As promised, Leica announced a new compact camera today: the V-Lux 30 which will replace the already discontinued V-Lux 20. The camera is based on the Panasonic ZS10. The prices are as follow: Leica V-Lux 30 - $749, leather case - $140, soft leather case - $130, extra battery - $140.

THE LEICA V-LUX 30

The universal compact camera for carefree photography

Solms, Germany (May 26, 2011) - Leica Camera AG presents a new digital compact camera featuring a 15.1 megapixel sensor (14.1 MP effective) – the Leica V-Lux 30. In comparison to its forerunner model, the new camera has a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with an extended range of focal lengths and a new LCD touch screen display that guarantees fast and simple handling. Together with its numerous automatic features and manual setting options, this makes the Leica V-Lux 30 a compact and universal camera for the whole family. Additionally, its integrated GPS function and video recording in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD make it the ideal companion for all life’s moments from the family vacation to the backyard barbeque.

The Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.3 - 68.8 mm f/3.3-5.9 ASPH. 16x zoom lens has an extended range of focal lengths equivalent to 24 to 384 mm in 35-mm format. Thanks to this high performance lens, the Leica V-Lux 30 delivers outstanding image quality and covers a wide range of photographic opportunities, ranging from wide-angle and macro shots to telephoto shots of distant subjects.

The newly developed 1/2.33" CMOS sensor of the Leica V-Lux 30 guarantees outstanding image quality and allows photographers to capture image sequences with the camera’s fast, continuous shooting mode. The Leica V-Lux 30 enables consecutive burst shooting at a rate of ten frames per second at a full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with reduced resolution in a choice of individual aspect ratios. This allows users to reliably capture fast moving subjects - for example when shooting sports or wildlife. Its brand new 3D mode lets users take fascinating, creative images. In this mode, the camera combines two suitable shots from a sequence in a “stereo image pair” and saves them as a 3D image in MPO format.

An outstanding feature, the Leica V-Lux 30’s video recording mode offers performance comparable to that of digital camcorders. Particularly, the video mode records in efficient, 1080i-AVCHD-Full-HD format with the entire 16x zoom range available during video recording and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

As with the complete Leica portfolio, the V-Lux 30 is characterized by timelessly elegant styling and extremely easy handling. With the new 3" LCD touch screen, many camera features can now be controlled simply by touching the screen with a fingertip. This generously dimensioned screen has a diagonal of approximately three inches and displays images in outstanding brilliance with a resolution of 460,000 pixels. This provides users with an ideal tool for reliable and precise assessment of images both during composition and after capture.

Thanks to the integrated GPS function, the camera records the geographical coordinates of the location and the local time for every shot and saves them in the Exif data of the image files. When travelling, the V-Lux 30 can also display the sightseeing highlights of the immediate neighborhood (1,000,000 so-called “Points of Interest”). Images posted on social networks, image portals and map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth reveal exactly when and where they were shot.*

The Leica V-Lux 30 will be available from Leica dealers beginning June 2011. The camera is supplied with an extensive software package comprising Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 9 for still image processing and Adobe® Premiere® Elements 9, especially designed for video processing. There is also a choice of two different camera cases: The strong and resilient leather case and the soft leather case.

* It is possible that GPS tagging may not function in the People’s Republic of China and neighboring regions. Satellite signal reception may be impossible, depending on the location. In such cases, the positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all.

Technical data                                         LEICA V-LUX 30

Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.3 - 68.8 mm f/3.3-5.9 ASPH. (corresponds to 24 – 384 mm, 35 mm equivalent focal lengths), 12 elements 10 groups); Aspherical Lenses: 6 surfaces in 3 elements

Optical Image Stabilization: Yes

Zoom

optical/digital: 16x/4x

Focusing

Modes: Normal/Macro, continuous focusing (On/Off)

Metering modes: Face Detection, AF Tracking, multi points, 1 point, Spot, Touch Field

