Before the AI debate ravaged filmmaking discourse as it has for the past couple of years, the biggest argument in the digital video world was whether or not smartphones would replace digital cameras. Oh, how much simpler times were back then.
Still, despite a shift in focus, the debate regarding smartphone videography is still very much a hot topic. We’ve seen better and better iPhones over the years, and other brands and models—in particular, the Xiaomi name—are making strides as well.
Let’s take this debate to the front page once more as we look at the just announced Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which features a triple camera system powered by a Leica 1-inch sensor and is set to offer some of the best pro-level smartphone videography specs on the market.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Announced at an event in Beijing, China, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the first product of the newly announced partnership between the Chinese company and Leica as part of a “Strategic Co-Creation Model” that could see future collaborations as well.
And, when you look at the thing, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is quite unique as it features an ultra-slim form and is the first Ultra line model to feature a flat display. Its overall thickness is just 8.29mm, and it’s been refined to be about as smooth and balanced as a smartphone can be at this point.
It’s calling card for video pros and other hybrid content creators, though, will be its triple camera system which will consist of a 14mm ultra-wide lens, a 23mm Leica 1-inch ultra dynamic camera, and a Leica 200MP 75-100mm optical zoom telephoto camera which has been designed to cover a wide range of shooting scenarios, including landscape, portrait, and street photography.
Credit: Xiaomi
A Leica-Powered Smartphone Camera
What’s interesting about this Xiaomi 17 Ultra is this Leica 1-inch ultra dynamic camera, which has been built on a Light Fusion 1050L sensor that incorporates LOFIC HDR technology.
It will be able to deliver a full well capacity over six times greater than the previous generation 1-inch sensor and will allow for improved highlight control and shadow detail in high-contrast scenes, including backlit and night environments.
Also of note, the Leica 200MP 75-100mm telephoto camera is able to adopt three precisely matched lens groups and a prism that aims to address traditional limitations found in mid-to-long focal length image quality.
The second and third lens groups can move independently to adjust focal length and focus, enabling optical zoom across the 75-100mm equivalent range, making the smartphone camera even more unique with this rotatable camera zoom option.
Credit: Xiaomi
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (Leica Edition) is not out just yet, but it will be available on Xiaomi’s website here with prices expected to range from around $950 to upwards of $1,200.
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