Leica have released details of the new Leica X Vario compact camera, featuring an APS-C sized sensor and zoom lens.
The X Vario’s large 16 megapixel cmos sensor promises excellent image quality for a compact camera – APS-C format sensors are typically found in SLRs, such as the low to mid range Canons, and the DX format Nikons. The 18-46mm zoom lens offers a full frame equivalent zoom of 28-70mm, giving a decent wide angle up to a reasonable zoom and encompassing the classic 35 and 50mm focal lengths.
The styling of the Leica Vario X is similar to the Leica X2, but obviously with a more bulky lens compared to the fixed 35mm full frame equivalent lens of the X2. There is a cluster of controls on the top, allowing you to set the shutter speed and aperture.
Full HD video (1920 ×1080) can be shot with the Vario X and the videos can be saved directly in mp4 format. ISO range is 100 to 12500, and the X Vario promises a “fast, extremely precise, and virtually silent” autofocus. Manual focussing is achieved by simply turning the focussing ring on the lens, a manual override that is similar to many SLR lenses.
The X Vario is compatible with the Leica EVF 2 external viewfinder. The built in pop up flash has a guide number of 5.
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