Latest news with #Leica
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Xiaomi announces 16 Ultra with Leica camera, says it will take mobile photography to new height
Xiaomi has officially confirmed that its next premium flagship, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra, is in the works. This time, the company isn't waiting for rumours or leaks to make the first move. Lu Weibing, who is Xiaomi's President, announced on Weibo that the new Ultra-series phone is coming and promised that it will set a 'new height of mobile imaging.' The teaser also confirmed that Xiaomi and Leica will continue their collaboration for camera tuning, just like they did for earlier Ultra-branded confirmation comes much earlier than expected. Usually, Xiaomi unveils its top-tier Ultra smartphones a few months after the standard flagship series. However, this time, the brand seems to be speeding things up. Well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has now suggested that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra might arrive before its usual launch window. In fact, the tip hints at a debut sometime towards the end of 2025. If that happens, Xiaomi could be planning to launch the Xiaomi 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Ultra models together, something the company hasn't done put things in context, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was introduced in China in February 2025. A month later, it was showcased globally at MWC 2025 in Barcelona and then brought to India in March. The phone was launched in a single variant featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, priced at Rs 1,09,999. While Xiaomi hasn't officially revealed the specifications of the 16 Ultra yet, several leaks have already given us a good idea of what to expect. The focus, as always with the Ultra line, will be on the camera. The 16 Ultra is tipped to feature a 50-megapixel main sensor with a large 1-inch size for better light capture. This could be paired with a high-resolution 200-megapixel periscope-style telephoto camera measuring 1/1.28 inches, offering strong zoom performance. Additionally, a 50-megapixel Sony LYT600 sensor is also expected to be part of the rear camera upcoming phone is also said to come with a large 6.8-inch LTPO display that supports 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It could be powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, which is expected to drive many Android flagships launching later this year and early next life may be another strong point. Reports claim that Xiaomi might use a battery with a capacity between 7,000mAh and 7,500mAh in the 16 Ultra. If true, this would place the phone well ahead of most premium models when it comes to power backup. Fast charging support is also expected, with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging being there is no official confirmation about when the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will arrive in India, the early teaser suggests the company is preparing for a global push sooner than usual. For now, all eyes are on Xiaomi's next move, as it looks to further strengthen its Ultra lineup in the premium flagship space.- Ends
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
The Fujifilm X-E5 proves familiar isn't always a bad thing
The X-E5 is Fujifilm's tiny powerhouse. It's part of a line of cameras that has often been described as similar to the X100, except with an interchangeable lens. But the X-E line has evolved this year and is taking on a new shape. It used to be seen as a budget option, but at $1,699, that can no longer be said. Despite the fact that I've used almost every Fuji out there, this was my first time playing around with any of the X-E line of cameras. The X-E5 is a gorgeous, petite, and classy-looking camera with sharp lines throughout the body, and with buttons and an occasional concave edge for some extra flair and a distinctive look. It is ever-so-slightly shorter and thicker than the X100VI, but weighs about the same when paired with one of Fujifilm's pancake lenses. It is hard to keep your eyes and hands off of it. Over the last few weeks using the camera, I've had a lot of people asking me about it. Two even assumed it might be a Leica. The camera build feels incredibly solid. The dials and the buttons are very clicky; even the side door just feels right. The hinges on the flip screen are sturdy, and it can flip all the way around for some vlogging, too. All those little details matter and make the camera feel premium, but unfortunately this camera is not weather sealed (something you'd also expect for this price). The big new feature for the X-E is the dedicated film simulation dial. We've seen other Fujis adding these, but this was my first time using it. I rarely shift between film simulations since I have a few of my own, which I stick to 99 percent of the time. But the dial does make saving these sims easier, and encouraged me to experiment with different looks a lot more than before. When it comes to video, you get 6.2k up to 30fps and 1080p up to 240fps. The X-E5 can also film in F-Log and F-Log 2 color spaces, so there is plenty of latitude for post-processing, which will match well with other Fujifilm cameras. And there's HLG HDR too. The rolling shutter isn't the greatest, although it's far from bad. But the X-E5 shouldn't be your primary video camera for two