Leica has today announced the D-LUX 2, which appears to be a re-skinned Panasonic DMC-LX1 (review available today). So this camera will not be much of a surprise, it's got the same 4.0x zoom, 28 - 112 mm equiv. lens with built-in image stabilization and (sadly) the same 16:9 ratio eight megapixel CCD as the DMC-LX1. For your extra dollars you'll get a cleaner case design without a hand grip and with that all important red logo. Leica will be making available the 'Digital Adapter 2' which will enable you to shoot through a spotting scope.
Click here for our review of the Panasonic DMC-LX1
(the heart of the Leica D-LUX 2)
Phil: No press release from Leica.
Product Information: (click here for product page @ Leica)
Leica D-LUX 2
The high-quality lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 6.3–25.2 mm f /2.8–4.9 ASPH. with 4 x optical zoom is composed of lens elements made of complex optical glass and it features an ideal range of focal lengths that extends from 28 to 112 mm (35 mm equivalent). That enables you to cover practically everything from the wideangle to the telephoto range. The legendary Le ica image quality is enhanced even further with the optical image stabilizer (O.I.S.) that effectively compensates for camera shake to ensure razor-sharp pictures at all times, even in the telephoto range, in low light conditions and when you take quick snapshots. And there is a choice of three picture formats : 16:9 (8 MP) ; 3:2 (7 MP) ; 4:3 (6 MP) – of which the 16:9 format is HDTV-ready for viewing. The large 2.5-inch display with 207,000 pixels renders a brilliant image for sure evaluation of your composition and reproduction. The option of manually setting the aperture and the shutter speed gives you creative freedom. However, optimal images are also quick and easy with the scene programs and automatic controls. Select from as many as 14 scene modes. The new Digital Adapter 2 makes the camera ready for digiscoping – fantastic nature photographs through a spotting scope.
You see the world in your own unique way. Show it with a Leica ! Those who take pictures discover new perceptions of the world and the times, of the unfamiliar as well as the familiar. For this desire to look at the world and to show it to others, the LEICA D-LUX 2 camera is the perfect tool. In the midst of a bustling crowd or from far away, in the noonday sun or under a full moon, in a calm demeanor or in great haste – the LEICA D-LUX 2 renders pictures with unparalleled brilliance. In three different formats. This digital camera, with its optics, its image stabilizer and 8.4 megapixels, meets the highest standards of the renowned Leica brand. Its stylish aluminum body makes the photographer look good on all occasions. And the high-quality Crumpler® cases make it even more fun to take along. When are you going to take the LEICA D-LUX 2 into your world?
Leica D-LUX 2 specifications
| Sensor | • 1/1.65" Type CCD |
|---|---|
| Image sizes | 16:9 Aspect Ratio 4:3 Aspect Ratio |
| Movie clips | • 848 x 480 (16:9 Aspect Ratio) |
| File formats | • Still: RAW, TIFF, JPEG |
| Lens | • 28 - 112mm (35 mm equiv) 4x optical zoom • 5 x "Extra optical zoom" for smaller sizes (3:2 aspect ratio: 5.1x for 4.5Mega, 2.5Mega) • F 2.8 - F 8.0 (W) F 4.9 - F 8.0 (T) |
| Image stabilization | MEGA OIS Mode 1 and 2 |
| Digital zoom | Up to 4x |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| AF area modes | • 1-point • 1-point high speed • 3 points high speed • 9 points • Spot |
| AF assist lamp | Yes |
| Focus distance | • Normal: Wide 50cm / Tele 120cm - infinity • Macro: Wide 5cm/Tele 30cm - infinity |
| Metering | • Intelligent multiple • Center-weighted • Spot |
| ISO sensitivity | • Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 |
| Exposure compensation | • +/- 2 EV • 1/3 EV steps |
| Shutter speed | • Auto : 1/4 - 1/2000 sec • Program AE : 1 - 1/2000 sec • Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE : 8 - 1/2000 sec • Manual : 60 - 1/2000 sec |
| Aperture | F 2.8 - F 8.0 (W) F 4.9 - F 8.0 (T) |
| Modes | • Program AE • Shutter priority • Aperture priority • Manual |
| Scene modes | • Portrait • Sports • Night Scenery • Night Portrait • Fireworks • Party • Snow • Self-Portrait • Food • Baby • Soft Skin • Candle • Starry Sky • Scenery |
| White balance | • Auto |
| White balance fine tune | 150K step, -1500 - +1500K except for auto WB |
| Self timer | 2 and 10 sec self timer |
| Continuous shooting | 3fps or 2fps max 9 images (standard) 5 images (fine) |
| Image parameters | • Fine, standard, cool, warm, black and white, sepia • Contrast • Saturation • Sharpness • Noise reduction |
| Flash | • Built-in pop-up • Modes: Auto, red-eye, slow sync, red-eye reduction, on, off • Flash output Adjustment: 1/3EV step, -2 - +2 EV • Range: Wide: 0.6 - 4.1m, Tele: 0.3 - 2.3m (ISO Auto) |
| Viewfinder | None |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| LCD monitor | • 2.5" TFT LCD • 207, 000 pixels |
| Connectivity | • USB • DC in • AV out |
| Print compliance | • PictBridge • DPOF |
| Storage | • SD/MMC card • 32 MB card supplied |
| Power | • Lithium ion battery • Charger supplied |
| Weight | • 185 g (0.41 lb) without battery and card |
| Dimensions | 106 x 56 x 26 mm (4.2 x 2.2 x 1 in) |
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