Arthur Plumpton 
, Jan 13, 2012; 11:53 p.m.
In recent years the digital system-camera designers/builders seem to have been concentrating on such things as better autofocus, increased pixel count and full frame sensors. At present, I wouldn't be very surprised if Leica and/or others were working more on new lenses (and less on camera improvements) wherein the back rays are focussed more in a direct line normal to the sensor surface. Has the pixel race come to a close for the full frame or 1.5X sensor cameras?
I have an older Leica digital (M8) and wonder whether a new model (post M9/M9P) would pursue improvements to pixel count or would it retain the sensor of the M9 and provide some other development of the existing camera. If I thought that the M9's pixel count would be retained and instead some other feature would be incoroporated (such as possible live view, autofocus ability (moving sensor?), improved VF and RF, tiltable LCD screen, etc.) I would decide immediately to either purchase an M9 (not an easy decision in view of cost) and sell my M8, or keep the M8 and buy something like a NEX-7 with a Leica bayonet mount adapter (reviews seem to indicate that the NEX-7, albeit a different camera type, gives the M9 a good run for its money in terms of maximum resolution and white balance control).
If the manufacturers would only indicate in which direction their new camera development was progressing this would help those who may cherish improved sensor capability and large print resolution (and might even wait a few years for an M10 with such capability), those interested in some other feature, or those who, not wanting those other features, would decide on a current model like the M9.
Is there somehow some way we can learn what Solms is up to, if only in general direction terms?
Jeff Spirer 
, Jan 13, 2012; 11:59 p.m.
increased pixel count
This isn't true, some of them are looking at reduced pixel count with better noise characteristics.
Colin Elliott , Jan 14, 2012; 03:49 a.m.
It's never been in the manufacturer's interests to give advance warning in the direction they are going with regards to updating models. Not good for current sales.
Does Canon intend to bring out a 5D MkIII? Eventually. Probably. Will it have more pixels, or less pixels?, improved AF?, or improved sensor?, Hyperfocal focus option?, etc.
Rumours aside, nobody outside of Canon knows for sure and if an advanced announcement was made, then people would wait resulting in halted sales.
I think it's safe to say that all camera manufactures are working on improved sensor capability.However, we the consumer may have differing opinions as to what "improvements" means.
Dieter Schaefer 
, Jan 14, 2012; 08:08 a.m.
...if an advanced announcement was made, then people would wait resulting in halted sales.
Yeah, that's why R lenses are flying of the shelves right now in feverish anticipation of the "digital R solution" Leica has promised years ago and never seem to get around to actually releasing. Oh, wait, the R lens production has stopped years ago too. By the time that "solution" is out, most users will have either found a different way or have sold off their R lenses and no longer care (I am actually in both categories). I can only speculate that Leica must be of the opinion that leaving R users hanging high and dry is more than made up for by S2 sales.
I also don't care what the next M10 will look like - I fully expect it to be even more outrageously priced than the current M9 and have no changes to the antiquated rangefinder concept because the Leica user will not accept anything else; Leica innovation and development is factually hindered by what their users expect and accept. Leica might as well announce that the M9 is it and keep producing it until the end of time. I would be really interested to learn how many "new users" the Leica M system has attracted, and how many purchased an M8/M9 just so that could keep using their existing M lenses on a digital body? My personal "Leica M" solution is taken shape in form of a NEX-7 or Fuji X Pro1. Leica is missing the boat, again.
Alex Shishin 
, Jan 14, 2012; 08:11 a.m.
Some very interesting points, Arthur. I believe the next big step is going to be the mirrorless full frame compact (Leica M size) camera. Meanwhile, I waiting for the Fuji X300 with interchangeable lenses.
Arthur Plumpton , Jan 14, 2012; 09:57 a.m.
Jeff, you are right. I ought to have said increased pixel count while improving dynamic range and lowering noise level, or one or the other of these characteristics without sacificing the others. What I really was refering to was the improvement in IQ and not the possibility of extra image making functions (AF, live view, etc.) of the camera system. Like Dieter and Alex, I am increasingly attracted to the new Sony or Fuji viewfinder system cameras, although if I had some idea what Leica's design objectives were (if only in a general context) I might stay with the Leica possibilities. Colin makes a good point and one which I had anticipated in regard to the marketing strategy. Sometimes Leica does speak about their vision, but the last time I listened was when they suggested that a full frame sensor was improbable with the Leica RF lenses and consequently bought my M8. This is not sour grapes. I am quite happy with the advantages and limitations of the camera for the moment and the ability to use existing film camera lenses, but it was misleading information (perhaps a marketing strategy, as they were late in developing a digital M system and afraid of the possible desertion by their M film camera buyers looking for a solution - like the case of the R system users).
Mukul Dube 
, Jan 14, 2012; 11:42 a.m.
"Not good for current sales." Also no help in keeping ahead of the competition.
John Shriver 
, Jan 14, 2012; 11:47 a.m.
The X300 is already out as the X-Pro1. Interchangeable lenses with APS-C sensor. Innovation there is that the sensor has a semi-random array of photosites, rather than the neat Bayer array. Said randomness is claimed to minimize moire when used without anti-aliasing filter.
Perhaps Leica could do a pair of next-generation models, one with mechanical rangefinder, and one with a contrast-detection system (even if just focus confirmation) with a smartly designed hybrid viewfinder.
Gus Lazzari 
, Jan 14, 2012; 11:49 a.m.
I totally agree with a company's "advanced announcement / halted sales" concerns...
IMHO, it really seems that Leica has proven it's staying power with their full frame sensor in the M9; for so many companies are chasing this very difficult & important feature. Many of us understand that the latest technological improvements in sensors have made IQ less of a concern, but cropped sensors are a real headache to the many early "35mm equivalent" lens owners.
Leica's winner of a camera (M9) just needs to update some of these latest tech advances to a new sensor AND like John stated, adapt the already incredible rangefinder into a "Hybrid" style. (Electronic miniaturization technology already exists and can certainly be added to the among other things, the bright-line frame cartridge)
John Layton , Jan 14, 2012; 12:29 p.m.
I'm getting very close to biting the bullet on an M9.
Then again, if I knew that the M-10 were just around the corner...looking/feeling/behaving like an M9 but also adding the option of live view (and a few more pixels on the viewing screen, thank you!), along with a detachable folding magnifying hood, and maybe a 28mm tilt/shift lens and a good macro...I'd have to wait!
