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Leica S Press Release

Guy Mancuso

Administrator, Instructor
PRESS RELEASE
NEW: LEICA S
The synthesis of optimum imaging quality, perfect handling and outstanding speed
Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presents a new camera in the Leica S-System portfolio, a revolutionary digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. The next generation in the successful line, the Leica S offers increased imaging quality and sensor sensitivity, predictive autofocus, higher speed and improved handling. Numerous enhanced functions contribute to the camera’s further acceleration and greater security of the professional photographic workflow. In addition to the new camera body, three lenses have been added to the S-System portfolio, significantly expanding the capabilities of the system: the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. super-wide, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. and the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. tilt/shift lens.
“This expansion of the system is further confirmation that the dedicated digital concept of the S-System sets new standards in the world of medium format photography while providing the speed and handling of a 35 mm SLR,” said Stephan Schulz, Head of Professional Imaging at Leica Camera AG. “In terms of its rugged resilience, reliability and versatility, the new Leica S is the first choice for photographers who refuse to make compromises.”
New Image And Sensor Board For More Quality And Higher Speed
One of the most remarkable innovations in the Leica S is its new image and sensor board. The upgrade of these electronic components has led to the increased imaging quality of the Leica S, as well as the improvement of noise characteristics, natural color rendition and the precision of its white balance. The latter function has now been extended to include a ‘Grey Card’ option that allows photographers to shoot a subject with a neutral grey area, such as a grey card, and define the white balance determined as a reference for all following photos to ensure a consistently precise color mood from beginning to end of a shoot. The extended sensitivity range of the sensor at both ends gives photographers more freedom of choice in the selection of exposure parameters. For example, the lower basic ISO setting of 100 allows longer working at maximum aperture in extremely bright conditions, while the maximum sensitivity of ISO 1600 enables them to capture noise-free images even under difficult lighting conditions. In addition, the double buffer memory of 2 GB and support of transfer rates up to 166 MB/s enables photographers to shoot continuous sequences of more than twice as many (up to 32) consecutive images in RAW format, at a full resolution of 37.5 MP. There is no limit to the number of consecutive images that may be captured in JPEG format. Images can be
saved parallel to the original files in a choice of 37.5, 9.3 and 2.3 megapixels to provide photographers with a preview of the work in progress straight from the camera at the desired resolution.
Fast, Predictive Autofocus Module For Subjects In Motion
The upgraded autofocus module not only increases the speed, but also enhances focusing precision. In combination with its fascinating imaging quality, the Leica S sets new standards for professional action photography. To ensure that moving subjects remain sharp and can be swiftly tracked, the Leica S features a predictive autofocus. The camera compares past movements of the subject and computes the location of the subject at the time of exposure. The autofocus locks on to this computed point before the shutter release is pressed.
GPS System And Leveling Aid For Precision And Uncomplicated Workflows
The Leica S is the only professional camera to feature an integrated GPS module that can add the geographical positioning data of the exposure location to the Exif data of an image whenever necessary. This function allows the precise synchronization of the system time (internal clock) for any worldwide location where satellite signals can be received. With software (the professional image administration and processing tool, Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 4 is supplied with the camera), every image can be shown on a map and tagged with a location name that can be used to locate the image in the future. The new dual-axis leveling aid (spirit level) displays its readout in the viewfinder to allow photographers to align the subject with absolute precision in the horizontal and vertical plane without the need for external aids.
Optimized Handling
The monitor screen offers a resolution of 920,000 pixels, a 3" diagonal and full sRGB color space, as well as increased contrast and brightness to allow for greater precision when assessing images. The glass covering plate of the monitor screen is manufactured from tough, scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass. The increased viewfinder coverage of 98 percent, additional information displayed in the viewfinder, optimization of the camera menu and a softer rubber coating for better grip all make the new camera easy to handle. Significantly faster navigation in the camera menu is now possible with the new integrated joystick control located on the back. Greater security in the control of studio flash systems is afforded by the new LEMO flash sync socket.
Advantages Of The S-System
The new Leica S possesses all the standard quality characteristics of the S-System including the large (30 x 45 mm) Leica Pro Format sensor and its microlens layer that guarantees consistently uniform brightness from corner to corner. Resembling all S-Lenses, the camera is extremely rugged and sealed against environmental influences such as dust and rain. The unique dual shutter concept offers photographers the choice of using the camera’s fast focal plane shutter or the central shutter of CS-version lenses that allows flash sync at shutter speeds up to 1/1000th of a second. The eight Leica S-System lenses currently available (five of which will also be available with a central shutter) offer photographers all focal lengths and a first-class tilt/shift lens. Furthermore, a wide range of medium format lenses from a number of other manufacturers can easily be mounted on the Leica S using adapters such as the S-Adapter H, which allows the use of Hasselblad H-Lenses with full support of all functions including autofocus, central shutter control and automatic aperture control.
Photographers never face compromises when they choose a Leica S due to details such as secure cable connections, multifunctional memory card slots, further improved energy efficiency and scratch resistant monitor glass. The Leica S stands alone as an ideal and extremely reliable tool for achieving maximum quality results both in the studio and on location, under even the most unfavorable conditions.
Together with the new Leica M, the Leica S marks the beginning of a new era in Leica’s product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the long-term significance and enduring value of the respective systems.
Purchase of the Leica S includes the Leica Protection Plan, offering photographers an extended warranty for a period of three years, as well as a replacement camera during repair. The Leica S will be available from select Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, beginning in December 2012.



