You have to ask yourself - why didnt Leica continue the relationship with C1 with the S2 - since it worked so well with the M series cameras?
Anyone have any clues on this? Seems to be a BIG hole in their strategy of delivering a professional camera system for professionals - if they cant shoot tethered?
Leica's decision to move to Adobe was made in Dec 2008, just 2-3 months after the P1-Leica alliance was announced.
The reasons were twofold:
1) The S2 is now a direct competitor to Phase One's hardware business. There were concerns at Leica that P1 would somehow undermine the output quality from C1. There was also the issue that anyone receiving a copy of C1 must register on Phase's website with name, email, address, and product. Essentially, Leica would be handing over their entire list of S2 customers on a silver platter.
2) From a software point of view, Adobe brings a lot to the table. LR has become the most popular and widely used RAW processor in a very short amount of time. Adobe products are stable, full-featured, and ubiquitous. Adobe won't stop their pace of development. LR 3 is expected to be out within a matter of months. The integration with CS4 (later CS5) is also beneficial. Ultimately, Leica felt that Adobe would be the strongest software partner for the long term.
Why don't we wait and see what the Leica Image Shuttle application looks like before passing judgment on tethering capability?
David