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Leica has announced the new C-LUX 1, a rebadged version of Panasonic’s 6-Megapixel DMC-FX01. The ultra compact C-LUX 1 features a 28mm wide angle Leica DC zoom lens and a high sensitivity setting of up ISO 1600.

It also incorporates built-in optical image stabiliser and is available in black and silver finish. Aside from minor styling and bundle differences it is exactly the same camera as the Panasonic model.

The Leica C-LUX 1 from Leica Camera AG, Solms is the first model in a new line of Leica digital compact cameras. Complementing the established Leica D-LUX series, the new Leica C-LUX line features an ultra compact design and fully retractable optics. The smallest digital compact camera to date, the Leica C-LUX 1 sports a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8-5.6/4.6-16.8 zoom lens with a wide focal length range of 28- to 102mm in 35mm format.

The Leica C-LUX 1 offers a generous selection of modes to suit different photographic situations, giving you the flexibility to take successful pictures. An image stabiliser is also integrated to counteract camera shake even in difficult light conditions. The camera’s 2.5-inch display facilitates picture composition before the photograph is taken and allows a quick assessment of the result immediately afterwards.

Featuring a resolution of 207,000 pixels, the camera display should give a brilliant preview of the photograph, allowing accurate assessment before and after it is taken. To spare the battery, the display can also be switched to a darker, low-energy mode without sacrificing the excellent image quality.

Another feature contributing to successful photography is the integrated image stabiliser (O.I.S) which can be switched on either for the photograph only or for both the photograph and the display image.

The image stabilisation feature effectively prevents blurred photos whatever the photographic situation by consistently compensating for small hand movements. This and the high-sensitivity mode with up to ISO 1600 should ensure that pictures are always sharply defined - whether in twilight, indoors or in the zoom range.

The Leica C-LUX 1 comes with a 64MB SD memory card, battery charger, powerful battery, an AV, USB and AC cable and an extensive software package (Adobe’s Photoshop Elements 4.0 and Apple’s Quicktime Movie Player). There’s also an AC adapter (for connecting the camera directly to the mains), spare battery and three different camera cases made of high-quality leather are also available as accessories.

The Leica C-LUX 1 will be on sale from the end of May 2006 at Leica stockists.

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