Meet Leica X-U, the £2400 scuba-camera

Exactly how good is the Leica, though? The lens has a close minimum focus distance of jut 8 inches.

The camera is heavily inspired by the Leica T, though it isn’t as slim as the T model.

The X-U is due later this month and will retail for $2,950.

Leica has announced its new Leica X-U (Typ 113) camera designed for tough outdoors conditions. “Inside there’s a 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Summilux 23mm f/1.7 ASPH lens is water-sealed, and provides the equivalent point of view of a 35mm lens on a 35mm sensor camera”.

APS-C CMOS Sensor The compact and lightweight Leica X-U packs a powerful punch, featuring an impressively large image sensor with a high resolution of more than 16 megapixels.

Low-light and shallow depth-of-field shots should be no problem, thanks to a generous f/1.7 maximum aperture. The X-U was designed in collaboration with Audi. The body is made out of Aluminium and thermoplastic material, and is sealed off from dust and water alike. These robust protective features ensure that photographers can concentrate fully on their subject, with full confidence in the camera’s durability. While you’re submerged, an underwater snapshot mode is said to make taking photos easier.

The body had to be somewhat rearranged and tweaked to ruggedize it. For instance, the flash now sits above the front filter, hard-to-operate-with-gloves buttons replace the back dial and there’s a UW (underwater) button.

Just in time for underwater basket-weaving season Leica has introduced the Leica X-U, a rugged, waterproof camera that records full HD video. And whether the footage is intended for a professional production or a home movie to share with friends and family, the Leica X-U delivers high quality results that perfectly capture that special adventure. The UK price? £2400.