These days no self respecting digicam will have anything else than a 10 MP resolution and the Leica ultra-compact D-LUX 3 is no different! The latest digicam from Leica apart from a 10 MP resolution also has features like 16:9 ratio LCD, Leica 4x wide angle optical zoom lens (28 to 112 mm equiv.) among others.

The yet to be released DIGILUX 3 is Leica’s first integrated digital SLR and stands apart from the usual Leica systems thanks to the adaptation of the Four Thirds system. The DSLR draws it inspiration from Panasonic DMC-L1 however there some changes. For starters the DIGILUX 3 uses image processing adjustments which are different from L1 and have been defined by Leica themselves. The DSLR is equipped with a 7.5 megapixel LiveMOS sensor for a real-time live photo function and sports an energy-saving operating system.

The legendary Leica M Series will now be seen in a new and improved avatar! The company has taken the M series digital and thus we have the Digital Leica M8. Leica loyalists will no doubt find the new digital camera tempting as it promises to carry forward the inimitable Leica Legacy!

The new Leica M8 is a rangefinder digital camera and retains the classic Leica M look. In a world full of glossy and shiny cameras, the M8 simple yet smart design comes as a breath of fresh air. The M8 has a resolution of 10 megapixels and Leica are quick to point out that the M8 is a brand new camera and not a successor to the M7. To complement the newly released M8, Leica has also unveiled the Tri Elmar M 16-18-21 mm F4 Aspherical lens which is built to provided optimized results at specific focal lengths. The new lens is compatible with both M8 and the normal M series.

When it comes to image formats, the camera supports DNG (RAW), JPEG (Fine / Basic)
and DNG + JPEG. The M8 features the Leica M bayonet and accepts all Leica lenses produced from 1954 onwards. The M8 is outfitted with a 2.5 LCD and an electronic viewfinder. Shooting Modes include; Single picture (one shutter button depression, one picture), Continuous (2 frames per second up to 10 frames) and Self-timer (2 or 12 second delay).

The camera comes bundled with anti-slip carrying strap, cover for M bayonet, lithium ion rechargeable battery, battery charger incl. car socket adaptor and 3 mains plug adapters (Euro, UK, USA) (14 463), USB connection cable, user manual, software DVD Capture One LE, software CD with LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE and user manuals in all languages. No word on pricing or availability.

Via Dpreview

The LEICA C-LUX 1 promises to be the prefect point and shoot camera which would also be appreciated by serious photographers. It features the renowned Leica lens (of course) whose focal length would be equal equivalent to a 28-102 mm in the 35 mm format. The optical image stabilizer delivers sharp images even when taken in low light conditions or when taking action shots. While the camera is extremely compact, that doesn’t mean that Leica has compromised on the LCD.Infact it has a High resolution 2.5-inch display which results in easy viewing and better photography.

Like all standard digital cameras these days, this one is capable of shooting videos and can record movie clips at either 30 fps or 10 fps in 16:9 format with 848 x 480, 4:3 format with 640 x 480 or in 4:3 format with 320 x 240 pixels. Memory can be extended via a SD card and Scene Modes include portrait, soft skin, landscape, sport, night portrait, night landscape, self-portrait, food, party, candlelight, fireworks, starry sky, snowed and Flash Modes include either automatic flash on with or without pre-flash (to combat red-eye), manual flash on (fill-in flash) with or without pre-flash, SLOW for slower shutter speeds (with pre-flash), flash off.

No word on availability or pricing yet.

Digital Camera Blog Via Engadget

Leica Camera AG and Panasonic have worked together to develop interchangeable lens based on the Four Thirds standard, LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT. The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT will have a focal length from 14mm to 50mm and is the first interchangeable lens developed for DSLRS.Thus has made the lens a highly anticipated product as both Leica and Panasonic promises cutting edge performance.

The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT is made of 16 elements and two aspherical lenses resulting in superior quality images capturing every aspect and nuance. It has been developed to produce minimal distortion and peripheral vignetting and a large-diameter aspherical glass molded lens is also integrated for supreme performance. In the Panasonic cameras the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens integrates the MEGA O.I.S which leads to image stabilization and produces clear crisp images even without a tripod.

The Panasonic Lumix Cameras will also run on the Venus Engine while ensures precise control and thus stakes photography to the next level. The interface is also extremely user friendly and the addition of an aperture ring, focus ring and zoom ring gives users a chance to explore their creative side to the fullest. The Panasonic DMC-LI also sports a shutter speed dial on the camera making it highly intuitve.The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT will feature not on standard DSRLs but only in Panasonics exclusive line of MEGA O.I.S.

Panasonic:www.panasonic.com