Every time Leica releases a new camera, I tell myself I don’t need another one. But when the Leica EV1 was announced, I couldn’t resist. After all the speculation and teaser shots, I finally got my hands on it — and I have to say, this might be one of Leica’s most exciting launches in years.

So far, I’ve only taken a few test shots around the house, but my first Leica EV1 impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The camera feels like a Q3 with much better manual focus and, finally, interchangeable lenses. It’s compact yet confident — a perfect blend of the Q3’s ease of use and the M11’s traditional shooting feel. For me, it’s exactly the camera I’ve been waiting for.

Of course, this new addition has me rethinking my entire Leica setup. Do I still need my Leica Q3, M11, or SL3? The EV1 sits right in the middle of those worlds — not as minimalist as the M11, not as fixed-lens as the Q3, and yet it shares some DNA with both. I’ll wait until the honeymoon phase is over before making any decisions, but it’s already making me question what “main camera” even means.

There are a few small trade-offs. Leica didn’t include the fast file transfer feature from the Q3, which I found super convenient for quick edits and social uploads. My guess is that the EV1’s digital core borrows heavily from the M11, which would explain this omission. Still, that’s a minor inconvenience in an otherwise stellar design.

What really excites me is seeing how Leica continues to innovate — even within its classic M series. The EV1 feels like a bold evolution rather than a replacement. It respects Leica’s heritage while offering a glimpse of the brand’s digital future.

If you’ve ever wished for a Q3 with interchangeable lenses and more tactile control, the Leica EV1 might just be your dream camera. I can’t wait to take it out for real-world shooting soon — and I have a feeling it’s going to earn a permanent spot in my bag.

📸 Useful Links:

• Leica Official Website
• Leica Q3 Product Page
• Leica M11 Product Page
• Leica SL3 Product Page