X - pansion Of The X-line. Leica Zooms Us Again.

You can't deny the appeal of the zoom lens. Leica provided them with their Digilux cameras  - the Vario Elmar lenses - and they were fine instruments. Since then we have seen them in the V-lux and D-lux series, but not on the flagship M or X cameras.

Not until now. As of 2300 hours (AEDT) Leica will be releasing their new Leica X Vario camera with a Vario Elmar 18-46.. f:3.5-6.4 lens. You'll recognise the style of the body - it has much the same shape as an X-1 but also has some design features of the M series. The lens is not removable, but with the performance of a Leica lens, there is no need to replace it.

The sensor is APS-C size and the electronics allow an ISO range from 100 to 12,500. There is a continuous shooting speed of 3 or 5 fps. full DNG and jpeg recording, of course.

There is provision for use of the Leica EVF2 electronic viewfinder and the Leica dedicated external flashes - SF 24D or SF 58. Of course you can also depend upon the in-built pop-up flash as well.
Leica estimate that you will get about 360 shots from a full battery - it uses the familiar Leica BP-DC8.

Of course the accessories that one expects from Leica have not been forgotten - ever-ready and half cases in black or cognac colour, wrist and carrying straps, and a unique Leica finger loop holder that depends from the right-hand grip of the camera.

As with all Leica products, the camera oozes class - and in this case oozes ease of use as well. It will be a favourite with shooters who want a lighter alternative but still wish to take advantage of the zoom.