At Photokina, Leica debuted a new version of its compact X2 camera -- but this one has some designer flair from Paul Smith. Only 1,500 will be built.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
The Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith comes with green leather, an orange top, and fluorescent yellow bottom. It's also got a 16-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor and a $2,750 price tag.
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Atop the Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith is a "doodle" of a light bulb signifying where the pop-up flash is housed. A total of 1,500 of the cameras will be built.
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The Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith that debuted at Photokina has a Leica 24mm f2.8 lens and a pop-up flash.
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Underneath the Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith camera is a decidedly more prosaic battery and flash card slot.
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Tired of buttons with obscure icons to describe their functions? The Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith uses actual letters. That might not translate well into all languages, though.
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The Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith that debuted at Photokina comes with manual dials on top for adjusting aperture and shutter speed.
