Leica has provided an upgrade to the M9 with quite a number of improvements in performance and magenta color shift correction for affected wide-angle lenses, ISO setting-related vignetting correction, and bug fixes.

Download Firmware Upgrade at: Leica.

02/15/2010

Leica Camera is partner of the world’s biggest international photography competition for action and adventure sports photography “Red Bull Illume”. At the last competition over 2000 international photographers submitted a staggering number of action and adventure sports images and were judged by a panel of renowned photo editors and experts.

The 2010 edition of Red Bull Illume is predicted to be even bigger. Again the contest is focusing on finding the world’s most outstanding and premium adventure sports images, illuminating the passion, thrilling lifestyle and culture behind these shots and honoring the people who brave the world’s harshest terrains to get them.

Read the whole Press Release »

Leica D-Lux 4

“The Leica D-Lux 4 is the ultimate luxury compact camera.”

We’ve added another Leica D-Lux 4 [QuickPrice Check] review to our Reviews Matrix.

TrustedReviews has published their review of the Leica D-Lux4 [aka Panasonic LX3] with 10.1MP resolution, 2.5x wide-angle optical zoom (24-60mm equiv.), a wide F2.0 max. aperture, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), Intelligent AUTO, PASM, Scene Modes, and Movie 1280 x 720 24fps.

You can read the full Leica D-Lux4 Review at: TrustedReviews.

Leica M9

Michael Reichmann at Luminous Landscape has written, IMHO, the first ever honest (and courageous) Leica article [not that other Leica articles are not honest, just too unabashedly and embarassingly gushing in their praises that they overlook major weaknesses in this venerable model] casting a non-judgemental but critical look at how the next version Leica M can be improved in this digital age.

Thank you, Michael, for the courage to say that the rangefinder should probably be laid to rest. That it does not make sense to design a flat camera and then have users buy plastic add-ons for better handling. That one should not have to screw off the base plate to change battery and memory card… In other words, let common sense rule!

Read Michael Reichmann’s article at: Luminous Landscape

Read my response to the Open Letter »

Leica S2

“As a studio camera, the S2 is a swift and agile performer… As a field camera it won’t keep up with a DSLR, though image quality in good lighting is astounding.”

We’ve added another Leica S2 [QuickPrice Check] review to our Reviews Matrix.

Dan Havlik at PDNGearGuide has published his review of the Leica S2, a medium-format digital camera styled as a DSLR. The S2 houses a 45 x 30mm size CCD Kodak sensor in a body not a lot larger than most pro digital SLRs. Can this DSLR format save the medium format camera market from becoming irrelevant? Dan tests the S2 in a fast-paced fashion shoot and compares the RAW files against those obtained from a Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the Leica S2 is priced around US $22,995 (body only).

You can read Dan’s full Leica S2 Review and his conclusions concerning its image quality and suitability as a studio camera at: PDNGearGuide

Leica M9

“I also used electrical tape to tape over the red dot and white M9 inscription. To me, this hides the M9’s profile even more.”

We’ve added another Leica M9 [Specs] digital rangefinder camera review to our Reviews Matrix.

Ashwin Rao has published his review of the Leica M9 over at SteveHuff Photo. Under the highly complimentary title “The Leica M9 – Travel Camera Extraordinaire,” Ashwin’s stated goal is “to convince you that the Leica M9 is THE travel camera to have and use.”

You can read Ashwin’s full Leica M9 Review at: SteveHuff Photo.

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Leica X1

“[For] Those who want the highest quality compact on the market and do not need blazing AF.”

We’ve added another Leica X1 [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. The Leica X1 is the first of its kind compact non-DSLR with a 12.2MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm). It has a non-interchangeable LEICA ELMARIT 1:2.8/35 mm (equiv.) lens.

SteveHuff Photo has published his review of the Leica X1. He asks the question, “Is this the best compact digital camera ever?” and compares its image quality and performance against the Micro Four-Thirds Digital Interchangeable Lens cameras. As expected, he finds the X1 to be sleek, sexy and gorgeous. But is it worth the US $2K asking price?

You can read the full Leica X1 Review (and his conclusions about the price, high ISO image quality, auto focus speed and who will — and who won’t — love the X1) over at: SteveHuff Photo.

Leica Fotografie International and LEICA Camera AG is running a competition until December 31, 2009 where you can win a Leica X1 by submitting your best photographs (maximum 10) taken on a classic 35 mm reportage lens — any brand on any camera [see list of acceptable lenses below].

This is not a Leica-exclusive contest, so all camera platforms are welcomed. Entries can be in color or B&W, in portrait or landscape format.

[ Enter the competition at: Leica ]

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