LEICA S
Camera type:
Digital medium-format single lens reflex camera for use with Leica S-Lenses.
Image sensor
Type:
Low Noise CCD-Sensor with microlenses and microlens shift
Size:
30 × 45 mm (Leica Pro Format)
Aspect ratio:
2:3
Resolution:
37.5 megapixels
Pixel pitch:
6 μm
Dynamic range:
12 stops
Color depth:
16 bits per pixel
Color spaces:
sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB 2.0.
White balance:
Presets: Daylight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, HMI, fluorescent warm, fluorescent cool, flash, grey card (determined from image) / automatic / color temperature (Kelvin)
Low-pass filter / IR filter:
No / on sensor
Moiré suppression:
In external image processing software (e.g. with the Adobe® Lightroom® software provided with the camera)
Sensitivity range:
ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (manually or automatically controlled)
Lenses
Lens mount:
Leica S-Bayonet for Leica S-Lenses
Focal length:
Dependent on Leica S-Lens attached, conversion factor to 35 mm film equivalent 0.8×
Focusing
Type:
Predictive AF with center cross-sensor defined by cross-hairs on the focusing screen, focusing drive integrated in lenses
AF modes:
Selectable modes AF s (single) = focus priority, AF c (continuous) = release priority, MF (manual), manual override of AF settings possible at all times
AF memory:
Second resistance point hold on shutter release, lock for single exposure or constant by setting with 5-way control
Manual focus:
With lens focusing ring
Exposure setting
Exposure metering:
Exposure metering through the lens (TTL)
Metering modes:
Multi-segment metering (5 fields), center-weighted integral metering, selective (spot) metering (3.5% of image frame)
AE lock:
Second resistance point hold on shutter release, lock for single exposure or constant by setting with 5-way control
Metering range:
(at f/2.5 and ISO 100) Spot metering: EV 2.7 - 20, center-weighted and multi-segment metering: EV 1.2 - 20, warning signal in viewfinder when out of metering range, multi-field photodiode metering cell for available light (continuous light metering)
Exposure control:
Program AE (with shift function) (P), shutter priority AE (T), aperture priority AE (A), manual metering (M)
Exposure compensation:
± 3 EV in half-EV increments
Bracketing (AEB):
3/5 exposures (automatic/manual) / ½, 1, 2, 3 stops, depending on mode setting, variation of exposures with aperture or shutter speed
ISO sensitivity:
ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO1600, automatic control
Shutter
Shutter:
Selectable with main switch
Type:
In-camera: Microprocessor-controlled, metal-blade, vertical focal-plane shutter
Shutter speeds:
Manual setting (T and M modes): 6s to 1/4000 s in half-speed increments, time exposure (B mode): up to max. 125 s, flash sync speed 1/125 s, automatic (A and P modes): continuous from 32 s to 1/4000 s
CS shutter option:
Optional central shutter in Leica S-Lenses (CS versions)
CS shutter speeds:
Manual setting (T and M modes): 6s to 1/1000 s in half-speed increments, flash sync at all speeds, automatic (A and P modes): continuous from 8 s to 1/1000 s
Linear flash mode:
Faster sync speeds than 1/125 s possible with Leica SF 58 flash unit and HSS-capable SCA 3002 flashes
Continuous shooting:
~ 1.5 fps
Release button:
3-step; activation of metering and AF functions, AE/AF lock, shutter release
Self-timer:
Selectable delay, 2 s or 12 s, activation signaled by flashing LED on front of camera and display on monitor
Mirror pre-release:
1st release: Mirror flips up, locks in up position, aperture closes to selected value, 2nd release: Shutter releases, exposure, mirror returns
Viewfinder
Type:
Pentaprism viewfinder with high-eyepoint eyepiece, LCD bar below viewfinder image, illuminated and with displays/warnings
Magnification:
0.87× (with 70 mm lens at infinity)
Viewfinder coverage:
~ 98%
Dioptre compensation:
–3 to +1 diopters
Focusing screen:
Interchangeable, ground glass screen with microprism ring and split image (standard), full ground glass screen with cross-hairs (optional accessory), full ground glass screen with engraved grid (optional accessory)
Displays
Type:
Full-color, self-illuminating, top-deck panel (OLED), (OLED), monitor screen
Monitor screen:
3-inch TFT-LCD monitor screen with 921,600 pixels, 16 million colors, sRGB color space, image field ~ 100%, maximum oblique viewing angle 170°
Protective cover:
Anti-reflex/dirt-repellent protective glass cover in scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass
Flash
Connection:
Hot shoe with central contact and dedicated control contacts, LEMO® or standard flash connection sockets without control of flash power, standard flash sync socket
Metering modes:
TTL (multi-segment, selective, center-weighted)
Compatibility:
Full compatibility with Leica SF 58 and flash units with SCA3002 adapters
X synchronization:
