Xiaomi reveals concept phone with a mount for Leica M lenses based on the 12S Ultra

02 November 2022
This is a smartphone/mirrorless camera hybrid that has a second 1" sensor and a mount system for real Leica lenses. 

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  • Eyado0ov
  • 3%4
  • 28 Jul 2023

Why wouldn't phones with this concept be produced for public?

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    • Alex Benjamin
    • MeP
    • 10 Nov 2022

    Is it possible to mount any lens on it?

      kevinmcmurtrie, 08 Nov 2022The latency gives you motion sickness. DSLR cameras transi... moreCan a wired connection over USB-C help fix this issue? I think they can focus in that direction to help address the lag.

        YUKI93, 03 Nov 2022Sony did exactly just that with the QX series all the way b... moreGreat to know this tech is in existence. Smartphones are now more powerful and a wired connection over USB-C can help address issues to do with lag.

          Excited about this combination, it should launch as early as possible.

            deewinc, 02 Nov 2022Isn't it about time that we have cameras in DSLR lense... moreThe latency gives you motion sickness. DSLR cameras transitioned to mirrorless cameras only recently because the tech needed time to be performant.

            The best performing wireless link I have is a Canon video camera and it lags by about 1/2 second.

            And then there's Sony. They've made some amazing sensors and lenses but their software... An alpha 7R III camera takes about 2 minutes to pair to an Xperia 1 III phone, it has about 5 seconds of viewfinder lag, and it's likely to all crash before you hit the shutter button. If it does happen to work, it transfers a little JPEG to your phone that's of no use at all.

              This makes sense as long as the mount is standardized. Big glass is expensive as hell so it better be supported for a minimum of a decade.
              All the games with extreme megapixels and HDR binning hasn't improved what a tiny lens produces. Tech to make big but thin lenses seems a long way off.

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                • PKB
                • PZL
                • 08 Nov 2022

                A stupid idea . It kills the very basic difference between a good handy camera phone and a full-fledged camera if one has to carry/buy that big lens . Only gimmick.

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                  • Kenzoic
                  • bJb
                  • 08 Nov 2022

                  A general phone lifespand is about 3 years....spending that kinda sweaty money for 3 years only might as well I get a DSLR.

                    This could become a pocketable ILC, if they manage to make the lens small and light. Or make a grip accessory (and, probably, external battery to extend the battery life because phone will be responsible for powering AF motor and all). Otherwise a large(r) camera with a large grip will easily beat this phone-camera hybrid.

                      YUKI93, 04 Nov 2022I did find one a while back via Facebook Marketplace for ab... moreI wish Sony continued with this, but I guess now they can just make better phone sensors instead of this. Cool concept for sure.

                        SuuperBaka, 03 Nov 2022I've been trying to find a QX1 for so long now, but I ... moreI did find one a while back via Facebook Marketplace for about $200. Unfortunately, he couldn't post it outstation due to the fear of the camera getting damaged during delivery, so I couldn't buy it. But yeah, I'm also looking for a QX1. It's been ages since I last played around with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera lens since I last sold my Sony NEX-3N back in December 2018 because of Microsoft Lumia 950 XL.

                          leledumbo, 03 Nov 2022You'll be using manual mode with the lens attached, so... morewell the processing wont be up to the user parameters as it will be done in the phone, the user wont have any control over excessive sharpening and noise reduction or over done HDR look like some smartphones produce, however its good to hear that the Ultra is gentle on such processing, I haven't actually seen a unit so I have no idea, its not available in the UK, although I am very keen on one, although I may hold out and see if this phone comes to fruition

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                            • AnonD-731363
                            • n$n
                            • 03 Nov 2022

                            Xiaomi has given no indication of whether it will sell this 12S Ultra-based concept device. Maybe it won’t and maybe it shouldn’t – the upcoming Xiaomi 13 Pro is said to have a 1” sensor as well, maybe a special edition of that device would be more appropriate. Either way, Sony better take note of this when planning its next Xperia Pro phone.

                            Wonder why they mention Sony.
                            When comes to camera Xiaomi proven that Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 12 Ultra is on apr with Sony camera and a 1/3 price cheaper with a lot better specs like faster charging, charger in box, better screen and many else.
                            Only Sony have as plus for now is 3,5mm jack and a Micro SD slot which are archainc technologies irelevant to new modern 2023 era.

                              hope they release sharpness testing of the plastic lens vs Leica lens.

                                Anonymous, 03 Nov 2022I definitely remembered the Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mods.... more30x zoom on a 1" sensor would require huge optics. Almost all 30x zoom cameras has 1/2.3" sensors.

                                You can get 25x zoom on a 1" sensor, but that is a massive Sony CyberShot DSC-RX10 IV costing about 2000EUR/USD. Not a chance as a MotoMod.

                                Keep in mind that the Hasselblad MotoMod essentially was a snap on camera-system. It didn't use the phone's sensor. This concept here is more like a mirrorless system where only the lens is connected to the body. The rest of the camera is already in the body/smartphone.

                                  geordie81, 02 Nov 2022this is a really innovative solution, yes it has been tried... moreYou'll be using manual mode with the lens attached, so the processing is up to your parameters. The retail 12S Ultra already has very minimum processed look that sometimes it's not social media ready, which is why two color schemes are given.

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                                    • Shui8
                                    • xjH
                                    • 03 Nov 2022

                                    Anonymous, 03 Nov 2022Totally believable considering how much a Leica camera itse... moreLeica even has a $10,500 price tag camera lens only lol.

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                                      • Shui8
                                      • xjH
                                      • 03 Nov 2022

                                      77, 03 Nov 2022Majority can afford it. Majority? Lol no. Everyone knows how unique & rare Leica shooters are. They are not in the majority. But I dig the 'Leica look' its image producing.

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                                        • Rkm
                                        • FY0
                                        • 03 Nov 2022

                                        YUKI93, 03 Nov 2022Sony did exactly just that with the QX series all the way b... moreA modern iteration that connects via USB c would be incredible. Performance would be spectacular. Come on Sony, solve the puzzle. You already have a well designed pro app, that's one of the many things sorted.

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