Focusing range

P / A / S / M: 50 cm (wide-angle) / 2 m (tele) - ∞

Macro / intelligent /auto / movie: 3 cm (wide-angle) / 1 m  (tele) - ∞

Sensor: 1/2.33" CMOS with 15.1MP (effective 14.1MP)

Resolution / Recording File Format

Still pictures: 16:9 format: 4320 x 2432 pixels, 3648 x 2056 pixels, 3072 x 1728 pixels, 2560 x 1440 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 640 x 360

3:2 format: 4320 x 2880 pixels, 3648 x 2432 pixels,  3072 x 2048 pixels, 2560 x 1712 pixels, 2048 x 1360 pixels, 640 x 424

4:3 format: 4320 x 3240 pixels, 3648 x 2736 pixels,  3072 x 2304 pixels, 2560 x 1920 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 640 x 480

1:1 format: 3232 x 3232 pixels, 2736 x 2736, 2304 x 2304, 1920 x 1920, 1536 x 1536, 480 x 480

Movies:  16:9 format AVCHD: 1080i: 1920 x 1080 pixels  (max. 60 min per clip) 720p: 1280 x 720 pixels (max. 60 min per clip)

Motion JPEG: 16:9 format: 1280 x 720 pixels (max. 30 min per clip)

4:3 format: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels  (max. 30 min per clip)

3D: 16:9 format: 1920 x 1080 (MPO format)

Exposure control

Exposure modes: Program mode (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter Speed priority (S), Manual Setting (M)

Exposure compensation: Increments: 1/3 EV steps, setting range: ±2 EV

Scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sens., High-Speed-Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, Photo Frame, High Speed Movie

Metering modes: Multi-field / Centre weighted / Spot

White balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Manual setting

Sensitivity: Auto/iISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600

Shutter speeds: 60s-1/4000s, (Starry Sky mode: 15s/30s/60s)

Continuous shooting mode: (Burst frequency: max. number of pictures / max. resolution)

2 B/s: max. number 100 / 14 MP max. resolution

5 B/s: max. number 100 / 14 MP max. resolution

10 B/s: max. number 15 / 14 MP max. resolution

40 B/s: max. number 50 / 5 MP max. resolution

60 B/s: max. number 60 / 3.5 MP max. resolution

Flash

Modes: AUTO, AUTO with pre-flash (to reduce red-eye effect), AUTO with slower shutter speeds and pre-flash, On, Off

Range: 60 cm – 5.0 m [W/ISO Auto],

1.0 -2.8 m [Tele/ISO Auto]

Self-Timer: 2/10 s delay

Monitor: 3.0” TFT-LCD, approx. 460,800 pixels, Touch screen functionality

Microphone/Speaker: Stereo/mono

Recording media

Internal memory: approx. 18 MB

Memory cards:

SD: 8 MB – 2 GB

SDHC: 4 GB – 32 GB

SDXC: 48 GB – 64 GB

Interfaces

HDMI:  Mini-HDMI cable (type C)

AV OUT/DIGITAL: Digital: USB 2.0 (High Speed)

Dedicated jack (8-pin): Analogue Video/Audio: NTSC/PAL Composite (switchable in menu), Audio-line-out (mono)

GPS: Geodetic Data System: WGS84

Database: 1 Mio. Points of Interest

Operating temperature/

Humidity: 0-40°C / 10-80%

Battery (Lithium/Ion): BP-DC7

Voltage/capacity: 3.6 V / 895 mAh (260 pictures according to CIPA standards)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 104.9 x 57.6 x 33.4 mm / 4.13 x 2.27 x 1.31 in

Weight: 219 g / 7.72 oz (with memory card & battery)

PictBridge: Yes

Scope of delivery: Camera, Battery charger (Leica BC-DC7), Lithium-Ion Battery (Leica BP-DC7), Carrying strap, AV cable, USB cable, Software DVDs, CD with long instructions (PDF), Printed short instruction manuals, Touch Pen

Software: Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 9,

Adobe® Premiere® Elements 9

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Mockup of the upcoming compact Leica camera (based on Panasonic ZS10)

Leica Camera is currently running a promotion where they will give away a "new Leica camera".

