Leica is pleased to announce the M8.2 Digital Camera
Leica Camera AG is pleased to announce that there will now be a choice of two German-made models.
The current M8, much loved for dynamic and discreet high end photography, which has been subject to a continuous firmware improvement, will continue.
Leica Camera Ltd is committed to supporting this flagship product further, thus enabling owners to benefit fully from their investment. The SRP is £3390 (inc VAT) although authorised Leica dealers are offering a £400 Leica M8 trade up incentive. This incentive is scheduled to end on 30 September 2008, although there is a strong likelihood of an incentive extension.
A new M8.2 model will be available from late September 2008. This model shares the same
body and characteristics of the current successful M8, but includes some alternative
attractive features built in.
The LEICA M8 doesn't only look like an M - it utilises all the benefits of the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography. It is the only digital camera for enthusiasts and professionals alike to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means that their unique imaging performance is available for digital photography, too. The CCD image sensor has been specifically matched to the compact lens design to guarantee superlative photographic quality. The controls and functions of the digital M still concentrate on the essentials.
Exceptional performance in every detail
For Leica, image quality is not only a byword, but a value attained by optimising all the links in the performance chain: Leica's high performance M lenses, now performing even better in the digital system with the 6-bit coding. The low-noise CCD sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels, which is specifically matched to the extreme requirements of the high-resolution M lenses. The future-guaranteed raw data format (DNG) and the new raw data converter Capture One4, acknowledged as the best. It is this combination of these high-quality individual components that ensures the best image quality.
Concentration on the exposure. Not on the controls.
By concentrating on the essentials, the camera's operation is simple and intuitive. The LEICA M8 deliberately dispenses with multifunction keys and nested menus. All the main settings are in clearly structured menus on the bright 2.5" display. For detailed quality control whilst "on location", RGB histogram and clipping warning can be used on even the finest details of the subject.
LEICA M8.2 - The Evolution of the Digital Rangefinder Camera
The new LEICA M8.2 is a significant development of the digital rangefinder camera for professionals, M8. Where important attributes of LEICA M8 such as discretion, intuitive work and robustness have been further improved.
Even more intuitive operation
The new snapshot mode "S" can be particularly useful in tight reportage conditions. It will also appeal to all those who want good results right away without knowing a lot about photography. If the shutter speed dial is turned to the new "S" setting, the camera controls all the key features automatically, such as automatic exposure (aperture priority), automatic ISO speed setting and automatic white balance. Another new feature is a quick override setting. For more precise framing at long distances, the bright-line frames in the viewfinder have been designed to handle larger framing areas.
Robustness & discretion
The new LEICA M8.2 is the very first professional digital camera to use an ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass for the camera monitor. It is so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond tools. The camera also sports a new easy-grip and specially robust "vulcanite" finish.
Thanks to numerous detailed modifications, the noise and vibration of the shutter action have been audibly and noticeably reduced even further. The fastest shutter speed of the metal blade focal-plane shutter is 1/4000 s, and the flash sync speed is 1/180 s. To make the camera even more discreet in critical situations, the photographer may personally determine the suitable moment when the shutter is cocked.
Compact and quick - New charger unit
The new compact charger unit is designed to take up a minimum of space in the photograper's bag and has a quick-charge function when charging the battery. The LED flashes yellow after about two hours when 80 percent of the charging capacity has been reached. This is already sufficient for about 400 exposures.
M8 Upgrade Service
A lot of the new features of the LEICA M8.2 can also be integrated to the LEICA M8: The scratchproof sapphire glass, the quiter shutter or the bright line frames which are matched for longer distances.
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