Leica has released a major update for its FOTOS app. In version 2.0, the FOTOS app adds support for the latest SL2 mirrorless camera, as well as coming in two flavors – a free version for iPhone and Android, as well as a new paid FOTOS Pro option.
The Pro version now supports iPad in addition to the standard phone support and features a video mode to remotely control cameras' video recording. The upgraded version also sports the first-ever direct connectivity to Adobe Lightroom Mobile for smoother workflow. Software optimizations under the hood result in double the speed of the previous version, which noticeably quicker image loading and download times. Unfortunately, the free version no longer offers the ability to transfer DNG files from the camera, only JPGs. For full functionality with DNG transfer, you'll need to pay up $49/year for the full FOTOS Pro.
Besides the apparent hamstringing of the free version with its restriction on DNG transfer, the upgrades are all welcome editions. I tried out the new FOTOS app on an iPad Pro 11 inch with the SL2. The connection process is simple, quick and painless. Everything works well and seems much more responsive than the original FOTOS incarnation. FOTOS for iPad looks great and offers an enhanced remote control and image review experience. If you have an iPad and any modern Leica with Wi-Fi, the $49/year expense seems well worth it.
Press Release
Beginning today, the Leica FOTOS 2.0 app is available for download for iOS, iPads and Android devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. With Leica FOTOS 2.0, Leica owners can integrate their day-to-day photographic lives and journeys even more effectively into their mobile devices, allowing more flexibility and freedom in sharing their creative images.
The simplicity and handling of the app makes it highly intuitive, convenient and fast – from connecting to the camera via WLAN or Bluetooth®, capturing images and transferring files, to post-processing on-the-go and sharing the finished results on social media. Under the hood of the user friendly controls, further performance improvements and refinements have been made with FOTOS 2.0, including photo gallery loading speeds and image data transfer rates that are now twice as fast, with significantly improved stability of the connection between device and camera.
The new version of the Leica FOTOS App is available in two varieties: Free and Pro. While the Free option is still offered at no charge for iPhone and Android smartphones, photographers wishing to do more with their mobile photography can subscribe to Leica FOTOS Pro. The added benefits of FOTOS Pro include support for DNG RAW files, remote video mode and the seamless integration of Adobe Lightroom into the workflow. FOTOS Pro is also available as a fully-integrated tablet app for Apple iPads.
Feature Comparison
Leica FOTOS (free option):
- Available for Apple iPhone and Android smartphones
- Leica Account (required): Connect with the Leica community
- Image viewing: Viewing of captured images on the high-resolution screen of the connected mobile device, including display of exposure data. Assess sharpness, detail and check relevant photographic info, and know you got the shot just as you wanted.
- Image transfer: Pictures in JPG format can now be transferred from the camera to the mobile device up to double the previous speeds. Stay quick on your feet with the fastest access to your shareable photos.
- Remote camera control: Change settings, compose remotely and capture pictures via your connected device. Ideal for shooting from difficult angles or when the camera is out of reach.
- Settings: All of the camera’s relevant exposure parameters such as ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed and metering mode can be set remotely from the app. Ideal for making changes on the fly while the camera is set up for a remote shot.
- Post-processing & Sharing: Pictures can be shared to social media networks and/or post-processed and edited in any one of a number of popular apps. Complete your creative vision and share it with the world. Optional saving to a dedicated Leica Album on your device.
Leica FOTOS Pro, including Leica FOTOS for iPad:
- Paid subscription required
- Available for Apple iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones
- Made for iPad: All current iPadOS control functions such as Split-View and Drag & Drop are supported to ensure an even smoother workflow.
- Leica Account (required): Connect with the Leica community
- All functions of the free version: All features and functions of the Leica FOTOS free version included.
- Adobe Lightroom integration (for iOS/iPadOS): Deeper, more detailed post-processing with a dedicated Lightroom button embedded within the FOTOS Pro app. One tap opens the selected image directly in the Lightroom Develop window for processing, or in the Lightroom Library view if multiple images are selected.
- RAW file transfer: In addition to JPGs, images in DNG RAW format can also be transferred to maximize the potential for post-processing and getting the most quality possible out of each edit.
- Video mode: The camera’s video mode can also be remotely controlled from the FOTOS Pro app. As well as almost all camera settings, this also includes the filming process itself – the mobile device becomes an off-camera monitor. Wireless transfer of recorded videos is not yet implemented.
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