Photography Blog has tested a high end compact camera from Leica with a beautiful design. The camera is called Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium and is targeted at users with a thick wallet.

Some key features for the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium:
-10.1 megapixel image sensor
-3.75x optical zoom lens (24-90 mm)
-720p HD video
-3″ LCD screen
-ISO up to 12800

Photography Blog ends up giving the D-Lux 5 Titanium a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The Leica camera scores highest on image quality, design, ease of use and features, while it scores very low on value for your money. It is expensive to walk around with a Leica camera and it is the same with this model, but if you have the money and want the red and white logo on your camera this is a good choice, or you could buy the Panasonic branded version for a lot less.
Read the full review of the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium premium compact camera here.

CNET UK has tested a superzoom camera from Leica called Leica V-Lux 2. When I think about Leica a superzoom compact camera is not the first thing that comes to my mind, but Leica have a good relationship Panasonic and the V-Lux 2 is almost the same camera as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100.

Some key features for the Leica V-Lux 2:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-24x optical zoom lens (25-600mm)
-Able to record high-definition 1080i video
-3″ fold out LCD screen
-Supports RAW file format

CNET UK ends up giving the Leica camera an overall rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. It does not get a top score because of the very high price tag compared to the Panasonic FZ100. There are several good points with the camera including useful zoom range, the video mode is good, stereo microphone and the fold out screen is nifty. On the negative side the reviewer finds aspects such as high price tag, the design is not Leica-looking and there is quite a bit of noise at higher ISO levels.
Read the full review of the Leica V-Lux 2 superzoom digital camera here.

Some key features for the Leica V-Lux 20:
-12.1 megapixel image sensor
-12x optical zoom lens (25-300mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-Built-in GPS
-720p HD video recording
-Uses SD and SDHC memory cards

CNET UK ends up giving the Leica V-Lux 20 a total score of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side we find aspects such as useful zoom range, good construction, the camera is easy to use and the GPS-tagging is handy. On the negative side the reviewer finds only one major point and that is hefty price tag that comes with the red Leica badge.
The V-Lux 20 is a very good compact camera, but is the Leica tag worth the extra money or maybe one should look at other compacts that has more features?
Read the full review of the Leica V-Lux 20 digital camera here.

Leica has announced a new compact camera. The camera is called Leica V-LUX 20 and seems to be a rebranded version of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 digital camera, but the Leica comes with a higher price tag. The Leica V-LUX 20 comes with 12 megapixels and 12x optical zoom.

Some key features for the Leica V-LUX 20:
-12.1 megapixel image sensor
-12x optical zoom lens (25-300mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity from 80 to 6400
-Able to record HD videos
-Geotagging
-Uses SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards

The Leica V-LUX 20 digital camera will be available in April 2010 and cost about £495.

Press release:
Capture the world with the LEICA V-LUX 20: high-performance compact digital camera with super-zoom and GPS tagging

20 April 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA V-LUX 20, a 12.1 effective megapixel digital compact camera with a powerful 12x optical zoom lens and built-in GPS tagging*, making it ideal for recording special memories when travelling – wherever you are in the world.

The integrated, high-performance LEICA DC-VARIO-ELMAR 4.1-49.2mm f/3.3-4.9 ASPH. zoom lens with a focal range of 25-300mm (35mm equivalent) means the V-Lux 20 is perfect for any photographic situation. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, detailed close-ups or shots of distant subjects using the super-telephoto setting, the V-Lux 20 captures them all in breath-taking quality.

The V-Lux 20 is the first Leica camera to feature GPS tagging. For anyone travelling regularly – whether on exotic safaris, family beach holidays or even those important business trips – this innovative feature allows photographers to record the exact geographical co-ordinates of their location (in the Exif data of each photo) automatically, as well as the local time for every shot, ensuring the user always has a useful and accurate record of their trip. In addition, the V-Lux 20 can display the names of interesting sightseeing locations from a total of 500,000 ‘points of interest’ across 73 countries.

The built-in GPS feature also makes archiving and organising photos quick and easy, during or after a trip. Furthermore, for photographers posting images on social networks, image portals or map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth, the data automatically reveals exactly when and where the photos were taken.*

For those who want to make movies as well as still images, the LEICA V-LUX 20 enables movie recording in HD quality. Its intelligent automatic features, such as face recognition, automatic scene modes and smart exposure, are all available in movie mode, together with the camera’s zoom functions.

The V-Lux 20’s generous three inch LCD display has a diagonal of 7.5cm and a resolution of 460,000 pixels, and offers an extremely bright, sharp view for precise composition and framing of shots, as well as accurate quality control for captured shots in playback mode.