1/125 s (body FPS) / 1/1000 s (lens CS), sync at all slower speeds, choice of first or second curtain sync; FPS flash sync at faster shutter speeds (1/180 s-1/4000 s) possible with suitably equipped flash units (HSS mode)
Flash exposure correction:
± 3 EV in ½ EV increments
Second curtain sync:
Yes
Flash metering cell:
Multi-field photodiode
Strobe flash mode:
Automatic adjustment of shutter speed in exposure modes P and A
Displays in flash mode:
Flash-ready signaled by flashing/constant flash symbol in viewfinder
Flash reflector angle:
Automatic adaptation to focal length of lens attached with Leica SF58 flash unit or system-compatible flash units with motorized zoom reflector
Exposure
Exposure modes:
Single frame, continuous, self-timer 2 s (with mirror pre-release), self-timer 12 s (with mirror pre-release)
Data recording
Image file formats:
DNG 5000 × 7500 pixels, 37.5 MP, ~ 72 MB per image, lossless compressed DNG (7500 × 5000 pixels, ~ 42 MB per image), JPEG (7500 × 5000 pixels, in three resolutions, 37.5, 9.3, 2.3 megapixels, ~ 1-16 MB per image, depending on resolution and image content)
Maximum frame rate:
1.5 fps.
Buffer memory:
DNG max. 28 images, DNG compressed max. 32 images, JPEG no limit
Simultaneous recording in DNG and JPG possible:
Yes, arbitrary combinations of DNG and JPEG, various formats on different memory cards (e.g. DNG on CF card, JPEG on SD card)
Storage options:
SD card (SD cards to 2 GB max., SDHC card to 32 GB max., SDXC card), Compact Flash card (UDMA7), external transfer to PC hard disk
Other functions
Review formats:
Single frame with exposure parameters, single frame, 4 thumbnails, 9 thumbnails, loupe function
Zoom magnifier in review mode:
4-step loupe function, pixel-level magnification, 100% view by longer pressure on clickwheel
Delete protection:
Delete protect for individual images
Menu categories:
Camera, Image, Setup, Play
Menu languages:
9 languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese
Firmware update:
User upload option
GPS:
Selectable (may not be available in all countries due to local legislation) - forced deactivation possible, positioning data recorded in the Exif data of image files
Date/time:
User setting option, automatic date-, time- and time zone-synchronization with activated GPS module
Levelling:
Acceleration-sensor controlled determination, range: Pitch (lateral axis) and tilt (longitudinal axis) ± 90°, accuracy / display sensitivity <1° at 0-40°C (32 -104°F) ambient temperature, displayed on monitor
Interfaces
ISO hot shoe, High-speed USB 2.0 (LEMO socket with strain relief, cable included in package)
PC:
HDMI Type C socket, remote release, X-flash sync, SCA3002, 7-pin LEMO flash connection socket, interface for Leica multifunctional handgrip-S
Other:
OS compatibility
Systems:
Windows® XP, Windows Vista®, Windows 7® Apple Macintosh upwards from MAC OSX® 10.5
Software package:
Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® and Leica Image Shuttle 2, downloadable from the Leica
Owners Area after product registration
Power supply
On/off:
Main switch on top deck, selectable automatic sleep mode after ~ 2, 5, or 10 minutes
Battery:
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, nominal voltage 7.4 V, capacity 2100 mAh
Battery-independent power supply:
With Leica AC-Adapter S (optional accessory)
Battery level display:
In top deck OLED panel
Power-saving options (sleep function):
4 steps, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, off
Power supply and battery charger:
Rapid charger S (with integrated US mains plug, interchangeable EU, UK, and AUS plugs, and car adapter)
Inputs: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, automatic adaptation, or 12/24 V DC; output: 7.4 V DC, 1250 mA
Body
Body construction:
Full-metal chassis in die cast aluminum with high-grip plastic coating, magnesium alloy top deck, base plate in glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate
Operating conditions:
0 to +45°C (32 to 113°F), 15–80% relative humidity
Dimensions (W × H × D):
160 × 80 × 120 mm (6.29 x 4.72 x 3.15 in)
1260 g / 2.78 lbs (body only, with battery)
Dust proof/splash proof:
Yes / yes
Tripod thread:
1/4-inch and 3/8-inch bushes, with locator holes for anti-twist locking pins
Package
Package content:
S-Body, rapid charger S (with integrated US mains plug, interchangeable EU, UK, and AUS plugs, and car adapter), rechargeable lithium -ion battery, LEMO® USB cable, LEMO® flash sync cable, carrying strap, bayonet cap, eyepiece cap
Accessories (optional)
Flash:
Leica SF58, Leica SF58 Diffuser
Other:
Leica multifunctional handgrip S, Leica hand strap S, professional charger S, Leica AC adapter S, Leica case S, Leica HDMI cable, Leica grid focusing screen S, Leica microprism focusing screen S, Leica standard focusing screen S, Leica remote release cable S, Leica S-Adapter H/V/M645/P67
Service Packages:
Leica Protection Plan Body (included in price)
Leica Protection Plan Lens (optional)
Leica Protection Plan Vario Lens (optional) Leica Protection Plan CS Lens (optional)
 