"Every time you vote, you also have the opportunity to submit an entry to win one of our new Leica cameras that is riding along with Danny!

On Thursday, May 26 the game concludes with the fourth and final video. The game ends, but not the fun: we’ll announce the new Leica camera!"

Don't expect a free M9-P  This will be a new point and shoot camera. The current Leica V-Lux 20 model is already discontinued. My guess is that the next compact camera from Leica will be based on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 model.

Thanks @ivarphotos

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According to Valentin Sama, Leica will have "a little surprise in the second half of June". No further details were given as to what new products are to be expected. The rumored options are (IMHO):

• A new Leica M9 version (not a limited edition) which should be ready for production at that point. The model name may not necessary be M9.2.
• The previously rumored 21mm ASPH f/3.8 lens.
• New firmware for Leica M8 and M9 cameras (currently being beta tested).
• New Leica point and shoot camera - the Leica V-Lux 20 will be discontinued soon and Leica will need a new entry level camera.

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Of course this is not an official Leica commercial:

LEICA 'BIRDIE" from Philip Escobar Jung on Vimeo via Leica Russia

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Since I have all three cameras in my hands, I decided to do a quick ISO comparison between the Leica D-Lux 4, D-Lux 5 and V-Lux 2. I included only the common ISO setting from 100 to 1600:

ISO 100 | f/2.8 | 1/3 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 200 | f/2.8 | 1/6 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 400 | f/2.8 | 1/13 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 800 | f/2.8 | 1/25 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 1600 | f/2.8 | 1/50 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

Conclusion

Based on this comparison, I think the Leica D-Lux 5 has the best ISO performance from the trio. What is interesting is that even the two years old Leica D-Lux 4 seems to have better ISO performance than the new V-Lux 2. Clearly, more megapixels does not mean a better picture.

Notes

• All samples were taken under the same lighting condition at 28mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture with auto WB.
• Please note that the Leica V-Lux 2 is a 15.1 MP (effective 14.1 MP) camera, while the D-Lux 4/5 have a 11.3 MP (effective 10.1 MP) sensor.
• The Leica D-Lux 5 can go up to ISO 12800, the D-Lux 4 can go up to ISO 3200 and the V-Lux 2 goes only to ISO 1600.
• I was trying to keep the lighting, aperture and shutter speed constant when switching cameras but there is still a margin of error when performing such comparison.

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The Leica X1 digiscoping adapter that was spotted at Photokina is now listed in the latest Leica digiscoping broschure (order number 42231):

Similar adapters are available also for the Leica D-Lux 5 and V-Lux 20 (order numbers 42332 and 42304):

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Leica V-Lux 2

I had the chance to play with the new Leica V-Lux 2 camera for few minutes in my local Leica SIS. The camera is lighter (520 g/18.34 oz) and is smaller than its predecessor, the V-Lux 1. The first thing that caught my attention was the swivel 16:9 LCD display (3.0" TFT LCD, 460,000 pixels, 100% FOV) - it was way better than the LCD screens on the D-Lux 4 and M9 that I was able to compare it with, very bright and clear (even though the specs show that the D-Lux 4 has the same type of display but with 3:2 dimensions). I was not crazy about the EFV.

The ISO sensitivity did not change since the V-Lux 1- the max ISO is still 1600. Here are few samples at 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ISO (100% crop):

Leica V-Lux-2 at ISO 100

Leica V-Lux-2 at ISO 200

Leica V-Lux-2 at ISO 400

Leica V-Lux-2 at ISO 800

Leica V-Lux-2 at ISO 1600

and three close-up shots - the minimum shooting distance is 0.4 in / 1 cm (wide angle):

Next is a short video illustrating autofocus and zooming during video recording - the V-Lux 2 has full AF and zoom (24x) capabilities while shooting video and both worked pretty well. The AF was fast enough and I could only hear a "click" when the focus was changing. The V-Lux 2 has also a new dedicated video button:

A small note on the video format - I did not have time to play with all the options, but by default the video was recorded in AVCHD MTS format and my Mac could not read the video files (.mts extension). You can still get around by using VLC media (read more on how to work with .mts files on a Mac here).

