Technically that's cheap, eg. compared to the DMR, for US$4,995 you could not even get a back (it's US$5,950), to get the latest MP (film) is now US$3,495. In this case, you get a handmade metal body with a superb rangefinder and at least 12 MP if not more.
The 1Ds Mark II was also more than US$8,000 when it first came out, even now prices are still above US$6,500.
The M8 will be like a 1D for most buyers, meaning it is not something to buy and dispose of in 12-18 months. So like the 1D, the M8 is targeted at those who are serious about photography. And who can afford it, of course.
So many people have complained about Leica being late to the digital market. But I think this is the right strategy for Leica, to launch the M8 only now, when the megapixel race is more or less over. If Leica had brought out a 4 MP or 6 MP M8, I think a lot of people would have been pissed off by its price/performance.
Hopefully the M8 images will be cleaner and better than that of any SLR in its class, and will be able to capture the subtle qualities that Leica lenses are known for.
Wai Leong
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Terence said:
Just out... the Leica Digital M will be officially called the M8. Dealers are expecting their first stocks to arrive in October. Black bodies available at this time, chrome to follow a couple of months after. Price is a crazy US$4995, not unexpected of course.
Will post more as details emerge... finally, I thought it'll be vaporware to at least next year. Feel free to add if anyone finds more info.
