Leica C Type 112 Review | 108 Data compared

The Leica C (Typ 112) is reviewed by ePHOTOzine as a stylish, pocketable camera delivering bright image quality, a 7x optical zoom, and full manual controls. Key advantages include its solid build, Raw support, and the inclusion of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that performs well in sunlight, though the EVF is notably small and cramped to use. While the rear screen is highly functional, the primary drawback is the compromised usability of the EVF due to the compact design. The camera is recommended for users seeking advanced features in a miniature form factor, despite the small viewfinder.

The Leica C is a highly pocketable premium compact camera featuring an Audi-designed two-tone body that serves as an aesthetic upgrade to its internal twin, the Panasonic LF-1. It differentiates itself in the point-and-shoot market by integrating a small, 200k-pixel electronic viewfinder (EVF) directly into its tiny frame, making it an excellent lightweight companion for experienced photographers or Leica M enthusiasts who want manual control without the bulk. The camera features a 12-megapixel, 1/1.7-inch sensor and a versatile Vario-Summicron 28-200mm equivalent zoom lens managed by an intuitive, clicking control ring around the lens barrel. It also introduces functional conveniences like a customisable stepped-zoom mode that locks onto traditional prime focal lengths (such as 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm) and supports efficient in-camera USB charging, eliminating the need for bulky external charging cradles. The primary advantages of the Leica C lie in its ultimate pocketability, effective optical image stabilisation, and the mere presence of its built-in EVF, which proves invaluable for framing shots and verifying exposure under bright sunlight. Additional perks include a generous software bundle (Lightroom 5), a one-year accidental damage...

The Leica C is a compact point-and-shoot camera that is internally identical to the Panasonic LF1 but features an upgraded outer shell, a better warranty, and bundled Adobe Lightroom software. While its $699 retail price tag is nearly $400 more than its Panasonic counterpart, the camera stands out for its beautiful, snazzy design and the prestige of the Leica "red dot". In real-world testing, it proves to be a quick, stealthy, and fun everyday camera that excels at out-of-the-camera high-contrast black-and-white photography and delivers crisp JPEG images with great color. Pros & Cons Pros: Beautiful, high-end outer design and ergonomics Bundled with Adobe Lightroom software Snappy, quiet performance with an intuitive menu layout Excellent out-of-the-camera JPEG colors and high-contrast B&W modes Pocketable size with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) Cons: High price premium ($400 more than the identical Panasonic LF1) Small sensor size limits overall image quality compared to larger compacts Poor low-light performance The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is almost too small to use comfortably The LCD screen does not swivel

The Leica C (Typ 112) is an exceptionally slim, 195-gram compact digital camera designed by Audi Design that features a 12.1-megapixel 1/1.7″ MOS sensor and a stabilized Vario-Summicron 28-200mm equivalent lens with a maximum aperture of f/2-5.9. Released in 2013 as a re-badged Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1, it sets itself apart by retaining its resale value exceptionally well and integrating a primitive but functional 0.46x magnification electronic viewfinder (EVF) that provides a helpful live exposure preview. Operationally, the camera balances automated focus with manual control through a knurled physical aperture ring around the lens, a traditional PASM mode dial, and a dedicated button layout that handily memorizes EVF display preferences. Key Pros and Cons Pro: Ultra-compact, lightweight, and easily pocketable body. Pro: Built-in EVF allows for physical, "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" framing. Pro: Tactile physical controls, including a dedicated lens control ring. Pro: Includes an impressive 3cm close-focus macro functionality. Con: Small, outdated sensor size that limits image resolution to 12.1 megapixels. Con: Slow maximum aperture (f/5.9) at the telephoto end of the zoom. Con: The EVF has poor 0.46x magnification, creating a tunnel-like...

The Leica C Typ 112 is a sleek, pocket-sized point-and-shoot camera inspired by the design of Leica M rangefinders, serving as a predecessor to the C-Lux. It features a 12.8-megapixel 1/1.7-inch sensor and a versatile 28-200mm fixed lens with built-in stabilization, offering excellent image quality and impressive low-light performance up to ISO 800. Key advantages include its compact size, an integrated electronic viewfinder for easy composition, and a customizable front lens ring to control settings or manual focus. Additionally, it supports well-stabilised 1080p video, Wi-Fi connectivity for remote viewing, a helpful focus indicator for hyperfocal street photography, and an outstanding macro mode that focuses as close as 1.2 inches. However, the camera has notable limitations, starting with its small 1/1.7-inch sensor compared to newer 1-inch models. While the lens is a fast f/2 at the wide 28mm end, it slows down significantly to f/5.9 at the 200mm telephoto end, which limits its speed over long distances. Ergonomically, it lacks an integrated grip—making an adhesive grip recommended—and features only one control dial, which makes full manual operation tedious and forces users...

The Leica C Typ 112 is characterized as a highly portable, convenient compact camera, ideal for quick, everyday snapshots and visual notes. Key pros include its versatile focal range, exceptional pocketability, and quick, responsive performance for candid photography. Conversely, the review notes significant cons, specifically the poor quality of the tiny built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and mediocre internal image stabilization. Despite these, it is framed as a capable, stylish tool for documentation, contrasting with the newer D-LUX 8.

The Leica C (Typ 112) is a competent premium compact camera that delivers sharp, high-quality images with excellent color reproduction, notes a Cameraderie review. Its strengths include comprehensive manual controls, a customizable "Fn" button, a dedicated ring for key shooting modes, and a "Step-Zoom" feature, with the option for high-quality RAW output. Cameraderie However, the review indicates the camera is unsuitable for professional action photography due to slow shot-to-shot times, a limited buffer for continuous shooting, and less reliable autofocus on fast-moving subjects. The Leica C is recommended primarily for enthusiasts prioritizing design and image quality over speed.