The high-performance digital camera is now available in black

Solms, Germany (September 21, 2010) - Leica Camera AG is pleased to present the LEICA X1 in a new black version, debuting at this year's Photokina on September 21. Available starting October 2010, the X1 not only features an elegant new color scheme, but also a sophisticated structured leather trim. With its combination of refined styling and high-performance technical features, the LEICA X1 is the ideal companion for discerning photographers in whichever finish they prefer.

The LEICA X1 is characterized by clean lines and an intensely focused design. The straightforwardness of its design, with a reduction to pure essentials and a compact, handy form, is strongly reminiscent of the legendary M cameras. This, in combination with its robust, all-metal construction and the tactile experience of its high-quality leather trim, makes the X1 a true Leica camera.

The LEICA X1 offers clearly laid-out functions and intuitive handling thanks to its simple operating concept. For uncomplicated photography, the X1 offers numerous automatic functions ranging from precise autofocus to automatic exposure. When set, these functions guarantee photographers perfectly exposed sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release, thus letting the user concentrate on the creative aspects of composition and framing.

Because of its numerous automatic functions, the X1 is always quick and versatile whenever the need arises. Photographers gain additional creative freedom with the camera's manual control options. Both aperture and shutter speed can be selected manually to influence the final image by using the easily set dials on the top deck of the camera. Even the plane of focus can be set manually, along with white balance and various other image capture parameters.

The brilliant 2.7-inch display of the X1 fills almost the entire back of the camera and reveals the finest details even in bright surroundings. The live-view function replaces an optical viewfinder and shows an accurate preview with all essential image information. Its "Live Mode" also makes the X1 particularly versatile for shots taken from unusual perspectives.

The technical specifications of the camera and the standard accessories included in the package are identical to those of the existing model. The X1 features a 12.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor; each individual pixel has a large sensor area and receives more light, this guarantees low noise levels, a high dynamic range and accurate color differentiation. The crop factor of the sensor is 1.5 in comparison with 35-mm film format, meaning that the fixed-mount LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/24 mm lens of the LEICA X1 is transformed into a universal reportage lens with an effective (35-mm equivalent) focal length of 36 millimeters. This true classic among prime lenses has captured innumerable iconic images.

The LEICA X1 features a retractable flash that does much more than replace other sources of light. It serves as a fill-in flash and can be synchronized to the second curtain when longer shutter speeds are used. If more power and flexibility is required, the Leica SF 24D and SF 58 system flash units are also compatible with the X1.

A comprehensive range of accessories is available to expand the abilities of the camera and adapt it to the photographer's personal photographic style: for example, an accessory viewfinder showing a 36-mm bright-line frame can be mounted on the camera's accessory shoe and ensures a clear view without any unnecessary power drain. Additionally, there is an accessory handgrip that aids the safe and steady handling of the camera. A broad range of camera cases and bags is also available: the ever-ready case offers sufficient room for the camera with an attached handgrip and features a small case attached to the carrying strap to hold the accessory finder. The high-quality carrying case offers perfect protection for the camera when not in use, while the attractively designed system case has room enough for the camera and all its accessories.

The LEICA X1 is supplied complete with a comprehensive software package. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, are standard features provided with the X1. The software is available as an online download for all registered LEICA X1 customers. This ensures that the latest release is always readily available.

The LEICA X1 is available in black for $1,995.00 starting October 2010.