Leica X Vario, formerly-known as Mini M, becomes official

The Leica Mini M has finally become official, under the name of X Vario, after a couple of weeks filled with teasers from the German manufacturer and speculation from the rumor mill.

Leica has begun teasing a camera codenamed Mini M in late May. The company has revealed that a a new M camera will join the series, as a shooter between the M and the X2 Micro M.

Leica X Vario has shed its Mini M status, after becoming official just moments ago. It features a built-in flash and a 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor.

Leica X Vario finally becomes official, confirms that the rumors have been 100% true

The rumor mill has entered the fray shortly after that. It has been revealed that the so-called Mini M will feature a 16.5-megapixel APS-C image sensor, fixed and slow zoom lens, but no built-in viewfinder. Additionally, it has been said that it will be called X Vario Type 107.

Upon hearing the rumors, Leica has continued its teaser campaign and has revealed that we will get the truth in stores on June 11. This fact has led many people to think that the leaks have been controlled, meaning that the company was actually fooling us.

Trusted sources have added that there is no way their information is false and that the X Vario is just another “boring” camera. Well, they are partially right, as all of their details have become official, along with the camera, though photographers and consumers will decide whether the Mini M is boring or not.

Leica X Vario is packing a 18-46mm f/3.5-6.4 zoom lens. The glass will offer a 35mm format equivalent of 28-70mm.

Leica’s Mini M is an APS-C camera with a slow and fixed zoom lens

Leica X Vario is now official as the Mini M of the M series. The digital camera features a 16.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, which shoots photos at 16.1 megapixels.

Moreover, the device is packing a Leica Vario Elmar 18-46mm f/3.5-6.4 ASPH fixed zoom lens, which provides a 35mm equivalent of 28-70mm.

It is capable of recording 1920 x 1080 videos at 30 frames per second with superior sound quality, thanks to a wind-noise filter. Films are recorded as MP4 files, therefore they can be easily shared on social networking services, without requiring any post-processing.

Leica X Vario features a 3-inch LCD screen on its back, which acts as the Live View, since a viewfinder is missing.

There is no integrated viewfinder, but the optional EVF Viso-Flex is available now

Leica’x new camera is based on the same design as other past cameras. It features aluminum touches and easy access to camera buttons and dials. Additionally, a 3-inch LCD screen is there to display all the important  information required when capturing photos and videos.

The LCD screen can be used as a Live View, since there is no integrated viewfinder. However, the X Vario packs a hot shoe, which can be used for attaching the EVF Viso-Flex swiveling viewfinder, the same one being available for the M Typ 240 for the price of £380.

Leica X Vario sports several buttons and dials on its top, allowing photographers to control the camera like they would handle a professional one.

Buy one Leica X Vario today and receive Adobe Lightroom free

Leica X Vario release date is today, as previously suggested for a price of £2,250 in the UK, €2,450 in Europe, and $2,850 in the United States. All units will be manufactured in Germany, like all other Leica shooters.

Buyers will also receive a free copy of Adobe Lightroom and quite possibly it is the latest version, “5”, which has just been announced. The Leica X Vario is available for purchase at Amazon right now for $2,850.