Are we about to see a new Pixii camera? A teaser from the French rangefinder camera manufacturer would seem to suggest that it is working on a new model.
Pixii first arrrived on the scene back in 2008 with a digital interchangeable lens camera that dared to be very different from the normal.
First, it used the M-mount and rangefinder focusing system that made Leica famous – at around half the cost of its German rival. But it also brought us a camera that didn't have a memory card slot, and which didn't have a built-in screen. Instead of reviewing your images on the camera itself, you beam your photos to phone.
Currently, Pixii has two different models in its range. The Pixii+ uses an APS-C sized 26MP sensor. The more recent Pixii Max has a full-frame 24.5MP sensor – which claims to be optimized for black-and-white photography, as well as color.
So what will the new model bring? The teaser tells us very little, with a tagline that simply but boldly claims "We invent the future".
However, the message that has appeared on Pixii's social media account does at least provide a semi-silhouetted computerized render of what its future might look at. The only thing we can deduce from this with any certainty is that top-plate information screen has disappeared.
One thing is for certain is that this is an interesting time for rangefinder cameras. Leica is celebrating its 100th anniversary of its M range of cameras this year – and has just introduced the first-ever model that uses an electronic eyelevel viewfinder, rather than its signature rangefinder. The Leica M EV1 almost throws down the gauntlet to the innovative Pixii range – so it will be fascinating to see how its upstart French rival will respond.
