The Leica M8.2 is the updated version of the M8 the first digital rangefinder. This German-made camera features 10.2 megapixels of resolution, 2.5-inch LCD and the crop factor less than the APS-C size sensors at 1.33x.

The new model retains the key characteristics of the Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image quality and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder.

Principal differences then between the M8 and M8.2 include a less vibration-prone shutter mechanism and scratch-proof sapphire crystal LCD cover. Another welcome improvement is the new charger that is even supplied with an 12-volt adaptor to use in the car.

The new snapshot mode was added to allow for good results without knowing a lot about photography. The camera controls all the key features automatically, such as automatic exposure (aperture priority), automatic ISO speed setting and automatic white balance.

Another new feature is a quick override setting: When the shutter release button is sustained as far as the first pressure point, a correction of +/- 3 stops in 1/3 steps can be made with the dial on the back of the camera.

The M8.2 also features an Auto-ISO function that can be selected in all operation modes of the Leica M8.2. It is quite versatile as you can choose both a maximum ISO setting and exposure time.

Camera Reviews:

Photographyblog.com:
It’s not an easy camera to use and get the very best out of immediately as the lack of hand-holding forces you to re-consider every aspect of the picture-taking process, but that’s not a bad thing.

Sample Photo Galleries: photographyblog.com.

Leica M8.2 - Specifications:

• 27 x 18 mm 1.33x CCD Image Sensor
• 10.3 Megapixels
• Sensitivity: ISO160 - ISO 2500
• Lens mount Leica M bayonet
• Exposure control: Aperture priority mode, Manual exposure control, Snapshot mode, Picture modes
• 2.5“ Color LC Monitor with 230,000 pixels
• Maximum Image Size: 3916 x 2634 pixels
• File Format: DNG, JPEG (Fine / Basic), DNG + JPEG
• SD and SDHC Memory cards
• Viewfinder: Rangefinder with Automatic Parallax Compensation
• Shutter Speed: 32 - 1/8000 sec
• White Balance: Auto, 6 Presets, Manual, Color Temp.
• Metering: Center Weighted
• All-metal Magnesium Alloy Camera Body
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
• Battery Life: 500 shots per charge
• Dimensions: 139mm (w) x 80mm (h) x 37mm (d)
• Weight: 600g
• Retail Price: $5999

All about Leica M8 and M8.2 System

What’s new: Photoreview.com.au have reviewed this camera!

The new Leica X1 is a 12.9-megapixel rangefinder camera. It features 2.7 inch LCD screen and a wide angle fixed lens. It’s compact, its controls are intuitive, and it offers a full range of automatic functions.

The X1 is the direct beneficiary of 100-plus years of  German engineering experience and it delivers the best picture quality in its class This elegant camera features a professional CMOS image sensor with Bayer RGB filter

Its lens offers a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 36mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

The Leica X1 offers numerous automatic functions as well as manual settings. Thus the X1 allows you to keep full control for individual creative art work and at the same time provides the automatic mode for quick response.

The camera’s autofocus provides fast focusing. At the same time, the autofocus mode can be modified to suit the situation. You can choose from 1 or 11 AF segments and an additional high-speed mode for each. When taking photos of people, face-recognition function optimizes settings so that faces are in focus are properly exposed. At the same time the X1 also allows manual focusing.

To add more convenience, the hand grip is included. And a built-in popup flash features a hot shoe for external strobes.

Camera Reviews:

Photoreview.com.au:
This is compact digital camera with a large sensor and a reasonably fast prime lens. But it can’t fast auto focusing, as well as high-quality JPEG shots.

Leica X1 Rangefinder – Specification:

• CMOS APS-C Sensor
• 12.20 Megapixels
• Aspect Ratio: 3:2
• File Format: JPEG, RAW (DNG)
• Maximum Image Size: 4272 x 2856
• Continuous Speed: 3.0 fps
• 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
• 100% field of view
• Image Stabilization
• Focal Length: 24.0mm (actual), 36mm (35mm Equivalent)
• Aperture Range : f/2.8 - f/16.0
• Focusing System: 11 or 1-point contrast detection w/ face detect and high-speed mode
• Manual Focus
• Macro: 12.2″/30 cm
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3200
• Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/2000 second
• Exposure Modes: Aperture, Shutter, Manual
• Metering Modes: Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
• SD/MMC including SDHC
• 50.0MB Internal Memory

Official Information: us.leica-camera.com.

The special edition of LEICA M8 - “White” - was announced. It features a white finished body.

The LEICA M8 “White” edition camera model comes in a durable white paint finish that is characterised by a particularly comfortable feel and grip.

The LEICA M8 “White” is presented as part of a special edition set. The M8 “White” set includes a LEICA M8 white finished camera body and silver LEICA ELMARIT-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens with a metal lens shade in classical design and a silver UV/IR filter. Additionally a real leather white carrying strap was especially made for it.

The “White” edition, as well as naturally “normal” Leica M8, features all the key characteristics of analog reporter’s camera such as the compact design, the exceptional picture quality in conjunction with the Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition using the Leica viewfinder.