big reasons: the video mode takes a toll on this battery, and I've had it overheat after 13 minutes of continuous filming. As stated earlier, this Fuji is equipped with the same sensor we've seen for a few years now. It is a 40MP BSI CMOS 5 sensor and it is capable of making some great images. It has been my favorite Fuji sensor since the CMOS III. The photos are sharp, with plenty of detail, and the noise levels are well managed. Anything above 2000 ISO will slowly start to break down and look mushy and soft. This is where the 7-stop IBIS comes in and helps you to keep that shutter open for a bit longer, therefore lowering your ISO too. I brought this camera with me on a trip to Mexico along with a handful of lenses. The X-E5 proved to be a brilliant travel camera. I loved having the option to stick to my pancake 27mm for an ultra-compact setup or bring the all-rounder 16-55mm zoom lens for some versatility on a long day out. But despite how much I loved my time with the X-E5, all of the recent Fujifilm cameras are becoming too similar to each other when it comes to performance. Some of those cameras excel in some way, but the X-E5 doesn't have anything unique going for it. It is a classic jack of all trades. And that's not a bad thing. But once you start looking at the prices, you might have some second thoughts. When the X-E4 came out it was $850 and was seen as a hidden gem in the lineup. At $1,700, it starts to become a harder sell. However, if you do pick this one, be assured you're picking a brilliant and gorgeous camera. It might no longer be a hidden gem, but it's still a gem. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Vjeran Pavic Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Camera Reviews Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Cameras Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gadgets Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Reviews Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- AsiaOne
Sony RX1R III brings back the compact full-frame but not the Sony playbook, Digital News
Nine years. That's how long it's been since Sony last updated the RX1R series. When Sony pulled the wraps off the RX1R III, the reaction amongst the camera faithful was palpable: "About $(#$)#@* time." In camera years, that's practically a lifetime; enough time for two mirrorless revolutions, half a dozen Fuji X100 models, and preceded the rise of Leica's Q series to near-ubiquity in the high-end compact world - mantle the original RX1 was meant to own-before Leica made it its own. The new RX1R III is beautifully built. It has a rock-solid magnesium alloy body and a clean, flush top plate. It's also smaller and lighter than both the Leica Q3 and the Fuji X100VI, although the lens protrudes further. The RX1R III arrives with Sony's best stills sensor - a 61MP full-frame chip shared with the A7R V and A7CR - and fuses it with their top-tier AI autofocus system. It packs real-time tracking, eye-detect AF, and subject recognition into a body small enough to fit in your palm. However, some things haven't changed. That includes the lens, the screen, and a few of the compromises that made the RX1R II such a niche delight - and a potential source of frustration. What it gets right Sony has managed to cram serious hardware into a palm-sized body. You get the same 61MP BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processor found in Sony's best Alpha bodies. The AF coverage spans roughly 78 per cent of the image area, with 693 phase-detect points and AI-driven subject recognition. Battery life has also improved markedly, thanks to the newer NP-FW50 cell, which doubles the previous model's endurance to approximately 300 shots. Another welcome change: The EVF is no longer a pop-up party trick. Instead, it's now built-in, letting you keep an eyecup attached. The top plate is completely flat, reducing snag risk, and the grip has been reshaped for a more secure hold. Step Crop Shooting lets you simulate 50mm and 70mm perspectives with in-camera crops, something that can be achieved quite well with a great lens and a top-tier high-megapixel sensor. The result: A pseudo-prime trio in your pocket. The lens: A mixed blessing I do use the word pocket quite loosely, though - small it may be, but this isn't a camera that's slim enough. However, it is slimmer than the Leica Q3, which it clearly targets. Sony stuck with the same Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2 lens used in the original RX1. On paper, that sounds like a reminder of how good the original was. This lens features a leaf shutter-rare outside of Fuji's X100 series-allowing high-speed flash sync even in daylight (up to 1/2000s at f/2). It's whisper-quiet, too. And with macro mode built in (down to 20cm), it's still versatile. But is it sharp enough for 61MP? That's up for debate. The FujiFilm X100 VI caught some flak for not introducing a new lens design to complement its higher megapixel count, and the doubters will likely come for the RX1R III too. Sony claims it aligns the lens and imaging surface to the micron for optimal sharpness, but says nothing about new motors, which usually implies that it's reusing established tech. The stuff that raises eyebrows Let's talk about the fixed LCD. It's now higher res and touch-enabled, but it doesn't tilt. For a camera so well-suited to street photography, that's a big miss. Even more so when its predecessor had