Beautifully styled in a matt black finish, the V-Lux 20 has been designed with simple, ergonomic controls and user-friendly menus, and offers fully automatic functions for those who prefer to ‘point and shoot’. It also provides a complete range of manual shutter speed and aperture settings for more creative freedom and image control. In addition, the integrated image stabilisation assists the photographer by reducing the chance of blurred pictures, whether due to camera shake or difficult lighting conditions. The compact dimensions and light weight of the camera also make it easy to pack into a bag or rucksack, or simply carry in a pocket, so users can ensure the LEICA V-LUX 20 is with them on every trip.

Full technical specifications at: http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk/news/new-V-LUX20.html

Accessories and software

The LEICA V-LUX 20 includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 for quick and easy image editing. A high quality brown leather case for the camera is available as an optional accessory from authorised Leica dealers.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA V-LUX 20 will be available in the UK from May 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised Leica dealers is available at http://www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA V-LUX 20 is £495. The optional brown leather case has an SRP of £70.

* GPS tagging may not function in China and neighbouring regions. Strength of satellite signal reception depends on location, and when restricted, positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all.

My favourite camera related site on the internet, Dpreview.com, has reviewed the highly anticipated camera Leica X1. The X1 is very special by that is has a fast and fixed lens, and by that it has a large APS-C sized sensor. The Leica X1 comes with a hefty price tag so it is interesting to see if the reviewer thinks the $2000 is asking for the camera is worth it.

Some key features for the Leica X1:
-12.2 megapixel large APS-C size CMOS Sensor
-Fast wide angle, Leica Elmarit 1:2.8/24mm ASPH Lens
-3 frames per second
-ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200
-11 point autofocus mode
-2.7″ LCD screen

Dpreview ends up giving the Leica X1 a “Recommended” rating. The camera scores highest on build quality, ergonomics and image quality while scoring lowest on value, speed and features. The reviewer really likes the camera and it is able to produce pictures of excellent quality. But when you look at the price tag and the limitations of this camera you easily come to the conclusion that this Leica camera is not for everyone. For regular photographers looking for a compact camera with a large sensor it might be more sensible to look at Micro Four Thirds cameras such as the Panasonic GF1 and the Olympus Pen cameras. I, however, would not mind if someone offered me this Leica camera
Read the full review done by Dpreview of the Leica X1 camera here.

Leica has updated the firmware for their compact camera, the Leica D-Lux 4. Firmware version 1.20 includes improvements for auto white balance and auto focus on the Leica D-Lux 4 camera.

Download firmware version 1.20 for the Leica D-Lux 4 camera from the Leica website.

Leica has announced a special edition of their M8.2 camera. The camera is called Safari Special Edition and comes with a special edition of the Leica ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens.
The camera set is limited to 500 copies so this will be very exclusive pieces of photography equipment and the price tag of $10000 adds to the exclusivity.

Information from Leica:
With a production run limited to only 500 units , this special-edition “Safari” includes as well as the olive green painted LEICA M8.2 and the silver anodised finished LEICA ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH.lens, an exclusive Billingham camera case and an elegant carrying strap, bearing an embossed Leica logo. The inspiration for the olive green paint has been the M cameras supplied by Leitz to the „Bundeswehr” (German Army) in the 1960′s as well as the LEICA R3 „Safari”, both of which are much sought after today and therefore very expensive.

The top cover, bottom plate, camera back and the leatherette „VULKANIT” covering are all coated with a resistant olive green paint finish, which provides a pleasant touch and grip. The top cover is also engraved with the traditional Leica script. All operational elements are finished in silver chrome and therefore match with the silver anodised lens.
LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH.

The LEICA ELMARIT-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens has been very popular since its introduction into the M system. It’s very compact dimensions and outstanding performance also apply to this silver anodised version, exclusively available in the Limited Edition „Safari”. By using silver anodising on aluminium parts, the low weight of only 180 grams has been maintained. The lens is completed with a classic metal lens hood, also in silver anodised finish.
Billingham Combination Bag M „Safari”

The English Specialist manufacturer of high quality camera cases, Billingham, has produced exclusively for the new Edition „Safari” the matching bag in olive green with tan coloured top-grain leather trim. The Billingham Combination Bag M „Safari” is made of water resistant fabric „FibreNyte” and can take the complete „Safari” Set as well as further lenses and accessories.
The carrying strap: Genuine leather with Leica embossing

The outer side of this elegant carrying strap consists of tan-coloured calfskin, the inner side of anti slip pigskin. It’s very high quality can be seen for example by the carefully finished hemlines of the strap. An embossed Leica Logo also adorns the middle of the carrying strap.

