Leica Unveils Next-Gen M8 Digicam (PC Magazine)
Daniel S. Evans - PC Magazine Tue Sep 16, 11:22 AM ET
In Berlin on Monday, Leica announced three new digital cameras, including a new 10-megapixel point and shoot, a compact camera with a 1/1.63-inch CCD image sensor, and a new member of its high-end M8 series.
The $599 LEICA C-Lux 3 is a stripped-down slim camera for quick snapshots. The 10-megapixel camera is designed for easy use and does not have the elaborate menus of other cameras in its class. The C-Lux 3 comes with a powerful LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.4-to-22 mm f/2.8-5.9 ASPH lens and a large 2.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. The user will also be able to record high definition video at 30 fps.
The $795 LEICA D-Lux 4, meanwhile, is a compact camera with features usually found in a much larger unit. Its 1/1.63-inch CCD image sensor and LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH lens allow users to take pictures that cameras in this class were never able to take previously. The camera's high speed lets the user shoot in a variety of light exposures and field depths. The large sensor also allows the user to take full, 24-mm wide-angle photos.
High-end professional cameras have long been Leica's bread and butter. Now, the company has added to its popular professional M8 camera series with the new $6,295 M8.2, the first professional digital camera to use an ultra-scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as cover glass for the camera monitor. The sapphire so hard that it can only be repaired with special diamond tools. Other features include a low-vibration metal blade focal plane shutter, and a digital rangefinder that automatically suggests the correct aperture and focus settings.