Last Updated on 02/28/2025 by Chris Gampat
Leica and Hasselblad are two legacy camera companies that have achieved many milestones over the past centuries. One could even credit them for specific innovations we continue to use in our digital cameras — like the first full-frame mirrorless camera in the form of the Leica M9. Additionally, Leica’s rangefinder-style camera design has inspired many Japanese camera makers, while Hasselblad‘s medium format is an inspiration for modern cameras of a similar style. And now, rumors suggest that both Leica and Hasselblad are coming up with new innovations. Let’s see how much they can help you in today’s environment.
Leica M12 to Have Hybrid Changes
According to Mirrorless Rumors, several Weibo sources have revealed that Leica is set to launch the highly anticipated M12. For starters, the camera will have a compact design,””approximately 3mm smaller than the M11“” which will help to improve the camera’s portability. However, it will not affect Leica’s iconic aesthetics. Another thing will be the inclusion of a different viewfinder, which will be similar to Fujifilm’s X100 series. The latter was known for varied features such as autofocus, metering, and more.
It is also possible that the M series will embrace an electronic viewfinder based on the survey Leica conducted with the help of its users.
In addition, the ISO dial, usually on the top left, will be replaced by a thumb operator dial. This will allow users to have better control over their images. Leica is also said to include a larger display, about 3.9 inches, slightly bigger than the M11’s 2.95-inch display. The display is one of the reasons why Leica will remove a few buttons from its rear panel. In addition, the camera may not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) but will have “stabilization mechanisms in the LCD screen and EVF.” Last but not least is the hefty price of “approximately $10,000,” which will continue to place the device among premium products.
If the rumors are true, Leica M12 could have the biggest year. There is always the chance of these changes backfiring or dividing people online. However, as long as there are sales, it should not be an issue for the company. Of course, the company may keep things traditional and choose to have a new version of an electronic viewfinder.
Hasselblad to Have its Own Launch
In another post, Mirrorless Rumors stated that Hasselblad registered a new camera at the FCC in November 2024. The post notes that the new camera model number is HB722, and the filing will become public in three months. The report also says this is not a DJI product with Hasselblad branding. For the uninitiated, DJI acquired major stakes in Hasselblad back in 2015, and recently, there were rumors that DJI would enter the camera market with Hasselblad.
Either way, this truly has excited people since the last camera they announced was the XDC, launched in November 2024. There is also hope that the company may launch X3D, the successor of an already powerful camera, the X2D, launched in 2022. The X2D featured a 100MP BSI CMOS sensor, which could capture the most beautiful, detailed images one could see. In our review of the device, we said,””The X2D 100c is a premium medium format camera that produces beautiful images slowly. Hasselblad will need to improve the autofocus speeds for the X2D if they hope photographers can rely on it as a “primary camera.”
So, while Sony has not launched a new consumer sensor yet, they have created a new 247MP sensor for medical purposes. As a result, there is a chance that the company may introduce the sensor or its lower-resolution variant for the new Hasselblad device. We could be wrong, too, and this may not be true. From the looks of it, Leica and Hasselblad may have some huge for us in 2025 or 2026. It remains to be seen what we finally get, but we hope that the German and Swedish manufacturers revive the camera industry in exciting new ways.