It would seem that the wait for the full frame digital M is finally over. Leica announced a few days ago that there would be a significant announcement about the future of Leica cameras and, just 4 days before this announcement, the new Leica M brochure has been leaked onto the internet, causing a great deal of buzz in the photography community.
For those of you who have not seen the brochure here are the highlights:
- a full frame (24 x 36mm) sensor, 18 megapixel resolution
- the same physical dimensions as the existing Leica M8
- available in two finishes, black paint finish or new steel-grey paint finish
- camera will be shipped with a fully licensed copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
- it would appear that existing M8 accessories, including batteries, will be compatible with the M9
- improved performance at higher ISOs over the M8 to produce images that have 'unrivalled and more natural visual impact'
- new sensor will filter out unwanted UV/IR so no need for IR cut filters on the lens
- no moire filter, as with the M8, to maintain sharpness of images
- ISO selectable from ISO 80 to ISO 2500 selectable via new dedicated ISO button on back of camera
Given the absence of the Leica M8.2 in the new Leica M brochure it would appear that the M9 is a replacement of the existing M8 rather than running alongside which was rumoured to be the case.
We will be looking to give a full preview and then review of the new Leica M9 as and when we can get our hands on one.
September 2009