When I hear the name Leica, two Russian-related images come to mind. Firstly the Sputnik-riding eponymous dog that was the first living creature launched into space, and secondly the ‘Red Flag’ of the familiar crimson dot on all the very best optical equipment. ‘Leica’ of course stands for ‘Leitz Camera’, and the celebrated German company has just announced a new addition to its range products for the digital market, the D-Lux 2.

Styled and built in true Leica tradition, the new camera features an 8.4 megapixel CCD image sensor that allows high-quality images to be produced in wide-screen 16:9 format, as in HDTV-Standard 1920 x 1080 Pixels, although it can also produce very big images with its maximum 3840 x 2160 Pixel setting. So for those looking to copy the blueprints for the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, the stylish silver D-Lux 2 is the camera for you. And the aluminium case allows it to be used in all situations, the durability required for a trip to the countryside, or the smartness and style of a social occasion. With the D-Lux 2 you will always be on the "safe side".

Needless to say, it would not be a Leica with out some special accessories and with the addition of the Leica Televid spotting scope it becomes a high-powered tool for recording animal and bird life. Although personally I would prefer the countryside of the Nordschleife "Green Hell" in order to shoot motor racing photos for my private album.

And what is the cost of such optical pleasure? The D-Lux 2 is available for a price in the region of 695 Euro. Not so much considering you will be trusting the same brand as used by Henri Cartier Bresson...

For further information, please visit www.leica-camera.com.

Text: J. Philip Rathgen
Photos: Leica