Leica Announces M11-P, First Camera to Integrate Content Authenticity Initiative Technology
Leica just announced M11-P, first camera in the world that integrates Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) technology to validate the legitimacy and origin of digital images by encrypting the metadata and copyright information. Once encoded, all future edits are indelibly recorded. The credentials cannot be modified without deliberate resigning. To verify authenticity, image provenance can be confirmed using open-source tools available to everyone.
The Leica M11-P, a full-frame mirrorless, is the stealth version of the LEICA M11 we reviewed back in April and labeled “The Ultimate M.” We also reviewed the LEICA M11 Monochrom which can be found here.
The Leica M11-P is priced at $9195 and is available now in black or chrome colorways at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and Authorized USA Leica Dealers.
Simultaneously, Leica introduced an improved iteration of their Summicron 28mm f/2 ASPH lens. The refreshed version focuses to 15.7 inches (40cm), features a built-in lens hood, and is 0.53 ounces (15g) lighter than its predecessor. Sales are expected to begin at the end of November.
Earlier this month, Leica introduced the SOFORT 2, a hybrid instant/digital camera priced at $389, and two new SL lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 ASPH and the Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH which are priced at $2495 and $5495 respectively.
Leica M11-P Key Features
• Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor (9528 x 6328 pixels)
• Triple-Resolution 60/36/18 megapixel options
• Leica Maestro series (Maestro III) processor
• 256GB internal memory
• Auto ISO: ISO 64 (native) to ISO 50000
• Mechanical shutter: 60 min to 1⁄4000 sec
• Electronic shutter: 60 sec to 1⁄16000 sec
• Red dot logo intentionally absent of front
• Black: full-metal housing made of magnesium and aluminum
• Silver: full-metal housing made of magnesium and brass
• DNG (Raw data, lossless compression), DNG + JPG, JPG
• Dark chrome viewfinder
• Sapphire Glass LCD monitor cover
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS with Geofencing option
• ‘Made in Germany’ craftsmanship
For more information about the Leica M11-P please check our review of the Leica M11.
For more information about all Leica products, visit Leica USA’s website.
Content Authenticity Initiative
The Leica M11-P is the first camera in the world that allows users to encrypt the metadata of their images and copyright information through the Content Authenticity Initiative.
The Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) is a collaborative endeavor comprised of hundreds of members, including Leica, Intel, Arm, Truepic, BBC, New York Times, AP, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Adobe, Nikon and Twitter (X). Their focus is creating a standard framework for validating the provenance and authenticity of digital content, especially within media and creative content domains. You can join CAI; follow this link to read the membership application.
Once an image with Content Credentials has been captured, documentation of any future edits is recorded. The credentials cannot be modified without resigning. To ensure authenticity, an image can be verified via open-source tools available to everyone.
Well done Leica! In the creative world currently threatened by AI-powered everything, the Content Authenticity Initiative is either a breath of fresh air or a feckless cry in the wilderness; everything depends on how many other camera manufacturers follow suit.
—Jon Sienkiewicz
