Leica revealed the newest addition to it’s compact digital camera line today with the V-Lux 30. Its equipped with a 15.1MP sensor, 16x zoom range, built-in GPS and a new mode for creating 3D stills.
Video records in 1080i HD with full use of the zoom as well as a stereo mic with electronic wind noise filter. The GPS doesn’t just save the geographic locations of your shots but can play tour guide as well, displaying sightseeing highlights in the immediate area. The new 3-inch LCD touch screen controls the whole shebang. When it’s released in June, the Leica V-Lux 30 will retail for $US750.
The V-Lux 30 is definitely a marked improvement over its predecessor, the $US650 V-Lux 20; 15.1MP sensor vs 12.1MP, 16x zoom vs 12x, and 1080i video vs 720. No word yet though on how well it stacks up against the similarly outfitted but significantly less expensive $US400 Lumix DMC-ZS10.
Check out the press release for more details:
INTRODUCING THE LEICA V-LUX 30
Leica Camera announces a new digital compact camera, the Leica V-Lux 30. A universal camera for carefree photography, this newest addition to the Leica portfolio is an ideal companion for all life’s situations from this summer’s family vacations to backyard barbeques. Equipped with a 15.1 MP sensor (14.1 effective), high performance Leica lens with extended 16x zoom range, built-in GPS capabilities and a new 3D mode, the V-Lux 30 guarantees images of unmatched brilliance.
One of the most outstanding features of the V-Lux 30 is a video recording mode that offers performance comparable to that of digital camcorders. A particular highlight of the video mode is its efficient, 1080i-AVCHD-Full-HD, recording format with the entire 16x zoom range available during video recording and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.
The built-in GPS feature makes archiving and organizing photos quick and easy, during or after a trip. When travelling, the V-Lux 30 can also display the sightseeing highlights of the immediate neighbourhood (1,000,000 so-called “Points of Interest”). Furthermore, for photographers posting images on social networks, image portals or map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth, the data automatically reveals exactly when and where the photos were taken.*
As a compact camera for the whole family, the V-Lux 30 achieves ease of use along with timelessly elegant styling. A new 3″ LCD touch screen allows many camera features to be controlled for the first time by touching the screen with a fingertip. Images on the screen are displayed with outstanding brilliance with a display resolution of 460,000 pixels. The V-Lux 30 also features a new 3D mode to allow users to realise fascinating, creative images in addition to its numerous automatic features and manual setting options.
The Leica V-Lux 30 retails for $US749.00 and will be available beginning June 2011.
* It is possible that GPS tagging may not function in the People’s Republic of China and neighbouring regions. Satellite signal reception may be impossible, depending on the location. In such cases, the positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all.