Leica CL

Leica has officially announced their latest APS-C mirrorless camera today . The new Leica CL , joining the TL2  , is aimed at casual photographers who love what they shoot with . The new camera , designed with retro aesthetics and a 24MP APS-C sensor  with Leica's Masters II image processor delivers exceptional image quality and good autofocus  tracking thanks to its 49 AF points .The body , designed with an aluminium  unibody , features a 3" display with a 1.04million dot TFT LCD and a EVF with 2.36million dots . With 4K video recording at 30fps , Hotshoe flash compatability  of 1/180   with a mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 and a electronic shutter of 1/25000 , the Leica CL is certainly able to stand toe to toe with many of its crop sensor peers in this day and age.

Leica also announced a 18mm pancake lens for the new camera as well . The new lens , designed with a f2.8 aperture ,packs 8 elements in 6 groups and weighs only 80g .

The Leica CL is available as a body only option at $2,795 , and if you want to buy it with Leica's new 18mm prime kit lens , its going to cost $3,795 . Other options include

Leica CL Vario Kit 18-56 mm - $3,995
Elmarit-TL 18 F2.8 in Silver or Black - $1,295

price details via - Preview

Press Release

NEW CAMERA LEICA CL EXPANDS THE LEICA APS-C SYSTEM

Leica Camera AG has expanded its APS-C System product portfolio with a new camera that unites innovative technologies, extremely easy handling and iconic design: the Leica CL. Its ideal balance between state-of-the-art technology, mechanical precision and compact construction makes it the perfect everyday companion – especially for spontaneous and discreet pictures.

The Leica APS-C System now offers two camera models made in Germany – the Leica CL and the Leica TL2. In technical terms, they are equals, but could hardly be more different with regard to their design and handling concepts: reflecting the traditions of Leica in the form of the iconic Leica CL and, in contrast, the futuristic look of the Leica TL2. Together with the extensive portfolio of TL-Lenses, they create a system that makes it possible to experience a special kind of photography.

One of the outstanding features of the Leica CL is its electronic viewfinder with EyeRes technology developed by Leica especially for this camera. With a latency time below the threshold of perception and a resolution of 2.36 million pixels, the EyeRes® viewfinder offers an impressive viewing experience and numerous advantages: As the final image is visible in the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, users have complete control over the composition of their subjects.

In combination with the high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus with 49 metering points guarantee maximum picture quality in all photographic situations. The Leica CL is not only an impressive still picture camera, this also applies to moving pictures captured with its video function at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

The Leica CL also equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module. Pictures and videos can be sent by a wireless connection to smartphones, tablets or computers and quickly and easily shared by email or in social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. In addition to this, the remote function of the app lets mobile devices be used as an off-camera viewfinder or for altering exposure parameters – for example when shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles.

The Leica CL establishes the unmistakeable simplicity of iconic Leica design in the compact system camera class. In every respect discreet, this compact camera is an ideal companion with a user-friendly handling concept that makes it an intuitive tool. All essential controls are located on its top plate. In addition to the electronic viewfinder, there are two dials for setting the aperture, shutter speed ISO value, and exposure compensation. Everything is so conveniently located that photographs can be made without taking the camera from the eye. An additional display on the top plate instantly provides information about all relevant settings and exposure parameters. Together with the perfectly defined release pressure point, this ensures that users have absolute control over every picture they take with the Leica CL.

The extensive portfolio of TL-Lenses is also available to the Leica CL. The lenses offer superior imaging performance and are responsible for the exceptionally high picture quality delivered by the Leica APS-C System. The portfolio of compact and fast lenses with focal lengths from 17 to 200 mm offers infinite opportunities for all kinds of creative photography. The elegant simplicity of the design of the three zooms – the Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/11–23 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–5.6/18–56 ASPH. and the APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/55–135 ASPH. – and four prime lenses – the Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/18 ASPH., Summicron-TL 1:2/23 ASPH., Summilux-TL 1:1.4/35 ASPH. and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/60 ASPH. – perfectly complement the Leica CL, not only in terms of technology, but also in looks.

Developed by optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the Leica TL-Lenses all offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed. The combination of optical and precision engineering expertise and the use of finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and reliability in use.

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL- and SL-Systems, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the CL and the TL2. Appropriate adapters are also available for using Leica M- and R-Lenses on the cameras.

An extensive range of technical- and style-accessories ideally complements the APS-C System.

The black version of the Leica CL will be available from the end of November.