By Ron Eggers

October 27, 2005 — Leica's 8.4 megapixel D-Lux 2 digital camera is an ideal choice for photographers who need speed and flexibility. It features an 8.4 megapixel CCD, built-in image stabilization and DC Vario-Elmarit (f/2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH) 4X zoom lens that's the 35mm equivalent of 28 to 112mm.

The camera's compact, lightweight body and built-in image stabilizer make it a natural for low light situations that require longer shutter speeds. Image stabilization minimizes camera shake that's typical of slow shutter speeds or when the zoom lens is in the telephoto position. It also increases the effective light-gathering ability of the camera by several F-stops. Stabilization can be turned off when inadequate lighting and camera shake are not issues.

The Vario-Elmarit zoom has a maximum 35mm equivalent focal length of 112mm, however, for those situations that require additional magnification, the camera accepts an adapter that connects to the eyepiece of a Leica TELEVID spotting scope. The spotting scope dramatically increases the camera's focal length without introducing vignetting.

The aluminum-body D-Lux 2 gives users the option of defining the photographic format. It can be configured for the classic Leica 3:2 format or the 4:3 and 16:9 formats. Maximum resolution varies between 6 and 8 megapixels, depending on which format is chosen.

The D-Lux 2 supports ISO's from 80 to 400 and shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/2000 of a second. It has five AF modes; its white balance setting can be fine-tuned, and metering can be set to intelligent multiple, center-weighted or spot. Program AE, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual modes are supported. Its 2.5", 207,000 pixel LCD monitor saves battery power with a low-power setting that's suitable for all but the dimmest lighting conditions. The Leica D-Lux 2 digital camera is expected to be available by the end of November with a street price of about $800.

(Contact Ron Eggers at Newswatch@earthlink.net)