Leica announces C-LUX 2 compact camera

While companies like Canon and FujiFilm prefer to fly in the face of PMA and announce their cameras well ahead of the trade show, others, like Leica, have decided to hold their cards 'till the last minute and show off 'em at the show itself. Leica's latest offering, however, shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with the company, with the camera maker once again sharing the spotlight with Panasonic, unveiling its take on the Lumix DMC-FX30 in the form of the C-LUX 2. Apart from the spiffy new design, however, the two cameras are otherwise identical, with the same wide-angle lens with a 3.6x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch LCD, and 848x480, 30fps movie capturing capabilities. Leica has also seen fit to throw in an oh so generous 64MB SD card, as well as a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements. You'll also, of course, have to pay quite a premium for those Leica bragging rights, with the C-LUX 2 set to demand $499 when it rolls out in May, available in your choice of black or silver.

[Via Crave]

[Martin @ Mar 8th 2007 1:45PM]

i'd get one. looks cool.
first post btw

[BrandonLehman @ Mar 8th 2007 2:28PM]

The thing that frustrates me about these cameras is the lack of RAW image capture. I own the Pan/Leica DMC-LX2 specifically because it has RAW.

I would be all over this camera, or a Canon Elph with raw.

(my normal setup is 20D+L's)

[Anthony @ Mar 8th 2007 2:35PM]

They may be more expensive than the Panasonic, but they do, indeed, look like "classics" right out of the gate.

[Kevin Price @ Mar 8th 2007 3:16PM]

I try to discuss the issues you cover on my blog (www.bizplusblog.com), but obviously can't compare. You really set the standard.

[Castle @ Mar 8th 2007 5:00PM]

Basically re-branded Canon DMC-FX30 down to every spec except you pay $150 more for the Leica name and black body. Lame.

[carter @ Mar 8th 2007 9:58PM]

Dang - I was hoping for an upgraded D Lux.

[Jake @ Mar 16th 2007 9:34AM]

Isn't this just a relabeled Panasonic DMC-FX07

[JP @ Mar 19th 2007 5:18PM]

Nice to see the update to the C-Lux 1.
The C-Lux 1 is definitely an awesome camera, the firmware differences make it truly an awesome camera. Definitely recommend it, and hey - it really is a LEICA!
JP