The Leica V-LUX 1 Digital Camera

Debuted in Cologne in 2006, the Leica V-LUX 1 is a sturdy, compact camera known for its high performance optics. With 10 megapixels, this camera captures images with clarity and life-like detail.

This camera was designed with the action photographer in mind. It comes with many innovative features that protect against motion blurring and camera shake. The Leica V-LUX 1 also comes with a tilting TFT display that allows photographers to get great shots from different perspectives.

The Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-3.7/7.4-88.8 ASPH lens has a very wide focal range. The minimum focus length is 35mm, with a maximum of 420mm - a much larger range than most other cameras in this price range. The lens has a 12x optical zoom that produces excellent far shots and landscapes. Close-ups are also clear and vibrant. And the integral image stabilizer keeps tripods from being a necessity. Photographers can get a clear shot with just the camera and their bare hands.

The Leica V-LUX 1 comes with a 512 MB SD memory card, a battery charger, a proprietary rechargeable battery and a comprehensive software package that includes Adobe Photoshop Elements and QuickTime Movie Player. Customers can also purchase a direct power adapter, a spare rechargeable battery, and two types of camera cases. Both cases are very durable and protect the camera from damage.

Users like the flip-out, rotating LCD screen. It makes tricky shots easier to capture, especially at odd angles. Also, the Leica V-LUX 1 takes dazzling photos. When compared to other digital cameras in the same price range, the V-LUX 1 was found to have better than average photo quality. There is a slight problem with noise in the pictures at higher ISO settings. Some noise is apparent even on the lowest ISO, but it's very slight and won't affect print pictures. Starting at ISO 1000, the noise is probably too much to make for good prints. Stick to the lower settings and you'll have nice pictures.

Additionally, some users have complained of insufficient white balance under tungsten lighting. There is a preset for this, but it does not balance out the tones as well as manual white balance.

Finally, the camera's size and bulk put some people off. The Leica V-LUX 1's dimensions are 3.3 in x 5.6 in x 5.6 in (HxWxD), and it weighs in at a hefty 1.5 pounds. This is not a camera you can keep in your pocket. The Leica V-LUX 1 is a serious camera for serious photographers, and it looks the part. The price tag, too, will probably put this camera out of the reach of casual picture-takers. For its quality, though, the Leica V-LUX 1 is well worth the expense.

This digital can be found wherever cameras and electronics are sold. It retails for about $850 US.