Leica M12 with IBIS: Rumors point to major upgrades for full-frame rangefinder camera

The Leica M11 (from $10,120 on Amazon) hit the market in January 2022. Compared to the Leica M10, the camera received a number of significant improvements, including a 60MP full-frame sensor, an optional electronic shutter, 64GB of internal storage and a Leica Visoflex 2 attachable EVF with a higher resolution.

The Leica M12 could be an even bigger step forward. According to the latest information from LeicaRumors, Leica is currently testing a prototype with IBIS, meaning a sensor with image stabilization that would allow for longer handheld exposure times without blurriness. Modern IBIS systems, like the one in the new Hasselblad X2D II, even allow exposure times of several seconds without a tripod. Up until now, Leica has said that there is not enough space in the compact body of a Leica M to fit a stabilized sensor, so it remains to be seen whether the camera specialist from Germany can actually equip the Leica M12 with image stabilization.

According to earlier rumors, the Leica M12 is supposed to sport a much larger 3.9-inch touchscreen, which would replace some buttons on the back of the camera. The dedicated ISO dial might disappear and could be replaced by a second programmable thumb dial. A possible reason for this adjustment is that Leica needs additional space for a hybrid viewfinder, which would transform the classic rangefinder into an electronic viewfinder at the push of a button. As usual, such early rumors should be taken with a grain of salt.