Leica has announced their latest M series camera, the M-P, a upgrade designed at improving the overall speed and durability of their M series. The M-P is not your average camera upgrade with new wizbangs here and flashbooms there. No, this is a minimalist camera with precision improvements designed for maximum effect.

The M-P comes in silver or black, which obviously continues the minimalist approach to this camera. What is not minimalist, however, is the buffer on this camera – a full 2GB, twice that of its predecessor the Leica M. This precision upgrade increases the speed at which this camera can capture sequences, a welcome upgrade over the M.

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In addition to the increased buffer, the new Leica M-P comes with a brand new 24MP “Leica Max” sensor, which along with the Leica Maestro (Leica’s Image Processor), combine to create stunning imagery.

Leica also spared no expense with protecting the camera LCD, as the company has also included sapphire crystal glass, meaning not only will your images look great, but you won’t have to stress about damaging the glass over your LCD.

That is about it in regards to the upgrades, most of the rest of the new M-P is exactly the same as was in the original M. Not a bad bunch of upgrades for sure, but one has to wonder if it’s something current M owners will be clamoring to spend another $8,000 on.

You can find out more about the M-P over on the Leica website. If you are interested in purchase, you can find both the black edition and silver edition over on B&H for pre-order.