Leica has released details of two new compact digital cameras, the D-Lux 4 and the C-Lux 3 at Photokina 2008.

 

September 24, 2008: Leica has released details of two new compact digital cameras, the D-Lux 4 and the C-Lux 3 at Photokina 2008.

Products of the Leica/Panasonic alliance, both models are based on successful Panasonic products. The D-Lux 4 has the same “1/1.63-inch” type (Approx. 8 x 6 mm) CCD sensor and Leica DC Vario-Summicron 5.1-12.8mm f/2.0-2.8 zoom lens as Panasonic’s DMC-LX3 model and a similar body design. The sensor in the D-Luyx 4 also carries 11.3 million photosites and supports an effective resolution of 10.1-megapixels. The lens covers the same 24-60mm equivalent focal length range in 35mm format.

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The Leica D-Lux 4 – front view.

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Back view of the Leica D-Lux 4 showing the large LCD monitor and control layout.

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Top view of the Leica D-Lux 4 showing the mode dial, accessory shoe and other cotnrols.
Like the LX3, the D-Lux 4 has a 3-inch LCD monitor with 460,000 pixels but no in-built viewfinder. (An optional accessory finder is available.) Both cameras have the same control layout and both support raw and JPEG capture. However, the D-Lux 4’s software bundle contains the professional software Capture One 4 RAW data converter. Like the LX3 it also offers three aspect ratios for image capture and supports HDTV playback.
Leica’s C-Lux 3 is based on the Panasonic DMC-FX38 and features a “1/2.33-inch” type CCD sensor and Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens that covers a focal length range equivalent to 25-125mm in 35mm format. Available in black or white, the C-Lux 3 comes with automatic scene recognition and MEGA O.I.S. stabilisation and is designed to be easy to use.

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Front view of the Leica C-Lux 3.

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Back view of the C-Lux 3 showing the main controls and LCD monitor.

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Top view of the Leica C-Lux 3.
Accessories for the D-lux 4 include an add-on hand grip, CF 22 flash and optical viewfinder. Matching leather cases are available for both models. Both models are due to arrive in Australia in late October 2008. For more information, visit http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/new_products/.