gerald.d

Well-known member
Predictive auto-focus. Now that's more like it. Phase take note please.

I take it this is a first for MF?
 

Guy Mancuso

Administrator, Instructor
I cant read any of these i put up at least 10 press releases today and my head is spinning.

Okay predictive auto focus. So it can think now, than it sure dont need my *** behind the finder. It does it all.

Okay Im heading for a nap. LOL
 

pophoto

New member
I cant read any of these i put up at least 10 press releases today and my head is spinning.

Okay predictive auto focus. So it can think now, than it sure dont need my *** behind the finder. It does it all.

Okay Im heading for a nap. LOL
Nothing with more glass announcements won't remedy, Guy!
 

msadat

Member
so just a little better s2. more buffer, better af and more res for the back screen. not that much change overall and just a minor upgrade. i was expecting a 50 meg cmos with high iso and a little faster shooting too. so another two years wait time
 

Guy Mancuso

Administrator, Instructor
so just a little better s2. more buffer, better af and more res for the back screen. not that much change overall and just a minor upgrade. i was expecting a 50 meg cmos with high iso and a little faster shooting too. so another two years wait time
Sounds like the Hassy and Phase announcement just more tweaks.
 

Christopher

Active member
It would be so much fun to see the faces of some at these tweaking companies, if Pentax or Hassi would be able to present a wow product tomorrow.

The only great thing, even though I have said it a few times is, that now after photokina there is no reason not to buy a d800... Canon produces one epic fail after another... Nothing new from Phase, which would justify that much money... no Leica CMOS for the S3, well Nikon great news for you ;)
 

RVB

Member
It would be so much fun to see the faces of some at these tweaking companies, if Pentax or Hassi would be able to present a wow product tomorrow.

