Leica Announces C-Lux 2 Digital Camera

March 25, 2007 -- Leica this month has announced the ultra compact LEICA C-LUX 2 Digital Camera in either black or silver metal body.  Measuring only 3.5"x2.0", the C-LUX 2 fits into the smallest of pockets yet features a wide-angle 28mm zoom lens, 7.2-megapixel image sensor, a large 2.5" color LCD display,  as well as optical image stabilization and intelligent exposure control to help prevent camera shake and ensure optimum detail.

The extra large 2.5" display, the image stabilization and short shutter delay of the LEICA C-LUX 2 all guarantee carefree photography with high-quality results. Fast, discreet snapshots captured on the fly, or pictureperfect compositions at twilight or in other tricky conditions – everything is possible with the LEICA C-LUX 2. The VARIO-ELMARIT zoom lens retracts entirely into the camera body at the flick of the 'off' switch. Whether you'e a partygoer, beachcomber, city stroller or nature lover, the LEICA C-LUX 2 is always a dependable companion - any time, any place, you’ll never miss another photo op.

Specifications

•  Image Sensor: 1/2.5" CCD with 7.38 million pixels (7.2m pixels effective in 4:3 format)
• 4:3 Resolution: 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200 
• 16:9 Resolution: 3072 x 1728, 1920 x 1080 (corresponds to hDTV standard)
• Video Sequences: In 16:9 format with 848x480 pixels, in 4:3 format with 640x480 pixels or in 4:3 format with 320x240 pixels at either 30fps or 10fps, duration of recording limited by the capacity of the memory card.  Recording with sound.
• File formats: JPEG (Fine/Standard), Video QuickTime Motion JPEG
• Storage Media: SDHC memory card, SD memory card and Multimedia card
• Standard Memory: 64MB is supplied with the camera
• ISO Settings: Auto, Intelligent ISO, Manual (100, 200, 400, 800, 1250) or 3200 (in high sensitivity mode)
• White Balance: Automatic, Daylight, Overcast Sky, Haolgen Light, Manual Setting, Fine admustment of white balance in a range of -1500k to +1500k in 150 k steps (not available for auto settings)
• Lens: LEICA DC VARI-ELMARIT f/2.8 - 5.6 / 4.6 - 16.4mm ASPH (28-100mm is the 35mm equivalent). 3.6x optical zoom.
• Optical Image Stabilizer: 2 modes: either for exposure only or for monitor image and exposure
• Focus Range: Normal: 50 cm (20 in) - Infinity, Macro/Smple/Motion Picture : wide-angle 5cm (2 in.) / telephoto 30cm (12 in.) - Infinity
• Focusing: Autofocu, either normal or macro. Multi-field metering, Exposure bracketing +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
• Shooting rate: 3fps or 2fps at full resolution. Max 7 pictures with JPEG standard, max 5 pictures with JPEG fine
• Shutter Speeds: 8 - 1/2000s. Starry sky mode: 15, 30, 60s. Video mode: 1/30s - 1/6400s
• Flash: Auto with or without pre-flash (to reduce red-eye), manual flash, fill flash, slow sync flash. Flash range 0.6 - 5.0 m (wide), 0.3 - 2.0m (telephoto), and high sensitivity mode: 0.8 - 5.7 m (wide angle), 0.8 - 2.8m (telephoto) with ISO set to Auto. 
  
• Scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Landscape, Sport, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Food, Party, Candlelight, Baby 1, Baby 2, Pets, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Underwater.
• LCD Monitor: 2.5" polycrystalline TFT color display with 207,000 pixels. Field of view: almost 100 Power LCD mode, wide-angle viewing modes
• Live Histrogram: yes
• Printer Compatibility: PictBridge
• Ports: USB 2.0, DC in, and AV Out
• Battery capacity: 300 frames (CIPA Standard)
• Dimensions (wxhxd): 3.7 x 2.0x 9.0 inches
• Weight: 4.6 ounces without battery and memory card. 5.4 oz with.
• Includes: Battery charger, battery, 64MB SD memory card, AV cable, AC cable, wrist strap, CD-ROM with software (Adobe Photoshop Elements 3/4/5, Quicktime Movieplayer)