Leica Releases M EV1 Camera: The First Digital Camera With Built-In Electronic Viewfinder
Credit: Leica
Leica officially unveiled the new M EV1 camera—the first digital M-series model with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), completely eliminating the optical viewfinder. This is a significant step forward for the legendary brand, which has built its image on a distinctive aesthetic of control over the photographic process.
The new Leica M EV1 camera is conceptually designed to combine the advantages of an electronic viewfinder with the “traditional values of the Leica M-mount series.” The series is renowned for its signature (and very expensive) lenses.
The viewfinder is located on the left side of the Leica M EV1’s body.
The Leica M EV1’s 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder offers 0.76x magnification and a 60Hz refresh rate. The viewfinder allows for more detailed image framing, focusing, and exposure checking.
If needed, the Leica M EV1’s electronic viewfinder can also display exposure data, including shutter speed, ISO, and exposure value, all displayed at the edges of the image.
The electronic viewfinder features a built-in diopter compensation system, allowing diopter adjustment from -4 to +2 diopters using the adjustment dial.
The 2.95-inch TFT touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio has a resolution of 2,332,800 pixels and is protected by Gorilla Glass. Automatic switching between the viewfinder and display is accomplished using an eye sensor.
The mechanical shutter provides shutter speeds ranging from 60 minutes to 1/4000 of a second, while the electronic shutter allows for a minimum shutter speed of 1/16000 of a second. Flash synchronization with a flash mounted in the ISO hotshoe with additional control contacts is possible at shutter speeds up to 1/180 of a second.
The fast 3GB buffer memory allows you to store up to 15 DNG images and over 100 JPG images. The built-in storage capacity is 64GB. Expand your storage with UHS-I and UHS-II (recommended) SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards up to 2TB.
The camera’s connectivity options include a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port and dual-band Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth LE version 5.0. Geotagging is possible using the built-in GPS receiver. The Leica FOTOS app is used for managing captured images. Like the M11-P and M11-D, the new Leica M EV1 supports Content Credentials, which adds a digital signature to photos.
The camera uses a Leica BP-SCL7 battery with a capacity of 1800 mAh. According to the manufacturer, it provides approximately 244 CIPA-certified shots with the display on, or 237 CIPA-certified shots with the electronic viewfinder on.
The camera will be available on October 23, 2025, at official Leica stores, online, and certified dealers. The recommended retail price is €7,950. A leather grip is available for an additional €395.
