Leica C-LUX 1 Review

The new Leica C-LUX 1 is the equivalent of Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX01 digital camera, a compact six megapixel model with image stabilized 3.6x optical zoom lens. Changes between the two models are mostly in terms of the product bundle, where Leica's variant ships with a larger 64MB Secure Digital card in place of Panasonic's 16MB card, and Leica includes Adobe's Photoshop Elements 4.0 software in place of the ArcSoft bundle provided by Panasonic. The camera body is essentially identical other than product logos, and the absence of the oval trim piece on the front of the Panasonic which serves to provide a grip for your fingers.

As with the DMC-FX01, the C-LUX 1 lens is branded as a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit, and offers a useful 28mm wide angle to 102mm telephoto. There's no optical viewfinder, with a large 2.5" 207k pixel LCD display being provided as the sole method of framing and reviewing images instead. ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 400, with the ability to extend to a maximum of ISO 1600 in high sensitivity mode. Other features include an 848x480 movie mode (plus a choice of lower resolutions), SD / MMC card storage, Lithium Ion battery, and a generous selection of scene modes.

The Leica C-LUX 1ships from May 2006, priced at $495 - $145 more than Panasonic's version of the camera which shipped in March 2006.