one. No tilt means no waist-level or discreet high-angle shots-a strange omission from a company famous for flip screen-ceptions. And the EVF? I don't think we will get many mourners for the loss of the pop-up EVF, the resolution is still a modest 2.36M dots. That's low by 2025 standards - especially for a USD 5,099 camera. Yes, you read that right. I'm only mentioning the price so no one says I didn't. Also missing: in-body or optical stabilisation. You get digital stabilisation for video, but stills shooters are out of luck. And it lacks a built-in flash, an internal ND filter, and a second card slot. Sony even removed the dedicated video recording button (too many accidental presses, apparently). Despite the high-res sensor and strong codec support, the RX1R III tops out at 4K 30p. That, combined with the lack of IBIS and only digital movie stabilisation, makes it clear: This is not a vlogging or hybrid camera. It's for stills, period. So, who is this for? If you love the A7CR but want to shave off a few millimetres and grams, and you don't mind that the tech is relatively modest, or you're just a big fan of the RX1 family of cameras waiting to scratch a ten-year itch. If anything, this is the most un-Sony-like camera in a long while. Only Fujifilm can afford to skip headline features, because they sell a well-curated experience. Leica? They're Leica. The Q3 delivers that essence in a smaller package, full stop. The RX1R III is a bold move - it's a "new" camera that challenges the incumbents with none of the calling cards that define it as a Sony. The RX1R III is expected to arrive in Singapore from August 2025 via Sony Stores and authorised dealers. [[nid:677847]] This article was first published in .
India Today
6 days ago
- India Today
Redmi Note 14 SE 5G announced, launching in India on July 28: Details inside
Xiaomi is back in business. After taking a brief hiatus, the company has announced the Redmi Note 14 SE 5G, a new budget phone with seemingly 'killer specs and killer price.' Only, it doesn't seem all that new basis of all the specs that Xiaomi is sharing ahead of its India launch on July 28. So far, it seems like a repurposed Redmi Note 14 is not the first Redmi Note phone with SE branding. Xiaomi has previously launched the Redmi Note 11 SE which was at the height of when it was making these phones literally by the dozen. The Redmi Note 11 SE itself was a rebranded Redmi Note 10S without a charger in the box. This was in 2022. Over the course of time, Xiaomi went on to streamline and cut down on launches, admitting too many Redmi Note phones were confusing the customer. Since then, it has also gone on to try and break into India's premium smartphone space with top-tier camera phones with Leica partnership – while at the same time, increasing the prices of the Redmi Note last Note models to launch in India were the Redmi Note 14, Redmi Note 14 Pro, and Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus with a starting price of Rs 18,999. The Redmi Note 14 SE is expected to be more affordable, though whether it comes at the expense of in-box charger (or something else entirely) remains to be seen. The upcoming phone is confirmed to launch with a 6.67-inch 120Hz display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and capable of clocking up to 2,100nits of peak brightness, MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, and a 5,110mAh battery. The Redmi Note 14 SE is also set to get an in-display fingerprint reader and dual speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. The main camera uses a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 main sensor with optical image all this sounds familiar, it is because it is what's inside the Redmi Note 14 as well. Given that some specs are still under the wraps, it would be interesting to see where Xiaomi plans to go with its next Redmi Note which, per the company, is being launched to celebrate its 11 years in design of the Redmi Note 14 SE is also remarkably like the Redmi Note 14, the only difference is that it is set to launch in a burgundy-red option. More details are awaited.- Ends
GSM Arena
6 days ago
- GSM Arena
Xiaomi 15 Civi isn't coming, new report claims
Last year Xiaomi brought the Civi line into India with the Xiaomi 14 Civi, an upper-midrange smartphone that aimed to capture some of the magic of the Chinese Civi series, paired with a Leica-branded camera experience. How successful it was in doing that isn't clear, but if you've anxiously been waiting for its successor, we have some bad news. A new report claims the Xiaomi 15 Civi has been canceled. No reason is given, but obviously lackluster sales of the 14 Civi may be to blame. That model is in fact now heavily discounted. Xiaomi 14 Civi The Xiaomi 15 Civi was in fact in active development before it got the axe. It was to feature a 6.55-inch "1.5K" resolution screen with micro-curves on all four sides, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 3,200-nit peak brightness. It was going to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Leica camera branding would have returned, with a 50 MP main shooter, a 12 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP telephoto, and a 50 MP selfie snapper. Keeping the lights on was supposed to be a 6,000 mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging. What do you think about this decision? Let us know in the comments. Xiaomi 14 Civi Source