The unboxing video:

For more info on the V-Lux 2, visit Leica's website.

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Update: B&H has them in stock as well.

Leica V-Lux 2 is now shipping in the US and should reach stores in the next few days. Amazon already has some in stock:

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Leica will start a V-Lux 20 mail-in promotion that will offer customers a limited edition brown Leica leather case valued at $125 and a Leica leather SD card holder valued at $35 free of charge. The promotion will expire on December 31, 2010.

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• Leica @ Photokina 2010 pictures
• Full V-Lux 2 and D-Lux press releases at Thephoblographer, Optyczne and  Gizmodo (V-Lux 2, D-Lux 5).
• Leica Design Preview Event coverage by David Farkas.
• New firmware is being worked on for the Leica X1 (via @David_Farkas).
• Leica D-Lux 5 test shots.
• Leica V-Lux 2 test shots.

Three new videos:

Leica M9 Titanium unveiling:

Leica V-Lux 2:

Leica D-Lux 5:

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Engadget has many pictures of the new Leica products.

Full press releases after the break:

The new LEICA D-LUX 5 – The compact digital Leica camera with system character

Solms, Germany (September 21, 2010) – Leica Camera is proud to present a new addition to its digital compact camera portfolio, the LEICA D-LUX 5, debuting at Photokina on September 21. The LEICA D-LUX 5 differentiates itself from its previous version by offering a faster LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2 mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. lens with an extended range of focal lengths equivalent to 24 to 90 mm in 35-mm format. Together with its comprehensive range of features and manual settings, the new LEICA D-LUX 5 offers a broader spectrum of photographic options. Its 720-pixel HD-video function in memory-saving AVCHD-Lite format and optional accessories, open up a whole range of additional photographic opportunities for discerning photographers.

“Thanks to ultra-fast image processing, simple handling and compact form, the LEICA D-LUX 5  is a truly unique compact camera with system character,” says Peter Kruschewski, Product Manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG. “It offers users endless opportunities for creative photography and allows photographers to capture the most spontaneous, fleeting moments in unforgettable pictures.”

Suitable for a wide range of photographic situations, from macro and wide-angle architecture and landscape photography to reportage and portrait photography, the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2 mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. zoom of the D-LUX 5 offers an extremely practical range of focal lengths. Additionally, its exceptionally fast maximum aperture makes it an ideal camera for ‘available light’ photography. Whether in unfavorable lighting conditions or for conscious manipulation of depth of focus, the LEICA D-LUX 5 is the perfect camera for capturing truly distinctive images.

Featuring a particularly large sensor for a compact camera, the D-LUX 5’s 1/1.63"-CCD image sensor contributes to a significant increase in image quality, even at 10.1 megapixels. The sensor is finely tuned to bring out the best of the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2 mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. Lens. Combined with the camera’s electronics and firmware, it guarantees brilliant high-contrast images with natural color rendition and superb sharpness. Also contributing to its exceptional image quality, the D-LUX 5’s pixels are considerably larger than that of other cameras.

The D-LUX 5 delivers images in 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 formats as well as 1:1, a particularly interesting format for creative composition, in both capture and review mode. The camera monitor has a wide viewing angle and a resolution of 460,000 pixels, displaying images in superb quality. An ideal and reliable tool, it allows photographers to precisely assess images both during composition and after capture.

The LEICA D-LUX 5 is characterized by clear lines and an intensely focused design. A true Leica Camera, the D-LUX 5’s formal simplicity, intuitive controls and overall reduction to pure essentials reflect the company’s culture.

Users can quickly and easily enter manual settings utilizing the D-LUX 5’s innovative ‘Clickwheel’ located at the back of the camera. The D-LUX 5 also offers numerous automatic functions for effortless photography that guarantee photographers perfectly exposed and sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release. The camera’s automatic functions control the O.I.S. image stabilizer, automatic ISO selection, face recognition, automatic contrast compensation and automatic scene mode.

