For the first time, it seems like Leica is getting into the underwater camera market. Their entry is called the Leica X-U, and it’s also rated to be shockproof, waterproof, dust-sealed and what they’re calling “winterized.”
But in all honesty, this isn’t just some run of the mill underwater tough cam–instead, it’s a premium point and shoot in every respect. The Leica X-U has an APS-C sensor with 16.5MP and in front of it is a 23mm f1.7 ASPH lens. The camera can also go down to 49 feet. The camera also sports a 3-inch LCD screen.
The design is a collaboration with Audi Design, and so it also sports aluminum control dials, has a non-lsip body, a double locking battery compartment and memory card slot, and can shoot 1080p HD video at 30p.
The Leica X-U (Typ 113), priced at $2,950 will be available by the end of January at your local Leica Store, Leica Boutique or Leica Dealer. Expensive? Sure–but to be very fair here, this is genuinely a one of a kind. No one else offers a tough cam with an APS-C sensor and one with a bright f1.7 lens.
