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Leica V-LUX 2
The Leica V-LUX 2 is a new super-zoom compact for travel and nature photography. Based on the Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ100, the 14 megapixel VLux 2 features a 24x, 25-600mm super-zoom lens, 3’’ rotating LCD display and 1080i-AVCHD Full HD video. The Leica V-LUX 2 is supplied with Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Elements 8 and will be available in the UK from October 2010 for £675. An outdoor case will be available for the V-LUX 2 for £135.
Leica Press Release
Leica announces the LEICA V-LUX 2: The super-zoom compact for travel and nature photography
21 September 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA V-LUX 2, combining a high-performance 24x super-zoom lens and outstanding image quality with a sleek and compact body. Equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. lens, a 3’’ rotating LCD display and a wide variety of video functions in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD, the V-LUX 2 is ideal for almost any photographic situation.
The V-LUX 2’s 24x optical super-zoom lens offers an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35mm format. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, finely detailed macro studies at short distances, or far-away objects, people or animals with a super-telephoto setting, the Leica lens captures them all in breathtaking quality.
Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG, said, “The V-Lux 2’s versatile lens and compact form make it the ideal camera for the ambitious travel and wildlife photographer. In certain shooting situations, having to change lenses can be frustrating, especially when a quick reaction is required. Thanks to the V-LUX 2’s large range of focal lengths, this compact camera has the ability to capture almost all moments of life. The V-LUX 2 is an interesting alternative to comparable SLR systems. Compact and lighter, it also significantly reduces the weight and volume of photographic equipment when travelling.”
A newly developed 14.1 MP CMOS image sensor tuned to perfection enhances the high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. zoom lens. In combination with the camera’s electronics and firmware, the sensor guarantees brilliant, high-contrast images with natural colour rendition and superb sharpness.
The LEICA V-LUX 2’s 3” LCD display has a resolution of 460,000 pixels and can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, making it easy for photographers to compose pictures from even the most unusual or challenging angles. When shooting stills or videos from over their heads or close to the ground, photographers using the V-LUX 2 are always in full control.
In addition to offering an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter that guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack, the entire 24x zoom range is available during video recording. The LEICA V-LUX 2 is the first Leica digital compact to feature video capture in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD.
One of the world’s fastest consecutive-shooting cameras, the LEICA V-LUX 2 features high-speed burst shooting capability: bursts of 11 frames per second at the full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with a resolution of 2.8 MP.
Characterised by a compact design and extremely simple handling, the V-LUX 2’s integrated handgrip and light weight allows photographers to shoot one-handed. The camera controls are clearly laid out, ensuring fast and simple operation. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top plate of the camera.
Software
The LEICA V-LUX 2 is supplied with a comprehensive suite of software. Adobe® Photoshop® Elements® 8 provides users with a comprehensive and versatile image editing solution that offers viewing, organisation, administration and a wide range of processing options for still images and video recordings. Also included is Adobe® Premiere® Elements® 8, an easy-to-use package offering video processing for movies recorded by the V-LUX 2 in AVCHD format, and also enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects.
Pricing and availability
The LEICA V-LUX 2 will be available in the UK from October 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at http://www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA V-LUX 2 is £675 including VAT. An outdoor case will be available for the V-LUX 2 at an SRP of £135 including VAT.
The LEICA V-LUX 2 comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica ‘Passport’ (accidental damage cover).
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#1 Jim
I now have a V LUX1 and was looking forward to upgrading to what you call The V LUX2 . Since it isnt available yet in Canada I went and looked at a Panasonic DMC FZ 100 ,The camera has a Ipressive List of features but to my dismay everything I touched was course and rough compared to my V LUX 1 although the numbers say its minimally smaller I find the size difference disturbing ,Its too small for my hands.Please tell me this isnt so. Jim
11:07 pm - Friday, September 24, 2010
#2 John
Delighted with the camera perfect for nature work. The rear dial is rough in rotation and feels a little flimsy but all else excellent
5:35 pm - Thursday, October 28, 2010
#3 John
excellent camera only the rear dial is rough in action and feels flimsy in use, but otherwise a naturalists dream camera
5:51 pm - Thursday, October 28, 2010
#4 Tony
What's the difference between this camera and the Panasonic FZ100? They both seem to have almost identical characteristics and about £200-300 price difference, the Leica being more expensive.
8:17 pm - Saturday, October 30, 2010
#5 Key
I'm interested in the real difference with the FZ100.
5:58 pm - Friday, December 3, 2010
#6 Tommy
The only difference is in the firmware, and less stickers and cleaner surface on the outside for the Leica.
When it comes to firmware, that means simple changes of menus, and the pictureprocessing, so then it's only up to you if you want to spend the extra money for that.
For me the best thing about the pictureprocessing is the black/white-options, the pictures looks fantastic in B/W, but other than that I can't say if the difference is worth it when it comes to the Raw-files.
5:59 am - Wednesday, December 15, 2010
#7 Sharpasaknife
I have had the V-Lux 2 for a couple of months now after having prviously owned the V-Lux 1.
To anyone thinking of upgrading then think again! Yes the Lux 2 has some very nice features but it feels totally cheap in comparison, the motorised zoom is a pain the, well I'll just say butt! I purchased mine on a pre-order on the assumption that it would be better so sorry Leica I think you have dropped a clanger.
I find the smaller size more of a hindrance than help, when holding I find I change settings un-intentionally by touched buttons I do not want to and this is purely down to size.
As stated earlier re the zoom, being motorized I find I am taking it out (or in) then having to go back because I have gone too far then having another go whereas with the manual zoom you set what you want and away you go.
The bigger screen is a bonus though as is the fast burst speeds but overall I am sorry I changed.
1:31 pm - Tuesday, February 8, 2011
#8 Nephtali Suarez
I own a leica v1 and was wondering if you do upgrading.
toa v2 camera.
6:46 pm - Friday, March 11, 2011
#9 dick ranez
For $300 you get tweaked firmware (which Leica fanatics say is "better"), copies of Adobe Photoelements and it's video brother, a two year warranty (vs. one year) and the prestige of the
red dot.
11:56 pm - Wednesday, March 16, 2011
#10 Leon T Copeland
I just purchased the V-Lux 2 and like it very much, but am having trouble getting it connected to view and download pictures. I have Photoshop but have not used it with my prior cameras. No software came with the camera package and I am wondering if I shouldn't have received some drivers since my computer and my TV do not see or recognize my camera when it is attached to USB ports. Where is good support for this problem.
11:05 pm - Tuesday, August 23, 2011
#11 Kathleen Poole
Love the camera and am getting used to it.
My pictures are huge. 40,000px's. How can I make them smaller? Would like up upload them to the internet, but can't at this size. I'm taking them in jpeg format.
3:59 am - Thursday, September 22, 2011
#12 Gid
Just bought the camera. First impression on use is good. Comments vary from great to rubbish and that is disconcerting.
6:27 pm - Friday, October 14, 2011
#13 OrientKate
Just got Vlux2 - keep getting this message on my screen - Systems error O.I.S. What does that mean.
No reference to it in instruction booklet?
Help
8:13 pm - Tuesday, January 10, 2012