lets face it, this camera is disappointing because its not a $3000 M240. nobody wants anything other than a $3000 M240, so all our hopes were up that Leica would unveil a way to have the M experience for a Mercedes price instead of a Lamborghini price. alas, no. if you wanna play, you gotta pay.
want a mirrorless interchangeable lens full frame in a compact package? buy an M240.
It is as expected, and it's not disappointing. This camera is not for photographer, just like the Hassy luna. My source told me the prototype was equipped with Tri-Elmar (perhaps the 28-35-50), but eventually switched to this lens for wider range.
I wasn't expecting a $3000 M240, but I think they would've been better off with an APS-C sensor in a smaller body with an M-mount. I was hoping that the new M would be a watershed release for them and that what we'd see going forward would be, if not progressive, then at least competitive. This camera seems to be squarely aimed at the faithful who will buy anything they produce.
itai195 wrote:
To Leica's credit, how many other camera companies made a profit last year?
That's what I thought...
That said, I do not understand this product, but then I don't understand the point of any of their products other than the rangefinders and lenses.
Yea thats pretty much that funny part, since last year was bad for almost every company in photographic industry, yet Leica manged to make quite a big profit for them.
Otherwise seeing those numbers, it really wasnt even close to be terrible.. Those few MEUR in negative numbers isnt much. I thought it was way worse then this.
I have no expectations to disappoint, being unlikely to ever own a Leica digital camera. But I will say, from a user perspective, this is an appealing P&S camera, even with its slow lens. I like the features and the Leica heritage/pedigree -- I'd expect it to take better than average APS-C pictures.
If the camera was selling for $1200, I'd consider it, or later, a used one as they became available. The options look great too, but again, the price is outrageous for a normal user.
I'm still looking at the G1X as my race-out-the-door camera, with its features and collapsible lens. I haven't seen anything that matches it for features, IQ, and price. Still keeping my eyes open though!
I've been waiting for an APS-C point & shoot camera with a zoom lens, but not this slow, bulky and pricey...maybe a Sony p&s with a Zeiss zoom lens will give me what I've been dreaming with...I know it's just a matter of time
I like the samples from thew new vario but the lens is way too bulky to make it a convenient point and shoot. I wonder what kind of market they're targeting with this camera? Don't get me wrong I love Leica's rangefinder and lenses but you'd have to really love red dots to consider spending money on this one.
