iPhone photography fanatics, hipsters and camera aficionados can appreciate the Leica i9 – a concept camera attachment for the Apple smartphone. Both brands are associated with quality and care, both made of select materials and tight tolerances, and neither are cheap. But for those who want high-quality gadgets and gizmos, the marriage of these two brands would be a must-have. Unfortunately, it’s just a concept right now and we can’t go out and buy it. Boo!
Here are a few things you’d be able to do with the Leica i9:
CAMERA/iPHONE TOGGLE – turns on your camera with an instant start-up time of 0.3sec., while simultaneously loading the Leica app on your iPhone4. ZOOM/VOLUME CONTROL – adjusts Tight and Wide when your camera is on, and adjusts volume Up and Down when your camera is off. DEDICATED APERTURE AND SHUTTER DIALS – offers fast and easy option for manual operation. PASS-THROUGHS AND ACTUATORS – gives you full access to your iPhone4 controls and headphone jack. FLASH AND LIGHT METER – offers higher quality photos and videos in low-light conditions.
Pretty neat stuff there, although if this thing ever gets made, it’s going to be quite pricey, which is a bit expected with the Leica name. Just how pricey? Well, it’s going to be in the $900 – $1200 range, which is basically the cost of higher end consumer DSLRs (I consider mid-range “prosumer” to be $1700 – $2000 like the Nikon D300 and Canon 7D).
The back of the device has the iPhone swinging in, sort of reminiscent of the back of 35mm cameras. It also has separate controls for aperture and shutter speed so that you’ll have full control over your exposure.
When the thing is turned on, it’s supposed to fire up the Leica iPhone app, which is pretty neat. This thing is basically feature-packed with things that make you say “Oooh,” and “Ahh.” If only it were real. And not so expensive!
[Via: BlackDA]