The Leica Sofort 2 is a stunning hybrid instant camera… but it's also $389, and VERY similar to the $199 Instax Mini Evo
(Image credit: Leica)
Leica is back with a beautiful new instant camera, the Leica Sofort 2, almost 7 years after releasing its last one.
In fact, the Leica Sofort 2 might actually be the most beautiful instant camera we've ever seen – something that could also be said for the original model. However, much as the first Leica Sofort had plenty in common with the Instax Mini 90 (except for the price), the Sofort 2 has plenty in common with the Instax Mini Evo (except, again, for the price).
Accordingly, the Leica Sofort 2 shoots on credit card-sized Instax Mini film – or the Leica-branded Leica Color Film "with a warm-white or golden frame". Being a hybrid instant camera, it doesn't automatically print your images as soon as you shoot them; instead you can pick the best images and process them later, since the camera acts as a digital printer.
(Image credit: Leica)
This means that you can transfer images from your phone or other Leica cameras via the Leica Fotos app – then, as with the Instax Mini Evo, you can pull the replica film winder lever to print images at your discretion.
The camera offers selfie mode, with a small mirror and dedicated button, wide-angle landscape mode, close-up macro mode, as well as ten lens and ten film effects – again, just like the Mini Evo. And it's offered in three colors – black, red and white – with Leica offering accessories including everything from wooden photo frames to carrying bags.
The question remains, does a red dot and a new design (albeit an admittedly very beautiful one) warrant an extra hundred bucks compared to the Mini Evo? If you think it does, the Leica Sofort 2 goes on sale November 09 for $389 / £350.
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How close is the Leica Sofort 2 (left) to the Instax Mini Evo (right)? You tell us
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