The LEICA D-LUX 5 is supplied complete with the professional image-processing software Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®. This software package allows photographers to ‘develop’ the RAW image files delivered by the CCD sensor to obtain the best-possible image quality. Simultaneously, photographers maintain complete control over the development process applied to their images.

The LEICA D-LUX 5’s offerings are expanded by a range of optional accessories. The LEICA EVF1 electronic viewfinder is particularly useful when shooting under extreme lighting conditions. Mounted on the accessory shoe of the camera, it enables Live-View, a function that lets the photographer view the subject through the lens and assess the precise composition of an image just like when using a real system camera. The LEICA CF 22 accessory flash unit provides photographers with additional options for flash exposure and fill-in flash. A handgrip helps to ensure steady and safe handling of the camera. The optional accessories  also include a choice of bags and cases – ranging from an elegant leather case with shoulder strap, an ever-ready camera case with to a stylish, soft leather pouch.

The LEICA D-LUX 5 in elegant black finish will be available starting October 2010.

The new LEICA V-LUX 2 – The compact camera for travel and nature photography

Solms, Germany (September 21, 2010) – Leica Camera is proud to present a new addition to its digital compact camera portfolio, the V-LUX 2, debuting at Photokina on September 21. The V-LUX 2 combines a high-performance lens and outstanding image quality with a sleek and compact body. Equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. lens, a 3’’ rotating LCD display and a wide variety of video functions in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD, the V-LUX 2 is ideal for almost any photographic situation.

“Its versatile lens and compact form make the LEICA V-LUX 2 the ideal camera for the ambitious travel and wildlife photographer,” says Peter Kruschewski, Product Manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG. “In certain shooting situations the use of camera systems with lens changes is often required. Thanks to the V-LUX 2’s large range of focal lengths, this compact camera has the ability to capture almost all moments of life.” Kruschewski continues, “The V-LUX 2 is an interesting alternative to comparable SLR systems. Compact and lighter, it significantly reduces the weight and volume of a traveler’s photographic equipment.”

The V-LUX 2’s LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. 24-fold super-zoom lens offers an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35-mm format. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, finely detailed macro studies at short distances or distant objects with a super-telephoto setting, the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. lens captures them all in breathtaking quality. A newly developed 14.1 MP CMOS image sensor tuned to perfection enhances the high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. zoom. In combination with the camera’s electronics and firmware, the sensor guarantees brilliant, high-contrast images with natural color rendition and superb sharpness.

The V-LUX 2’s 3" LCD display has a resolution of 406,000 pixels and can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, making it easy for photographers to compose pictures from even the most unusual angles. When shooting stills or videos from over their heads or close to the ground, photographers using the V-LUX 2 are always in full control.

In addition to offering an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter that guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack integrating, the entire 24-fold zoom range is available during video recording. The LEICA V-LUX 2 is the first Leica digital compact to feature video capture in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD.

One of the world’s fastest consecutive-shooting cameras, the LEICA V-LUX 2 features high-speed burst shooting capability: bursts of 11 frames per second at the full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with a resolution of 2.8 MP.

Characterized by a compact design and extremely simple handling, the V-LUX 2’s integrated handgrip and light weight allows photographers to shoot one-handed. The camera controls are evidently positioned, assuring a simple and pleasant use. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top deck of the camera.

The LEICA V-LUX 2 is supplied complete with a comprehensive software package. The image processing software, Adobe® Photoshop® Elements, provides users with an extremely versatile, all-inclusive solution that offers viewing, organization, administration and a wide range of processing options for still images and video recordings. The bundle also includes the high-quality software Adobe® Premiere® Elements especially designed for video processing. This easy-to-use software package offers optimum features for processing videos recorded by the V-LUX 2 in AVCHD-Format and also enables the creation of professional audio and video effects.

The LEICA V-LUX 2 will be available starting October 2010.

