I agree that photojournalists today need to shoot video given the realities of the industry but I disagree that pro shooters expect or require Leica rangefinder to provide that. The overwhelming majority of PJ's who carry a Leica, even as the main stills body, will have a DSLR on them as well for the times when you need reach >50mm, or you're in fast action and need AF or it's a dicey unpredictable situation where you need a more rugged body and you'd rather something unfortunate happen to your company 5D covered under CPS than your own Leica
🙂
What I'm saying is, even if the M10 had video, I highly doubt a lightbulb would go on over a vast numbers of PJs who instantly say: "oh, now carrying one Leica will cover all my bases." No, they're going to still pack a DSLR as well which is about as good as you'll get for covering everything.
I can't speak for wedding or commercial photographers, who may differ, but I don't think there is overwhelming expectation for a Leica M to deliver video either because the market is evolving swiftly and we're not in 2011 anymore where the do-it-all 5D2 was king. The market is specializing again and folks who are semi-serious about video now turn to specialized Sony and Panasonic bodies provide much better picture, ergonomics, frame rates, sound, audio jacks, etc etc. If even the 5D3/4 is being scoffed at in today's video market how can one possibly expect a Leica M to deliver video performance that will be satisfactory?
Let's be honest, a Leica M is not even the best choice for many modern photographic uses, much less video. I'm deeply, hopelessly hooked to using rangefinders but in the clear light of day it's obviously an outdated technology that, yes, remains peerless for a few narrow disciplines like street and documentary but not much else in modern photography.
And in this day and age with all the incredible cameras we have, even within Leica's own lineup, why would you use a Leica M rangefinder for anything other than those very specific use cases if you were extremely discerning about getting the best results -- as many Leica aficionados are?
I think what the vast majority of professional photographers want is basic PJ skills in one body and not some silly idea of a "pure" camera. Y'know, the standard that the 5DMII set 8 years ago? Something that doesn't include opportunity cost in addition to the outlandish price tag? Because, y'know, maybe there's some older PJs out that that really enjoyed working with Leicas in the film age, because that form factor fit the way that they use a camera, but are also having to modernise and take video while on the job as well? People who aren't really satisfied by the X-Pro line?
I dunno - just some silly suppositions and not any actual experience coming into play here.
But yeah, screw the people that were formative for the company and their legacy - let's cater to the whims of the genty cat and wife photographer market.