Leica branded action camera spotted in leaked images

Known camera information and rumour outlet Camera Beta has posted pictures on Weibo showing what might be Leica’s first action camera. The images show an action camera with a Leica branded lens, implying of course that it could also be a collaboration with another company, with only the lens supplied by Leica. Insta360 comes to mind first, as it has previously partnered with Leica for its One RS modular system’s lenses.

The leaked images show only part of the device, but enough to reveal that the lens is a Summarit F2.6 with a 16 mm equivalent focal length, with a 1/1.3 inch sensor behind it. It’s also clearly not a 360 lens, going by focal length and appearance. It’s unclear if this represents Leica’s own foray into action cameras or simply a collaboration with another company to provide the lens.

A prime candidate for the latter is Insta360, whose ONE RS 1-inch 360 modular system already features Leica Summicron F2.2 lenses paired with one-inch sensors. However, the device seen in the photo does not appear to be modular, like Insta360’s One RS systems, so if it is indeed an Insta360 camera, it represents a new non-modular format. Given Leica's recent, unexpected launch of the Sofort 2 hybrid instant camera, many are hopeful that it might be branching out into the action camera category, unlikely as that possibility seems.

Although Camera Beta is generally known to deliver accurate information, purported pre-release images like this one are not always accurate or reliable. If there is any substance behind this ‘leak’, more news is likely to follow and we'll be reporting it here.

Meanwhile you can buy the modular Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition with 4K 60fps action camera and 5.7K 360 camera modules on Amazon