Leica Camera AG has unveiled the new Leica V-Lux 3 versatile all-round compact camera.

The Leica V-Lux 3 features a 24x optical zoom lens, the latest addition has been designed for photographers shooting landscapes, portraits, architecture or wildlife, as well as sports and fast-moving subjects.

The V-Lux 3 is the successor to the Leica V-Lux 2 model launched in September of 2010, and caps off 2011 in style, a year which has seen several new product introductions from the camera and optics manufacturer. This has included two new compact digital cameras, namely the Leica V-Lux 30 and Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium, the Leica Pinmaster II golf laser rangefinder, and more recently, two limited edition camera cases for the Leica D-Lux 5 model, in partnership with the British fashion designer, Paul Smith.

The Leica V-Lux 3 is priced at £690 including VAT (a black outdoor case is an additional £135 including VAT), and available for purchase from the beginning of next year, the Leica V-Lux 3 is an ideal travel companion. The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5 -108mm f/2.8 – 5.2 ASPH super-telephoto zoom lens which brings an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600mm in 35mm format, makes the camera ideal for almost all photographic situations. A newly-developed 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor ensures exceptional image quality, performing particularly well in low light and at high speeds.

The Leica V-Lux 3 features a 3″ LCD display with 460,000 pixel resolution, delivering an extremely bright and clear view, and enabling precise and reliable composition, framing and review of images. For maximum flexibility, the monitor can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, opening up entirely new horizons for image composition – from even the most unusual or challenging angles. Even if it is necessary to shoot stills or video from above the head or close to the ground, the photographer remains in full control. Characterised by its ergonomic, compact design and extremely simple handling, the Leica V-Lux 3 integrated handgrip and light weight allow the photographer to produce outstanding images in all situations, including one-handed shooting. The camera controls are clearly laid-out, enabling fast and easy operation. For example, just like the V-Lux 2, video recording can be started and stopped at the touch of a button on the top of the camera.

In addition to still image functionality, the Leica V-Lux 3 provides an extensive array of video options and exceptional quality comparable with premium-range camcorders, capturing full HD video in AVCHD format with 1920 × 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second, known as 1080p60. This video format not only guarantees the perfect rendition of fast movement with outstanding detail, but is also ideal for conversion to alternative resolutions and refresh rates. In addition, the Leica V-Lux 3 can record footage directly to an MP4 format, which can be used on mobile devices and on the web, conveniently and without conversion. The entire 24x zoom range is available during video recording, and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

Peter Kruschewski on the Leica V-Lux 3 Super Zoom Compact Camera

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras, Leica Camera AG, said, “The Leica V-Lux 3 combines exceptional performance with the handy size of a compact camera, thus uniting the product features of two camera systems, and offering the user numerous benefits. The enormous range of focal lengths covers almost all photographic situations, normally requiring the use of cameras with interchangeable lenses.”

For maximum protection of the Leica V-Lux 3 in outdoor conditions, a strong, black camera case will be available as an optional accessory. The case is made from the same hard-wearing and water-repellent material used for convertible roofs in the automotive industry. The Leica V-Lux 3 is supplied with a comprehensive suite of software. Adobe® Photoshop® Elements® provides users with a comprehensive and versatile image editing solution that offers viewing, organisation and a wide range of processing options for still images in compressed or RAW format. Also included is Adobe® Premiere® Elements®, an easy-to-use package offering video processing for movie files recorded by the Leica V-Lux 3 in AVCHD format, and also enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects. Both programs are available as free downloads from the Leica web site after registration of the camera.

The Leica V-Lux 3 comes with a two-year warranty as well as a one-year Leica UK ‘Passport’ (complimentary accidental damage cover). UK customers are also able to visit the Leica Store and Akademie in Mayfair, London (www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk), for a complimentary demonstration or training session on the features of the newly-introduced camera.

Visit www.leica-camera.co.uk for more information on the Leica V-LUX 3 Super Zoom Compact Camera