The first weekly news of 2022 is all about the Leica M11, two very cheap APS-C lenses and a small firmware update for Panasonic micro four thirds cameras.
Leica M11
Four years after the M10, the successor to the iconic M series arrives with a lot of updates.
At the core there is a 60MP BSI sensor, which is a considerable jump from the 24MP chip found in the M10 (it was followed by the M10-R with 40MP). I believe the M11 is also the first Leica M to have a back-illuminated sensor. The ISO sensitivity is 64 to 50,000.
The M11 takes advantages of its high resolution for two features:
- Adjustable resolution: the camera can take pictures using the entire 60 megapixels and then downsize the images to 36MP or 18MP to have a smaller file size. Leica says that the dynamic range improves as the files are reduced. This functions with RAW format as well as JPG.
- Crop mode: you can capture 1.3 crop (39MP) or 1.8x crop (18MP) images to reduce the field of view
The M11 features a thin dual layer filter in front of the sensor to ensure more light reach in the corners, hence improving corner sharpness. A first for a Leica M is the presence of multi-field metering evaluation.
Another new feature is the addition of a stabilisation mode for the live view screen, which helps you to focus manually at close distances. Note that this doesn’t apply to the final image (in other words, the M11 doesn’t have IBIS).
Other Leica M11 features at a glance:
- 4.5fps burst
- 1/4000s max. shutter speed (1/16,000s when using the electronic shutter)
- 2.33M dot resolution for the rear LCD, which is also touch sensitive
- 64GB internal memory (can be used alongside the SD card)
- USB C port with USB charging
- new battery with 64% increased capacity
- Price: $8995
You can read more about the Leica M11 on DPreview.
Rockstar 10mm F8 Fisheye and 27mm F2.8
From a very expensive Leica camera to two very affordable APS-C lenses, and I mean really affordable because these are available for less than $80. They are for Canon EOS-M, Fuji X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon Z and Sony E mount.
Rockstar 10mm F8 Fisheye main characteristics:
- 16mm equivalent field of view (APS-C), 20mm for M4/3
- Fixed f/8 aperture
- 5 elements in 4 groups
- 3 extra-low dispersion elements
- 5 aperture blades
- Minimum focusing distance: 30cm
- Manual focus, no electronic contacts
- Very thin design
- Very light (80g)
Rockstar 27mm F2.8 main characteristics:
- 43mm equivalent field of view (APS-C), 54mm for M4/3
- 6 elements in 5 groups
- Minimum focusing distance: 25cm
- Manual focus, no electronic contacts
- Very compact design
Firmware updates for the Panasonic G9 and GH5S
Version 2.6 (G9) and 2.3 (GH5S) fix a few problems when using the Lumix Tether software on Mac and PC.
You can download the firmwares on the Panasonic Japan Support page.