The only great thing, even though I have said it a few times is, that now after photokina there is no reason not to buy a d800... Canon produces one epic fail after another... Nothing new from Phase, which would justify that much money... no Leica CMOS for the S3, well Nikon great news for you ;)
The 1DX was not a canon fail.. I have a D800 and it's pretty good but has its own issues , there are some great lenses available for it but the S lenses are excellent,and leaf shutters make a big difference to people that work a lot with strobes ..ok,the leaf shutters have not been available but hopefully that's sorted out now..

D800's will continue to sell by the bucketload and the S system will sell to a different market..
 

docmoore

Subscriber and Workshop Member
The 1DX was not a canon fail.
Spent the morning with the 1DX a ZF.2 21 and 50 macro and ZE 85 1.4....

Very compelling captures....not up to the the S2 but every bit that of a D3S and 18MP not 12MP.

Really is an overlooked camera...probably a bit overpriced but cheap by L standards.


Bob
 

RVB

Member
Spent the morning with the 1DX a ZF.2 21 and 50 macro and ZE 85 1.4....

Very compelling captures....not up to the the S2 but every bit that of a D3S and 18MP not 12MP.

Really is an overlooked camera...probably a bit overpriced but cheap by L standards.


Bob
I think the 1Dx A.F is amazing and the ergonomics are fantastic.. Ergonomics are very subjective but I think it feels better than any other camera I ever used,ideally it would be a few hundred grams lighter and have backlit buttons but Overall it's excellent..

Rob
 

glenerrolrd

Workshop Member
Actually the new "S" looks just perfect if you are an existing S2 user . The new features (to be verified for sure ) that matter to me (1) improved AF (2)better high ISO and (3) lower native ISO (for better IQ) . Each of these are evolutionary but contribute to a product that is getting better all the time .

The price and warranty are whats special . The new S is less expensive($21K) than the S2 and comes with a 3 year warranty included . On a S2 ..3 years of warranty costs about $5K . Comparing apples to apples the new S is almost $4500 less than the S2 was at introduction. This also narrows the gap if you are one to want continuous warranty coverage .

Would I upgrade to get the new stuff...maybe ..but I feel great that the S2 looks more like a long term solution . The new S must look pretty good to those considering MF but concerned about giving up the DSLR handling .

The lenses are now rounding out and will soon be pretty complete especially with the H adapter .

They didn t need to fix it ..they just needed to improve the value proposition and get the darn lenses out .
 

msadat

Member
Roger, i do have the s2 and see no reason to upgrade, there is not much that can get from the ccd in terms of high iso if it does not have it. so i think the iso 1600 is just for show. the AF and buffer sounds very good but not worth the upgrade for me. now may be they will have an S2 upgrade program to change the af and add buffer. that i like and will do



Actually the new "S" looks just perfect if you are an existing S2 user . The new features (to be verified for sure ) that matter to me (1) improved AF (2)better high ISO and (3) lower native ISO (for better IQ) . Each of these are evolutionary but contribute to a product that is getting better all the time .

The price and warranty are whats special . The new S is less expensive($21K) than the S2 and comes with a 3 year warranty included . On a S2 ..3 years of warranty costs about $5K . Comparing apples to apples the new S is almost $4500 less than the S2 was at introduction. This also narrows the gap if you are one to want continuous warranty coverage .

Would I upgrade to get the new stuff...maybe ..but I feel great that the S2 looks more like a long term solution . The new S must look pretty good to those considering MF but concerned about giving up the DSLR handling .

The lenses are now rounding out and will soon be pretty complete especially with the H adapter .

They didn t need to fix it ..they just needed to improve the value proposition and get the darn lenses out .
 

glenerrolrd

Workshop Member
Roger, i do have the s2 and see no reason to upgrade, there is not much that can get from the ccd in terms of high iso if it does not have it. so i think the iso 1600 is just for show. the AF and buffer sounds very good but not worth the upgrade for me. now may be they will have an S2 upgrade program to change the af and add buffer. that i like and will do
Justifying an upgrade was not my point ..its about keeping the S competitive . Most S owners are quite happy and will not upgrade . The enhancements will not be sufficient in most cases .....however ...if they were(as in high ISO for weddings ) ..the cost is not as expensive as expected . (I was expecting a $15K difference to upgrade ) . It will be closer to $10K but I get $5K in warranty .

If someone was considering MF ..the cost of the new S is actually lower than it was at introduction and with 2 additional years of warranty . The improvements look like the ones I would mention if asked .

