The digital camera was previously known as the Leica Mini M

Jun 12, 2013 09:18 GMT  ·  By

Photo and video capture devices usually stick to the range of features most common for their size and type, but there are some that try to meld the assets of more than one. Leica X Vario is an example of that.

Previously known as Leica Mini M, the digital camera has an APS-C format 16.5-megapixel CMOS image sensor, which is “unusually large” for its class.

The X Vario is said to have been designed with easy handling in mind, and with a menu and functions arranged in a way that minimizes the amount of time it takes to access them, or get used to them for that matter.

Also, besides the APS-C format, CMOS sensor and zoom, Leica X Vario boasts a built-in wind filter over the microphone.

All in all, the hardware is more than capable of taking high-quality photos and recording Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames-per-second (FPS).

The shots and videos can be previewed on the 3-inch display. Both manual and auto control modes, as well as a Live View mode (shows the effects of any changes made in real time), can be chosen.

It doesn't hurt that the Adobe Lightroom photography software is bundled with the camera (registration details needed to download it, not an optical disc).

Usable with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems, Lightroom allows users to edit photos, improve on them, add color and scene modes, etc.

All in all, we can understand why the product, plus a strap and protector, costs £2,250/$2,850 / €2,140. It's a high price, to be sure, but it doesn't really lack justification.

Speaking of which, there are some accessories that can be bought alongside the device. The strap, when bought alone, costs £60 / $93 / €70, the EVF 2 Viso-Flex electronic accessory viewfinder (1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel function) adds an extra £380 / $595 / €447. A handgrip and lens hood can be found as well, among other things.