Jump to content

The R solution - more details


roydonian

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The same story again... Why is everyone so fascinated about stuffing standard components in a Leica to make it cheaper? There are many cheaper, well-working cameras out there. What we need is a serious alternative in design, manufacturing and technology - just like they do with their lenses.

 

A Sony-sensor in the EVIL? Like in the X1? Propably a generation behind their own offerings within a few months? Why not just buying a cheaper Sony Alpha-EVIL then?

Leica needs a partner who actually cares (needs?) about Leica, not some anonymous giant who considers Leica a low-volume customer at best. Problems with sensors? Deal with it in the own cameras and those from Nikon first, than the others. Special wishes from Leica (remember improved offset microlenses which made the M9 possible and still has the shortest flange distance for any FF-sensor)? Of course, when it fits into the own portfolio...

A Leica camera has to stand out, offer something unique and that won't be possible with standard components stuffed into a body with a red dot - despite the economic success of Panaleicas.

 

I don't know if they can stitch sensor for FF/30x45mm-size and the pixel-pitch is 8.25µm (12MP FF) but the rest is impressive:

 

ARRI ALEV-III, engineered by ARRI and Partners, made by Cypress Semiconductor.

A CMOS-sensor which runs up to 60fps and offers 14 (!!!) stops of dynamic range (with real 16bit output by combination of two 14bit DACs) even at 3200ASA and more "filmic" images than any digital acquisition technology before - no need to stick with Kodak Full-Frame CCDs, IMHO.

 

Here's a comparison with what Sony (the opponent of ARRI thought they make it the simple-way: buy technology from the "specialist" Sony - they don't have a chance right now and try to keep up with their own development) came up with in comparison:

http://www.fletch.com/images/783_1_SensitivityComparison.img_assist_custom-785x381.jpg

 

Here's what latitude it offers in comparison to a 7D (highlight latitude also limited by heavy compression but the 7D even runs 2 1/3EV slower):

Alexa vs 7d latitude tests on Vimeo

 

So when I dream of a Leica EVIL, I dream of an Alexa (which also offers the highest quality EVF on the market) as a still photography camera - not some rebadged Panasonic or Sony.

 

Anybody wants to dream with me? And by the way, the current CEO of Leica was CEO of ARRI - let's hope they're still friends ;-)

The downside? We propably won't get video functionality ;-)

Link to post
Share on other sites

x
  • Replies 504
  • Created
  • Last Reply
It is obvious that picture doesn't show prototype camera... The same was with first X100 or PEN rumors

What are you talking about? There were no X100 rumours; the announcement came as a surprise. And the first thing we saw of what was to become the digital PEN models was an actual prototype on display at photokina 2008.

 

Why you reject active cooling?

It’s easy to accept active cooling if there’s a power outlet closer than the length of the cord I guess.

 

Thread about potential, rumored R digital solution, FF EVIL - however we call it - is full of brainstorming, ideas that died, experiments, open queston marks, etc.

That causes progress and development.

Sure Leica is working on something. We all know about the “R solution” (the little that is known). But that doesn’t mean that just about any hare-brained rumour must be true or that we should forego our ability to sort the wheat from the chaff.

 

What was considered before Sony?

Sony? The X1 has a Sony sensor, so Leica must have been in talks with Sony in 2009, if not earlier.

Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote name=georg;1614338ARRI ALEV-III' date=' engineered by ARRI and Partners, made by Cypress Semiconductor.

A CMOS-sensor which runs up to 60fps and offers 14 (!!!) stops of dynamic range (with real 16bit output by combination of two 14bit DACs) even at 3200ASA and more "filmic" images than any digital acquisition technology before - no need to stick with Kodak Full-Frame CCDs, IMHO.[/quote]

 

According to the Arri website's "Alexa FAQ", the ALEV-III sensor is 28mm x 18mm with fewer than 7.5 usable megapixels. Sensor cooling is by heat pipes to a radiator and fan. Power consumption of camera and EVF is c. 85w; more if there are motors on the lens.

 

So there's some way to go before it'll be credible in a Leica M. But one can dream.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

@giordano

 

They're working on a sensor for 6k output, so half the pixel-pitch. ARRI makes as much cameras in one month (it's 70k$) as Leica does in one day - it might be interesting for them to distribute R&D-costs with someone who isn't a competitor.

The heat management is done to assure high IQ and reliability even at 60fps for several hours under extreme conditions - it's a professional camera that HAS to work. This sensor doesn't generate more heat or works less efficient than usual CMOS-designs, it would work with line skipping to keep power consumption down during EVF usage - like all EVIL-cameras.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The market was certainly there I agree...but could Leica have made money from it ! That I very much doubt.

 

In the niche market of R/F digital, Leica can make mistakes, can learn some expensive electronic and optical lessons and still make money. The DSLR market with some very sophisticated competition, would have torn them to pieces IMHO.

 

Leica still make the best lenses and have some time now to learn even more about modern AF technology and with the experience gained from the M8/9 electronics... there could still be a viable Leica DSLR or whatever the latest version of design will be described.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, rumors for rumors, this is the last one, from Spain...

 

Leica "almost ready" with its mirrorless solution? | Leica News & Rumors

 

Sounds quite strange in respect of official announcements from Leica. I would expect for the mirrorless solution a next generation of EVFs and innovative sensors. But frankly, if it works well with R lenses, even a solution with X1 image quality but 35 mm sensor would be welcome.

Link to post
Share on other sites

build a sensor thin as a film, then connect it to electronics and a batterie small as a film roll, and you will be a rich man (maybe :D)

 

This way you can recycle all old R3,4,5,6,7,8,9, but also Nikon F,2,3,4,5,6 and so on ;-)

 

This is not that difficult (except the sensor maybe). But who will do this? They all want to sell their new systems.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Actually it's very difficult. You haven't thought it through.

 

of course I haven't :rolleyes:

 

When you see what they can put in a cellphone today, I think it should be possible to store all the electronics in a film roll, no? If not now, maybe in some years. I think the biggest deal will be the sensor, I cannot imagine how to get it as thin as film, but ok, maybe a kind of databack like the DMR will do it. We don't need 5 frames per second and live view.

 

Just a crazy idea .......

Link to post
Share on other sites

... Kind of misses the point a bit :)

Yes, it's a bit like spotting a hole in your fence that a mouse could squeeze through but ignoring the fact that the gate's open and a herd of wildebeest is crowding through it. (After sweeping majestically across the plains of course.:rolleyes:)

 

Pete.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...