklustre picture quality. This issue was resolved with the M8.2 announced last year. Now, the M9 takes centre stage.

A full-frame sensor allows photographers to use lenses at the focal length intended as opposed to being cropped when attached to a camera with a smaller sensor. Also, a larger surface area allows more light to be captured and this typically produces better-quality shots. The M9, with a rumoured price tag of US$6995 (body only), is targeted at professional photographers and enthusiasts with dough to spare.

As for the X1, it is not the world's first compact camera with an APS-C-sized sensor. The Sigma DP1 and DP2 preceded it, but these two snappers were criticised for their slow response time. We don't know how fast the X1 is, so it's unfair to say that will be better than its rivals. But what we do know is that the point-and-shoot is fitted with the 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit optics, a lens with legendary heritage and applauded by professionals. Since it will be used with an APS-C-sized sensor, the effective field of view is 35mm, which is a classic focal length in the rangefinder camera arena.

However, the X1 is stated to retail for US$2000, which is much more expensive than the DP2 and out of reach for most consumers.

For professional photographers, the M9 and X1 will likely be exactly what they've been wishing for. For Leica, it appears that these cameras send a statement to other imaging companies: it has done what they haven't been able to achieve and the firm is still an innovator in imaging. We'll update as soon as we have word on local availability and pricing.