Leica i9 weds iPhone 4 for a concept camera phone

Camera phones have long been the casual clicker for spur-of-the-moment shots. However if desired, your casual smartphone photos need not any longer remain an untailored act. The premium German camera brand Leica has joined stage with Apple for the new concept camera–phone Leica i9 for iPhone 4. Black design Associates, LLC announced this dream marriage of the two most reputed brands aimed to the niche market of professional photographers. The initiative behind the whole concept is to inspire photographers to shoot and share their collection with effortless skilled fervor.

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Leica i9 concept uses Leica’s specialized image sensor and lens molded in the already acclaimed display and sharing capabilities of iPhone 4. This unconventional set-up proposes the ultimate street-photography experience with Leica’s CMOS image sensor with effective 12.1 MP, professional lens with 8x optical zoom and 35 equivalent focal lengths and a 0.3 second start-up backed by iPhone 4’s celebrated retina display, multi-touch interface, extended storage capacity and extensive wireless connectivity. The i9 camera-back unlocks like a traditional film door to reveal the standard Apple 30-pin connector dock. The “compliment without compromise” idea that worked dominantly in designing this system has been stretched a step further with both the i9 and iPhone 4 able to afford each other's independent batteries for extended labor.

The photos and videos shot here are put aside on i9’s internal flash memory and are then uploaded to the iPhone with Leica application. Keeping in mind the unparalleled processing, display and sharing capabilities of Apple's iPhone 4 and complimenting in all way the precision and brilliance of Leica lens, the output is each time bound to be applauded and treasured. Furthermore, to accommodate compatibility with future generation iPhones, the ultra-compact body of the camera doubles as a durable and interchangeable protective case for the iPhone. So each phone model update need not result in a Leica-loss.

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leica i9 concept for iphone 4

Press Release:

Black Design Associates, LLC announces the Leica i9 Concept Camera for Apple iPhone4.

A better camera phone designed for photographers. The Leica i9 concept offers the unmatched brilliance of Leica's professional CMOS image sensor and lens, made specifically for the unparalleled processing, display and sharing capabilities of Apple's iPhone4.

The i9 was designed with a "Compliment without Compromise" philosophy. If the best camera is the one that you have on you, then the better camera is the Leica i9 concept. The i9 is the only professional camera that's also an iPhone4 case. The goal was to create a camera system that inspires photographers to shoot and share their photos and videos at anytime and anywhere.

The i9 offers an independent professional camera system with an ultra-compact body that doubles as a rugged protective case for your iPhone4. The i9 is a true ready-to-shoot camera with Leica's superior range finder and a 0.3 second start-up. Photos or videos are stored on the i9's internal flash memory (expandable with SD) and then uploaded onto your iPhone4 once the Leica app has launched.

The i9 is the ultimate point-and-shoot camera combining the high performance of a Leica (CMOS image sensor with effective 12.1 MP, professional lens with 8x optical zoom and 35 equivalent focal lengths and ready-to-shoot operation) with iPhone4 (retina display, multi-touch interface, extended storage capacity and mobile/wireless connectivity). Beyond camera features, the i9 and iPhone4 can share their independent batteries for extended operation.

The i9 takes professional photos and videos and allows you to easily compress and share your content to Email, MMS, Flickr, Facebook and/or YouTube directly from the Leica app.

To compliment Leica's timeless design, the i9 includes an interchangeable backing for future generation iPhones. With upgradeable software and a growing list of iPhone features, the possibilities are limitless including a remote voice activated shutter control that as easy as saying, "Cheese!"

Picture Gallery

Leica i9 concept pairs $1,000 camera with $200 iPhone

Via: Black Design