LEICA M9-P
Billed as the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera,
the 18MP M9-P is decidedly Leica in its rangefinder design and
features. Like its predecessor, the M9, the M9-P features a full-frame 24 x 36mm (35mm format) CCD sensor in a discreet but
solid metal rangefinder camera body. The M9-P is designed with
an even more understated, stealthy look, with no model name
or branding on its front plate. The Leica red dot logo and the M9
lettering have been removed from the M9-P and replaced with
the Leica name engraved in script on the top plate. The M9-P
also features a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the
LCD screen. An anti-reflective coating on the screen is designed
to let you see your images better in bright lighting conditions.
The M9-P is, of course, compatible with M-mount lenses from
16mm to 135mm and the sensor has been designed to optimize
the performance of those lenses. Solidly built from high tensile
magnesium alloy with a top deck and bottom plate machined
from blocks of brass, the M9-P is compact but not exactly small
enough to fit in your pocket. (Maybe your coat pocket.) ISO ranges from a minimum of 160 to a maximum of 2500, but can be
extended to ISO 80. Full manual controls, multiple white balance
options and other features you’d expect from a Leica are available
with the M9-P. The camera is available in a silver chrome or paint
black finish.
Price: $7,995
Website: www.leica.com
NIKON COOLPIX P7100
A follow-up to the P7000 from a year ago, the 10MP
P7100, Nikon’s flagship Coolpix model, offers a handful
of upgrades, most of which are internal. Nikon promises
improved performance including faster and more accurate
autofocus with the P7100, as well as an overall increase in
operational speed. Otherwise, the P7100 is much like its
predecessor and is also equipped with a 1/1.7 inch CCD
sensor. While that means the P7100 is limited to 720p HD
video, the larger sensor size combined with the modest
megapixel count indicates possible low noise at high ISOs.
The highest native ISO is 3200 but it can be expanded to
the equivalent of 6400. There’s also a Low Noise Night
mode that pushes the ISO to 12,800. Measuring 3. 1 x 4. 6
x 1. 9 inches, the P7100 isn’t as pocketable as its P300
sibling but it’s still highly portable. Its 7.1x zoom lens
provides a useful focal range from 28-200mm and utilizes optical image stabilization for both still and video capture. Equipped with a
full complement of manual and semi-manual exposure modes, along with RAW + JPEG capabilities, the P7100 also offers a number of
bonus features such as a virtual horizon indicator and Zoom Memory. Nikon changed up the 3-inch, 921,000-dot LCD and made it tilt-
able, for easier overhead and low angle shooting. New effects have been added as well, including cross processing and an optical zoom
effect to give the camera a little extra creative edge.
Price: $499
Website: www.nikon.com
