(FT5) Official Leica X1 specs!!! No MicroFourThirds sensor :(

Update: leica X1 and M9 are official. The M9 is available at amazon for veeeeerryyyy reach people only:
Leica M9 18MP Digital Range Finder Camera (Black)

The X1 is also not that cheap: Leica X1 12.2MP APS-C CMOS Digital Camera with Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 Ashperical Lens with 2.7 inch LCD

That’s an important news for MicroFourThirds user. Now it is official that Leica will not release any MicroFourThirds camera. Probably the X1 want become a dangerous GF1 and E-P1 competitor.The X1 is expensive and has a fixed lens.

From LeicaRumors:

“A Leica rep ensured me yesterday that the X1 is a complete inhouse development and has nothing to do with the GF1 or any mFT or FT. It has a CMOS APS-C sensor (which is nearly twice as big as a FT sensor) delivered by an “unknown supplier” in it.”

Now we are done with Leica ;) . Please visit leicarumors for a full Leica news coverage.

X1 specs
• High performance compact camera
• Design in same tradition of the classical Leica camera
• 12.2 megapixels, large APS-C size CMOS Sensor, 23.6 x 15.7 mm
• Exceptionally fast wide angle, Leica Elmarit 1:2.8/24 ASPH Lens (equivalent to 36mm in 35mm format)
• Fast autofocus with simple, intuitive controls and image stabilizer
• Automatic and manual options
• Built-in pop-up flash
• 3 Frames per second shooting speed – RAW & JPEG Capture, fastest in its class
• Made in Germany with a 2-year international warranty
• Directly integrates into HD TV or Home Theater

Craftsmanship
The Leica X1 boasts of superior ruggedness and durability with its aluminium top and bottom plates,
magnesium body and aluminium dials to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Sensor
The LEICA X1 has the world’s largest sensor in a compact camera. The CMOS sensor which is 23.6 x 15.7
mm is 30% larger than its closest competitor. The LEICA X1 offers the DSLR quality in a compact camera
with its 12.2 mega pixels. The sensor offers sharp pictures in low light conditions making it a perfect
compact tool for professional photographers.

LEICA Elmarit 1:2.8/24 ASPH Lens
The LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 ASPH is an outstanding performing lens with its 8 glass elements with 1
aspherical surface. Leica quality: unsurpassed resolution, sharpness, color fidelity and contrast – even at
maximum aperture. With an image stabilizer and an ISO range from 100-3200, the LEICA X1 offers
creative options in available light even under low light conditions.

Handling – Automatic settings and manual controls
The LEICA X1 offers straightforward controls making it easy for both amateur and professional
photographer. The numerous automatic functions and manual settings of the LEICA X1 gives the
photographer options. The photographer can choose the easy way and let the camera take over the
exposure or shutter settings in the automatic mode or switch over to manual controls by using the wheels
on top of the camera. The LEICA X1 gives the photographer full control for creativity while providing the
automatic mode for quick response.

Autofocus
The LEICA X1 autofocus is quick and versatile. It automatically adjusts focus and exposure . It has a 11
point atuofocus system with Face Detection. The LEICA X1 allows the photographer to capture special
moments and fleeting expressions with greater accuracy, taking a series of shots and choosing the best
one. The photographer can capture 3 frames per second shooting speed, either in DNG or JPEG format.
It is the fastest in its class.

Optional Accessories
The Leica X1 is like any other system product. A wide range of accessories for the LEICA X1 including the
bright line view finder, the handgrip and ever-ready cases are available.

source: leicarumors.com