At the Photokina show Leica were showing a concept electronic directors finder / gimbal / camera concept. The idea is to create the ultimate visualisation tool for cinematographers. It combines a sensor and electronic viewfinder with a handheld gimbal style mount and smartphone control. The lens has the Leica L mount (from their SL camera) which allows the mounting of many different lenses via adapters. M, R and PL lenses can be mounted using the appropriate adapters.
![The Leicina VC concept camera](https://www.newsshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/leicina-9-600x485.jpg)
There will be an app on the smart device that controls settings and allows for external monitoring. The smartphone can be connected via wi-fi so you could potentially give the phone onto a director or producer to see what you are visualising. The idea is that you should also be able to record video as well for visulisation purposes.
![The Leicina VC has an optional smartphone interface/monitor](https://www.newsshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/leicina-1-600x400.jpg)
We were told that one version of the concept has a motorised gimbal system incorporated. This should be able to balance different lenses but clearly not heavier zooms or larger cine lenses.
![Shot with DXO ONE Camera](https://www.newsshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/leicina-7-600x400.jpg)
While Leica’s reps were keen to point out that this concept is not intended to be used primarily as a camera, it doesn’t take a big leap of imagination to see this concept as the basis for a better, easier to use, gimbal camera system.
In some ways the idea isn’t unlike a larger version of the DJI Osmo X5 handheld system, but I’m sure that the prospect of larger lenses and additional features would be sure to have many fans. Replacing a larger brushless gimbal with something like this would certainly be useful for news and documentary shooters.
![Shot with DXO ONE Camera](https://www.newsshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/leicina-5-600x400.jpg)
At this stage Leica are just putting the concept Leicina out there to gauge public reaction. If this is what you would like your future Leica camera to look like I suggest you let the company know. With any luck they will build it in the future.