Universal and high-performance: LEICA V-LUX1 compact digital camera with extreme focal length range for ambitious photographers

(The Leica V-LUX 1 is a modified Panasonic DMC-FZ50 and will be marketed mainly outside of N. America)

Leica Camera is introducing the new LEICA V-LUX 1 at Photokina in Cologne (September 26, 2006 to October 1, 2006). The LEICA V-LUX 1 is a digital compact camera which combines high-performance optics and outstanding picture quality in a compact camera body. The camera offers 10 million pixels and a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-3.7/35-420 mm ASPH lens, thus commanding universal capability for the small picture system. From spacious landscape shots, filigree macro close-up shots through to photos of far distant objects in super telephoto mode, the lens with its 12 times zoom creates outstanding picture results in all photographic situations. The integral picture stabilizer gives the user additional protection against camera shake, even under difficult lighting conditions. The LEICA V-LUX 1 has a tilting 2.0" TFT display for optimum picture checking. Thus the photographer is assured of secure control even in difficult situations for photography and gains additional possibilities for picture composition by means of unusual camera perspectives. A variety of manual settings, including a diverse subject program for many photographic situations, round out the creative composition possibilities of the LEICA V-LUX 1.

"The LEICA V-LUX 1 is a real all-rounder for every photographic situation. The camera combines the best features of two different digital camera systems: the capabilities of a mirror reflex camera with the handy size of a compact camera. This makes the LEICA V-LUX 1 a compact all-in-one solution, which loses nothing in picture quality comparison with a digital mirror reflex camera and is superior to it in handiness. The large range of focal lengths offered by the LEICA V-LUX 1 means that complicated lens changing is eliminated. The camera is thus both flexible and quickly ready for use, the risk of dirt of the sensor is avoided and the scope of photographic equipment is concentrated into a compact and light-weight digital camera" says Marius Eschweiler, Product Manager for digital compact cameras at Leica Camera.

The high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-3.7/35-420 mm ASPH zoom lens comprises 14 lenses in 10 groups. With a maximum aperture of 2.8 and the particularly large range of focal lengths, the LEICA V-LUX 1 offers versatile picture composition possibilities for brilliant photos with true-to-life colors. The focussing and zoom ring on the lens is easy to use and permits concentration to be devoted to the subject. The optics are individually matched to the camera sensor. Together with the electronics and the software they enable pictures with natural color reproduction, excellent sharpness and high brilliance. In relation to color matching, contrast and picture definition, Leica Camera has developed its own profile. This is oriented to the picture characteristics that are well known to Leica System Camera customers from their use in combination with professional film materials and specialist development laboratories.

The 2.0" large camera display of the LEICA V-LUX 1 has a resolution of 207,000 pixels, enabling it to generate an exceptionally brilliant picture, allowing the photographer to make a reliable and exact assessment of the picture composition both when taking the photo and when reviewing it. An additional feature for checking the picture in particularly difficult situations – such as when photographing above your head – is the tiltable TFT display, which can be set to almost any angle. In addition, it creates further possibilities for picture composition by unusual camera perspectives, such as a worm’s-eye view. To reduce the load on the rechargeable battery, the display can also be switched to a darker low-energy mode, without having to sacrifice the outstanding picture quality.

Further security for a successful picture is derived from the integral protection against camera shake (O.I.S.), which can be switched on and off at any time. This reliably protects against camera shake in all photographic situations, since small movements of the hand are systematically compensated. Whether at twilight, during indoor shots, for snapshots or in zoom operation – the result is always a sharp picture without the need for a tripod.

The picture signal processor used in the LEICA V-LUX 1 ensures quick picture signal processing and saving within the camera. This allows the LEICA V-LUX 1 to be used quickly, reliably and spontaneously at any moment. The LEICA V-LUX 1 with its wide range of technical features is ideally suited to photographing the world of nature. In super-tele mode its magnification is equivalent to 10 power binoculars. The optical picture stabilization gives shake-free pictures of the natural world even in poor lighting and extreme conditions. This combined with the quick response time of the shutter are just what are required for a spontaneous picture. The camera is thus an ideal addition to the equipment of naturalists and birdwatchers.

The LEICA V-LUX 1 is supplied with a 512 MB SD card, a battery charger, a powerful rechargeable battery and a comprehensive software package (Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 (PC)/3.0 (Mac), Quicktime Movie Player). Further accessories available include a mains adapter (for direct power supply to the camera from the mains), a spare rechargeable battery and two types of high-quality camera case. The sporty Cordura case is particularly hard-wearing, while the newly developed neoprene case is both practical and purpose-designed. Both camera cases securely protect the products against damage.