Links: Leica X1 Home Page / Digital Photography Review's Look at the X1 /

Before the reign of the SLR, there were the days of Leica and the rangefinder format, which it dominated. Now, and long overdue, Leica is introducing a digital-non SLR with a decent sensor and full time live view. It's almost a "real" Leica, but not quite. The lens, which is good enough in itself, is a fixed focus 35mm equivalent which can't be changed out. Considering that the Panasonic G-1 can use Leica M series lenses (with and adaptor) it seems like Leica is still playing catch up...and not running all that fast.

Product Description: A 12.2 megapixels digital compact camera with a Leica Elmarit lens, 1:2.8/24 ASPH. Made in Germany, the Leica X1

The Leica X1 is the direct beneficiary of 100-plus years of German engineering experience and it delivers the best picture quality in its class - in the proud Leica tradition. This elegant camera features a professional CMOS image sensor that's as large as those in high-quality SLRs. Combined with an outstanding Leica lens it captures images of unmatched brilliance. Any way you look at it, the Leica X1 is a winner: It's conveniently compact, its controls are intuitive, and it offers a full range of sophisticated automatic functions. A real Leica "Made in Germany".

(Source: Leica)