Leica has announced that they are accepting submissions for the 2009 “Leica Oskar Barnack Award”. This year is the 30th edition of the Leica photography competition.
The winner receives 5,000 euros or, alternatively, Leica camera equipment to the same value. The winner of the “Newcomer Award” will be awarded 2,500 euros.
The winner photos will also be displayed in a special online gallery for one year.

Visit the official “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” website for more information.

Press release:
“Leica Oskar Barnack Award” 2009 competition just launched

Application form and contest rules for participation now available online

January 23, 2009 – Submissions for the “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” 2009 are now being accepted. All photographers can enter the competition and view contest rules online at www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com.

A renowned photographic competition, the “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” is celebrating its 30th year. To commemorate this landmark, Leica Camera AG has revised the entry conditions and has made numerous changes to the award process.

Entries for the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2009 will be accepted exclusively as online submissions between January 15 and March 1, 2009. All photo series submitted will be displayed in a special online gallery section of the Leica website for a period of one year, ending with the request for entries for the new competition. Additionally, a “Newcomer Award” will be incorporated into the competition for the first time, open to all (prospective) photographers age 25 years and under.

An international jury awards the “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” / “Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award” to photographers whose unerring powers of observation capture and express the relationship between man and the environment in the most graphic form. Entry submissions must be a self-contained series of twelve images in which the photographer perceives and documents the interaction between man and the environment with acute vision and contemporary visual style – creative, groundbreaking and unobtrusive.

The winner of the “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” will receive 5,000 euros or, alternatively, Leica camera equipment to the same value. The winner of the “Newcomer Award” will be awarded 2,500 euros. The prizes will be presented in the course of the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie photographic festival held in Arles, France.

The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies has announced that their Good Design award of 2008 goes to the Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera. The criteria to win the award are several including innovation, form, materials, construction, concept, function and utility. Product appearance and aesthetic appeal is also considered.

Press release:
Leica M8 Chosen For Chicago Athenaeum’s 2008 Good Design Award

January 13, 2009 – The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies announced the LEICA M8 digital rangefinder camera as the recipient of the 2008 GOOD DESIGN award.

The Jury for GOOD DESIGN based their decisions on aesthetic criteria stated in the original 1950 Program-criteria which measures innovation, form, materials, construction, concept, function and utility. Product appearance and aesthetic appeal is also considered.

“We are incredibly pleased and honored to accept this award from this distinguished organization,” said CEO of Leica Camera AG, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann. “The M8, the world’s first professional digital rangefinder camera, has been celebrated since its release in 2006 and continues to impress and astonish photographers and designers alike. The digital successor of Leica’s famed M-series first introduced in 1954, the M8 seamlessly transfers Leica’s core qualities of craftsmanship, lens superiority and practical design into the digital world.”

This year the museum received hundreds of submissions from over 48 nations. The jury met in New York and Los Angeles in November and selected over 500 products and graphics worthy of the GOOD DESIGN Award for design distinction. The 2008 GOOD DESIGN show will premiere at the Chicago Athenaeum in June 2009.

ABOUT THE GOOD DESIGN AWARDS
The Chicago Athenaeum’s historic GOOD DESIGN program was founded in Chicago in 1950 by Edgar J. Kaufmann, Jr. with the participation of some of America’s most important designers: Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, George Nelson, Florence Knoll, Harry Bretoia, Finn Juhl and Russel Wright – the pioneering greats of American and modern design. GOOD DESIGN remains the oldest and most important awards program worldwide.

ABOUT LEICA CAMERA, AG
Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, technology and experience. It is at once an extension of art, knowledge and philosophy, providing a state-of-the-art optical experience in a precision, hand-made photographic instrument. Leica Camera has a simple mission: to provide users with an incomparable experience, an instrument that defines an unsurpassed heritage and sets a standard of excellence for the industry to meet.

DIWA Labs has tested heavyweight Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens that is one of few lenses for the Four Thirds format that can sport F/1.4. They tested the lens on the top DSLR camera from Olympus, the E-3.
DIWA Labs has also compared the Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens with its cheaper cousin from Olympus, the Zuiko 25mm f/2.8 pancake lens and it seems that the Leica is only marginally better than the Zuiko lens.

Read the full tests of the Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens here.
The tests done by DIWA Labs are very technical so you need to read their test guide to understand the test results.