Allendale, NJ—Leica Camera unveiled the Leica C, the first model of a new line of digital compact cameras aimed at fashion-forward consumers. A first in Leica’s history of compact cameras, the Leica C offers Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC), which—along with the Leica C Image Shuttle app—not only allow for remote access of images and videos from a smartphone or tablet but also enable users to view images and videos captured by the Leica C in real-time from their smartphones.
The slim “designer” body of the camera is the work of Audi Design. The Leica C is available in two finishes—champagne and bordeaux—and is complemented by a range of accessories in premium materials, also designed by Audi Design.
The Leica C is geared for every kind of photography—from portraits to wide-coverage shots and capturing landscapes. Featuring a 7x, 28–200mm equivalent zoom lens and a 12.1 megapixel, 1/1.7-inch MOS sensor, the Leica C is built to deliver image quality even in unfavorable lighting conditions.
Creative freedom is enabled by a programmable ring on its lens, and Leica says that with “its remarkably fast autofocus and a continuous-shooting mode with up to 10 frames per second, the Leica C captures even the tiniest of details.” It also offers a range of camera functions, various settings, in-camera processing options and a simple handling concept.
In addition, the camera features: PASM modes; RAW + JPEG shooting; Full HD 1080p video recording; a 3.0-inch, 921,600-dot monitor; and an integrated viewfinder. Videos and still pictures can be creatively processed either in the camera or with the supplied Adobe Photoshop Lightroom professional imaging software.
Leica C accessories currently include five fashion bags and cases: the Leica C-Clutch, Leica C-Twist, Leica C-Snap, Leica C-Pouch and Leica C-Case. The Leica C-Clutch is a clutch handbag with a carrying strap. In light gold or dark red Alcantara with a sandblasted metal closer, it has two compartments with space for the camera and personal belongings. Also in Alcantara and offered in both colors, the Leica C-Twist wraparound case is attached to the tripod thread on the camera and wraps around the Leica C, closing with a magnetic clasp.
The Leica C-Snap is made of hard plastic and elastic silicone to provide protection against scratches and inadvertent knocks. The Leica C-Pouch is a polished pouch with a wraparound design in black lambskin Nappa leather. The Leica C-Case, in black leather with lighter contrast stitching, also offers protection for the Leica C. Thanks to its magnetic clasp, the case can be opened quickly to ensure that the camera is ready for action within seconds. This case comes with a matching carrying strap in black leather with lighter contrast stitching. The C-Hand Straps are offered in soft Alcantara, in a choice of light gold or dark red.
The Leica C, which retails for $699, and most accessories will be available starting October 2013. The Leica C-Pouch and C-Snap accessories will be available in December. us.leica-camera.com