This is not the first time Leica camera produced with a unique colour scheme. The olive green colour was previously used for two other Leica cameras: in the 1960’s, olive green-painted Leica cameras were supplied to the military and used for surveillance and documentary photography. The second olive green camera model, the Leica R3 ‘Safari,’ was first introduced in 1977.

The LEICA M8 “White” set will be available from Leica specialist dealers from late June 2009.

Leica M8 – Specifications:

• Type: Rangefinder digital camera
• 27 x 18 mm CCD Sensor
• 10 megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 3936 x 2630
• File formats: DNG (RAW), JPEG (Fine / Basic), DNG + JPEG
• Large bright-line frame 0.68x viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation
• 2.5″ TFT LCD Monitor with 230,000 pixels
• Focusing: Manual focus via lens ring, Superimposed focusing system via viewfinder
• Exposure Control Type: manual-and-automatic
• Sensitivity: ISO 160-2500
• Shutter speed: 4 to 1/8000, Bulb
• Shutter release button: Initiate metering, Lock metered exposure, Shutter release
• Lithium-Ion battery pack (3.7 V, 1900 mAh)
• All-metal body of highly stable magnesium alloy
• Lens mount: Leica M bayonet

According to http://www.leica.com.

Leica presents an exclusive special edition of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium, say dcviews.com.

A further premium quality camera edition in an elegant finish. The LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium now joins the special titanium limited editions of the LEICA M7 and LEICA MP and a titaniumcoloured LEICA M6 TTL as the first Leica digital camera with the satin finish of anodised titanium. This special version of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium is limited to only 10,000 cameras worldwide. From January 2009, the camera will be available in a set together with a premium quality, titanium-coloured leather case.

The silver-grey of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium has an unmistakeably exclusive look that makes this special edition an elegant collector’s piece with its own particular expression of luxury. The camera body of the titanium edition has a particularly luxurious look and feel, but still remains light and extremely resilient. Thus, the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium has a metal body that has been constructed with the same precision and attention to detail as the standard models, and the exclusive use of the highest quality materials in its construction guarantees users absolute reliability in every situation.

The technical features of the LEICA D-LUX 4 Titanium are identical to those of the standard models. For instance, the wide range of accessories for the LEICA D-LUX 4, such as the handgrip, the auxiliary finder or the LEICA CF 22 compact flash unit are all fully compatible with the titanium edition.

What’s new: A new “Safari” edition now exists - olive green Leica D-Lux 4!

Leica D-Lux 4 is a product of Leica and Panasonic partnership, their version of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, but - with a couple of exceptions.

The D-Lux 4 is a premium compact digital camera featuring a new 10-megapixel sensor with more light-sensitive area on each pixel, a 24 - 60mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle optical zoom lens, and RAW shooting capability.

If compare to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, Leica JPEGs are much better, with smoother tonal blends and less artifacting. Apart from it, Leica better warranty and cameras are styled very differently.

The LeicaD-Lux 4 sports a high-speed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 lens with a focal length range of 24 to 60 mm in 35 mm format. It opens up new creative opportunities in a variety of situations, including landscape, architecture, travel and reportage photography. An integrated image stabilizer reliably protects against camera shake in all photographic situations, even in difficult light conditions.

The 1/1.63“ CCD image sensor is unusually large for this class of camera, and this results in better image quality enabling the camera to differentiate the finest details and faithfully reproduce tonal values.
Additional accessories can be attached to the camera: a black viewfinder with 24 mm brightline frame to view a subject without draining battery power, a compact flash unit LEICA CF 22, and an additional handgrip that makes the camera easier to hold.

New “Safari” edition (according to imaging-resource.com)
LEICA D-LUX 4 ‘Safari’ has a tough metal body manufactured exclusively from the finest materials and features an anodised olive green surface finish which is particularly resistant to wear and guarantees long-term protection against inadvertent damage. A durable, waterproof carrying case is included with the camera to complete the set.

Leica D-Lux 4 - Specifications:

• Image sensor 1:1.63″ CCD sensor with 11.3 million total pixels
• Image Formats: Jpeg, Raw and TIFF (!)
• 2.5x optical zoom
• Integrated optical image stabilizer
• Face recognition
• Automatic contrast compensation
• Automatic choice of scene mode
• Focal length: 5.1 - 12.8 mm (= 24-60 mm in 35 mm photography)
• Aperture: f2/f8.0
• Shutter speed: 60 - 1/2000 s
• Focusing:, AF tracking, 11-field, 1-field-high-speed, 1-field, 1-spot
• Face recognition
• Sensitivity ISO: Auto, 80-3200
• Scene modes: Portrait, soft skin, self-portrait, landscape, sport, night portrait, night landscape, food, party, candlelight, baby1, baby 2, sunset, high-sensitivity, starry sky, fireworks, beach, snow, aerial photo, high-speed series, flash series, film grain, pinhole camera
• Maximum Image sizes: 3648x 2736
• Video recording HD 1280×720 (24 fps)

A full review you can find at photographyreview.com