I would think that most existing S2 users would be pretty happy . They have workable alternatives . It looks good that the S line will continue to be enhanced ,new lenses are coming and the S looks pretty competitive for attracting new S owners .

Consider the alternatives ..Leica introduces another "one up" product that has 60-80MPs and costs $30K plus . Many would take the position ...not me ..I will stick with my S2 and "not buy another S". Or they could have moved to CMOS and given us another few months tuning post processing .

If they support the system as they have the M for years ..I will buy another S ..maybe not this time but when the benefits look worth it .

Used S2 s at near $10K-12K look pretty good as 40MP alternative .

I view this as anything but a ho hum ..nothing new here announcement . I think they got this one right. Save that $$$$ for the new lenses. :D
 
I am very happy with the improvements Leica has made to the new S camera. It appears they have addressed everything I (and many other S users) wanted improved without making changes to the aspects of the camera I love. They even made some enhancements not on my wish list that are welcome (e.g., in camera level, gps, and higher resolution display with sRGB color gamut). Plus, as Roger points out, the addition of a 3 year warranty included in the price helps the value of the purchase.

I look forward to trying the new S. If the predictive autofocus really works and ISO 1600 is useable, then my wallet is in trouble. The other added improvements are enough extras to help justify the cost to upgrade. I want to get the 30-90mm zoom before the new S though.
 

GMB

Active member
I am with Roger and Mark. The big question for me is whether we will see a new firmware for the S2 and what improvements that will bring.

Otherwise, the new S addresses my wish list. Whether to upgrade depends on the price gap between the new S and a used S2. BTW, does anyone know the prices in the EU for the new S. I only saw the US prices so far.

Edit: Price in EUR 19,500 VAT included (in Germany). That is 1,500 more than the S2 when it came out but it does include the Leica protection plan.

Edit and OT: Recently had a fantastic experience with the Leica customer service. The leather cover of my S2 came off at two points. Called Leica who had the camera picked up at my office in Brussels, checked, fixed the leather and one other issue (dirt in the view finder), did a sensor clean, and shipped the camera back. All of that took a little over a week. No charges (I had offered to pay for the sensor clean). And I have "only" the S2, not the S2P.
 

fotografz

Well-known member
Justifying an upgrade was not my point ..its about keeping the S competitive . Most S owners are quite happy and will not upgrade . The enhancements will not be sufficient in most cases .....however ...if they were(as in high ISO for weddings ) ..the cost is not as expensive as expected . (I was expecting a $15K difference to upgrade ) . It will be closer to $10K but I get $5K in warranty .

If someone was considering MF ..the cost of the new S is actually lower than it was at introduction and with 2 additional years of warranty . The improvements look like the ones I would mention if asked .

I would think that most existing S2 users would be pretty happy . They have workable alternatives . It looks good that the S line will continue to be enhanced ,new lenses are coming and the S looks pretty competitive for attracting new S owners .

Consider the alternatives ..Leica introduces another "one up" product that has 60-80MPs and costs $30K plus . Many would take the position ...not me ..I will stick with my S2 and "not buy another S". Or they could have moved to CMOS and given us another few months tuning post processing .

If they support the system as they have the M for years ..I will buy another S ..maybe not this time but when the benefits look worth it .

Used S2 s at near $10K-12K look pretty good as 40MP alternative .

I view this as anything but a ho hum ..nothing new here announcement . I think they got this one right. Save that $$$$ for the new lenses. :D
I agree Roger.

What is most important to me right now is knowing exactly how good the new performance aspects are. Basically the same considerations regarding my H4D/60 to H5 possibility.

For me, these key S performance elements can tip me into a second S2 as opposed to any trade-up scenario, so I can exit the 35mm DSLR world altogether ... which was my plan all along. To do that I have to have redundant camera back-up.

If I upgrade the Hasselblad, or they surprise the world with a new camera today, I'm more than happy with S2 as it stands, and then hope dearly that Leica doesn't forget us S2 owners, and provides firmware updates to continuously tweak our existing camera ... like Hasselblad has done where possible.

New M, New S, New H5D, possible new Hasselblad camera ... the top tier, cross platform assault on the piggy bank is staggering. It is gonna be decision time :loco: ... and the problem with making a decision is that it eliminates all the other possibilities :cry:

-Marc
 
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