Leica announces the Silver Edition D-LUX 6

Those of us hoping for something really new from Leica will be disappointed. Today Leica announced a Silver Edition of their current D-LUX 6 camera.

This is the press release (found via LaVidaLeica):

The classic compact Leica Camera reimagined with a high-gloss and silver finish.

Solms, Germany (October 24, 2013) – Leica Camera AG, presents a new design twist on the Leica D-Lux 6 digital compact camera. With an existing version in elegant, matte-black, the camera is now available in a high-gloss, two-color finish. The new high-gloss black camera body paired with the silver-colored lens creates a tasteful contrast that results in a sophisticated, stylish appearance.

The silver lens of the Leica D-Lux 6 is a Leica DC-Vario-Summilux lens. The varied range of focal lengths makes the camera particularly versatile, ideal for everything from wide-angle architectural and landscape photography to photojournalism and portraits. Combined with a powerful 1/1.7” CMOS image sensor, this camera guarantees a high dynamic range and brilliant images that capture life’s greatest moments.

The Leica D-Lux 6 offers a comprehensive range of features, including automatic mode, manual setting options and optional accessories, like an electronic viewfinder with 1.4 million pixels, which provide even greater creative freedom in all areas of photography. Full HD video recording capability is also included in this newest version of the D-Lux 6. The camera records a perfect rendition of fast-moving subjects in outstanding detail. Video data can be saved in Internet-compatible MP4 format and can be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion. Crystal-clear sound recording is guaranteed by special wind-noise filter that reduces undesirable noise.

Both versions of the Leica D-Lux 6 are available from Leica dealers. A new addition to the range of accessories for the Leica D-Lux 6 is the Leica Soft Pouch in lambskin nappa leather: black, stylish and with a fascinating wrap-around design, this leather case is a perfect complement to any outfit.

Zeiss Full Frame manual lenses for the new Sony FE system coming by end 2014.

I guess what we are seeing here is the official comeback of the Zeiss ZM alike manual lenses! On Zeiss’ Facebook page they just unveiled that:

We are currently working on manual focus lenses for these new full-frame CSCs. They will have an interface to provide EXIF data to the camera. They are expected to be in stores by the end of 2014. However, we cannot provide any additional infos right now.

The current Sony Zeiss FE lenses are made and designed by Sony with the quality control from Zeiss. The new manual Zeiss manual lenses will be designed straight by the German engineers!

Sounds exciting and also pity. Why let us wait one year? I want them now  :)

 

Specs and Preorders in US and Canada (Click on store name to see direct preorder page):
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto..
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Specs and Preorders in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, FI, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, FI, FR, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, FI, FR, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE.
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE.

 

UPDATED: Will Nikon announce a hybrid (mirrorless?) FF camera too?

Now that’s a surprise. According to Nikonrumors there will be a new “hybrid” Full Frame camera from Nikon within the next 2-3 months! It is yet not clear if that’s a mirrorless camera and if it has an interchangeable mount. The “hybrid” could refer to a sort of hybrid viewfinder tech like the one used by Fuji’s X-PRO1. There are the possible specs:

  • 16,2MP 36×23,9 full frame sensor (same as in the D4?)

  • SD memory card

  • 2016-pixel RGB image sensor

  • 9-cell framing grid display

  • 3D color matrix metering II

  • Native ISO range: 100-12800 (incl. ISO 50 and ISO 108,200)

  • 5.5 fps for up to 100 shots

  • 3.2″ LCD screen

  • Battery:EN-EL14

  • Dimensions: 143,5 x 110 x 66,5mm

  • Weight: 765g

  • It will come with a new AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens (again, not clear what mount the new lens will have)

UPDATE: False alarm! Nikonrumors corrected his rumor and now states that the Camera is an F-mount camera and not a mirrorless camera!

New Leica consumer camera coming next week (Oct 24)

leica_logo_2360

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For the first time Leica is facing some competition because of the new Sony A7-A7r cameras (preorders here). And that’s actually good news for Leica lovers too. They have to innovate even faster than before to keep their exclusive market. That said Leica is also active on the consumer market. According to Photographicwanderings they will announce a new consumer camera next week on October 24. We don’t know yet what’s coming but the definitely most surprising news is the one posted by Globalpost.com. According to them Panasonic and Leica will work together on mirrorless interchangeable cameras. Does it mean Leica will join the Micro Four Thirds system?

Fuji X-E2 and XQ1 officially announced! Preorder now!

Preorders:
Dedicated Fuji announcement page at Amazon, Adorama.

Black Fuji X-E2 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.
Silver Fuji X-E2 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.

Black Fuji X-E2 with 18-55mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.
Silver Fuji X-E2 with 18-55mm lens at Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.

Black Fuji XQ1 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at CameraWorldUK.
Silver Fuji XQ1 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at CameraWorldUK.

Previews:
X-E2: Fujirumors (Rico), ePhotozine, Dpreview, Ming Thein,
X-Q1: Dpreview,

Press release:
Dpreview, Fstop,
X100 firmware (ePhotozine),

Fuji Australia