Press Release: Leica D-LUX 2 Debuts: Modern Digital Technology Married with Top Optical Performance in a Compact Design


Allendale, N.J. - The new LEICA D-LUX 2 launched by Leica Camera is a compact digital camera offering excellent optical performance and many new functions for the creative photographer. As Leica's first digital camera with an 8.4 megapixel CCD image sensor, the LEICA D-LUX 2 enables unlimited image reproduction in the 16:9 format. The image impression is enhanced even further by the powerful 4x zoom lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH (28 – 112mm in 35mm format) with pronounced wide-angle range. Due to its ultra compact design, the LEICA D-LUX 2 is ideal for those spur-of-the-moment shots that require speed and extreme flexibility. In such situations, users will particularly appreciate the integrated image stabilizer which prevents blurred images all the way through to the telephoto range, even under difficult light conditions.

“Thanks to its versatile functions, the LEICA D-LUX 2 offers unlimited photographic potential. The combination of manual settings and the various scene modes creates scope for individuality. Due to the successful symbiosis of state-of-the-art digital technology and Leica's optical expertise in a compact camera, the D-LUX 2 is ideal for capturing life's most beautiful moments, however unexpected,” says Marius Eschweiler, Product Manager at Leica Camera AG.

Featuring a 2.5” LCD with a resolution of 207,000 pixels, the LEICA D-LUX 2 takes brilliant pictures, enabling reliable and accurate assessment of the image for composition as well as reproduction. To save battery power, the display can be switched to a darker, low-power mode without having to sacrifice the outstanding image quality.

The powerful LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH zoom lens consists of nine elements in eight groups. Its aperture of 2.8 and focal length span of 28 to 112 millimeters in the 35 mm format provide a wide range of possibilities for image composition from wide-angle to telephoto. The optics have been individually matched to the camera sensor. Together with the electronics and software, they produce true-to-nature color, excellent definition and high brilliance.

Successful results are additionally guaranteed by the integrated image stabilizer (O.I.S.) which can be switched on and off as required. This image stabilizer reliably compensates for slight hand movements to prevent blurred images whatever the photographic situation. Whether in twilight, indoors, for snapshots or in the zoom range, pictures are always sharply focused.

Using a switching lever on the lens, the user can define the photographic format by selecting one of three possible aspect ratios. Apart from the 4:3 format and the classic Leica format of 3:2, the LEICA D-LUX 2 offers for the first time the possibility of taking photos in the 16:9 format at the full resolution of over 8 megapixels. Depending on the chosen picture format, the resolution varies from 6 MP (for the 4:3 format) to 7 MP for the classic 3:2 format.

One of the interesting features that widen the application potential of the LEICA D-LUX 2 is the new Leica digital adapter for connecting the camera to the eyepiece of a LEICA TELEVID spotting scope. This turns the compact LEICA D-LUX 2 into a camera with an extremely long focal length range for ambitious bird and nature watchers. The images seen through the scope can be captured in frame-filling digital photos producing impressive quality without vignetting. The 2.5” liquid crystal display of the LEICA D-LUX 2 is ideal for frame selection and image composition when digiscoping. The optical image stabilization ensures shake-free nature shots even in poor light and extreme conditions.

The LEICA D-LUX 2 has a distinctive and concentrated design. Its clear lines and reduction to essential components make the camera a Leica. The uncluttered layout of the controls and the simple operation concept allow intuitive handling. Manual focusing is facilitated by a joystick on the camera back.

The LEICA D-LUX 2 has a body comprised of aluminum. To ensure a reliable and robust product, great attention was paid to small details, and only high-quality materials were used.

The LEICA D-LUX 2 comes with a 64 MB SD card, a charger, a powerful rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and an extensive software package (Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0, Quicktime Movie Player, USB driver). An AC adapter (for direct main power supply for the camera), a spare battery and a selection of high-quality camera bags are available as accessories. The sporty Crumpler® bag of the German-Australian manufacturer of high-quality photo bags accommodates the camera, memory card and spare battery and protects them from damage. The bag is available in red and charcoal grey.

The LEICA D-LUX 2 will be on sale at authorized Leica dealers at the end of November 2005.
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Leica Camera, Inc.

Leica creates cameras and optical photographic accessories that empower the artist in every photographer. The company creates instruments that provide photographers with the tools they need, as well as inspire the artistic spirit within. Leica is dedicated to developing the finest in cameras and optical photographic instruments. For the entire history of the company, a tradition of precision manufacturing and technical innovations has steadily positioned the brand at the forefront of the photographic industry and has enabled it to establish an unsurpassed standard of excellence. Leica camera USA, headquartered in Allendale, N.J., distributes a complete line of Rangefinder, SLR cameras and lenses, compact and digital cameras and sport optics. For more information about Leica, please visit the website at www.leicacamerausa.com.

Posted: Tue - September 20, 2005 at 03:34 PM          

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