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.
