Leica Unveils C-Lux 1

April 2, 2006: Leica Camera has released details of the new Leica C-Lux 1, a compact 6-megapixel digicam with a 28-102mm zoom lens.
The new model’s design is very similar to Panasonic’s DMC-FX01 model, which was announced in February, reflecting the close relationship between the two companies. Available in black or silver, the C-Lux 1 has a metal body that measures 10 x 5 cm and weighs only 160 grams with battery and SD card. It sports a 2.5-inch polycrystalline TFT colour display with 207,000 pixels and includes optical image stabilisation. Sensitivity settings up to ISO 1600 are provided, along with 16 scene modes plus simple, normal and macro shooting modes. Exposures are determined by multi-field metering and the C-Lux 1 has a shutter speed range from 8 to 1/2000 second, with 15, 30 and 60 seconds exposures available in Starry Sky mode.
The lens has a normal focusing range of 50 cm to infinity, with macro and movie focusing down to 5 cm at the wide position and 30 cm for tele. Three movie resolutions are provided: 848 x 480 pixel (widescreen), VGA and QVGA at either 30 fps or 10 fps. Recording times are limited only by memory capacity. Still images can be recorded with the standard 4:3 or 3:2 (HDTV) aspect ratio. The C-Lux 1 is supplied with a high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery plus charger. Bundled accessories include a 64MB SD card and software CD that includes Adobe Photoshop Eelements 4.0 and QuickTime Movie Player. Optional accessories include a choice of three real leather cases with micro-velour lining and the Digitaladapter 2 for digiscoping (photographing through binolculars or spotting scopes). The camera comes with a two-year warranty.
The camera is scheduled for release locally in May and is expected to sell for $799. For more information, contact local Leica distributor, Adeal, at www.adeal.com.au or phone (03) 8369 4444.