Camera for Future Leica Readying Mirrorles

Leica is working on its own mirrorless compact camera range, and it will be launched at Photokina in 2012. The news comes from Leica CEO Alfred Schopf, who spoke to UK magazine Amateur Photographer during an interview yesterday.

Schopf was circumspect, but told AP that the cameras would have sensors at APS-C sized or bigger, and most likely feature a built-in electronic viewfinder. He also made the point that its the lens, not the camera which is important. �Our philosophy is that the best lenses will lead to better images,� he said. Leica chairman Andreas Kaufmann, also present, added that �Sensors are becoming a commodity, like film was. It�s happening now. APS you can buy rather cheaply.�
Of course, you can get a small, mirrorless body with Leica lenses now if you buy a Micro Four Thirds camera. What I�d love to see, but probably never will, is a cut-down version of the M9. The same lens-mount, the same rangefinder focussing and the same (presumably commodity) sensor, only in a less-solid body that doesn�t cost $7,000. Because if Leica just makes a Lumix GF1 with a red dot and a $2,000 price-tag, I�ll stick with the one I�ve already got. (www.wired.com)