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This is according to a l-camera-forum member - look for the October, 2010 issue (#10) of NaturFoto, page 11.

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Leica is expected to announce new products on September 21st, the first day of Photokina. The biggest photography fair opens doors at 10:00 am CET (4:00 am US Eastern time). I will be covering the announcements on LeicaRumors.

If you are going to Photokina, you can send me any Leica related visuals (pictures, videos) and I will post them online. Please provide a name or a website for credit if you wish. I have also created a flickr group - you can add you Leica related images from Photokina directly to the group pool and I will share them online. Thanks!

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Time to update my previous list of Leica expectation for Photokina. The folowing three products will be released for sure:

• Leica D-Lux 5 with optional EVF
• Leica V-Lux 2 will be based on the Panasonic Fz100
• Titanium Leica M9 with a special version of the 35/1.4 asph lens (initially reported a month ago). The kit will also come with an integrated hand strap an a dedicated holster style case.

The rest is still unclear. The big question mark is still the mythical R-lens solution (or maybe a new Leica EVIL system camera?) - nobody has seen it, nobody has any real proof that it really exists, except that email Leica sent few days ago.

Expect announcements to start the day before Photokina, or on the first day of Photokina (September 21st).

I will continue to update this list if I get other reliable information in the next few days.

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Based on previous release patterns, a new Leica D-Lux 5 is pretty much guaranteed to be released for Photokina. In addition, Leica is excepted to introduce a second Panasonic based camera with a fixed lens. The rumor is that this camera will be a high-end model, but there is no reference which Panasonic version will be used as a base. Looking at the current 2010 Panasonic camera line-up, potential candidates are the DMC-FZ100K and DMC-FZ40K models which could turn out be the successor to the Leica V-Lux 1.

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1. Leica will announce new low end compact camera on May 26th
2. Full frame Leica M8 at Photokina – sensor by Panasonic
3. Strong hints that Leica is planning to launch a full-frame 35mm sensor-based digital rangefinder camera

The rumor is that a new Leica M9 Titan will be released by the end of the year, most probably as a limited edition. It is possible that this would be the M9 related announcement at Photokina. The Leica M9 Titan will be sold as a kit with a lens (not sure which one) for the price of €18,000 (vat tax incl). I am told that the body will be made of real Titanium (which could explain the price tag) and not just "Ti plated" like this M6 Titan I found on eBay:

Another small p&s camera from Leica is also expected for Photokina, probably the Leica D-Lux 5.

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An interesting camera ranking made by Okcupid - they let people vote on different picture profiles and came out with some interesting results: Leica point and shoot cameras came on second place after Panasonic m4/3 and ahead of Canon, Pentax, Nikon and Sony DSLR.

My explanation/guess - they probably included the Leica M8/M9 models in that point and shoot category.

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This concept of a Leica point and shoot camera was created by Mark Law:

"The design language echos the true form of original cameras, aiming to simplify a product that is usually overly complicated. The controls are limited to a simple sector wheel located on the top of the camera for easy access, and a main central control pad. The shutter button has become a more prominent feature, willing the user to press it. The flash has been hidden, only popping up when needed, as to give the camera a more streamlined visual language."

Go to Mark Law's website for more images.

Last time there were some confusions, so I have to remind you that those concepts are just a designer's perspective on what a camera should/could look and they are not related to Leica Camera AG in any way.

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Leica Japan release a new limited edition Leica C-LUX 3 Chibi Maruko-chan camera:

• Product Name: Leica C-LUX 3 model of Chibi Maruko Chan
• Limited number: 50
• Price: 77,000 yen
• Dealer: Futago Tamagawa Leica Shop

"Chibi Maruko-chan (ちびまる子ちゃん) is a shōjo manga series by Momoko Sakura, later adapted into an anime TV series by Nippon Animation, which originally aired on Fuji Television from January 7, 1990 to September 27, 1992. The series depicts the simple, everyday life of a little girl nicknamed Maruko and her family in suburban mid-seventies Japan." (source)

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