[Leica] specs for the new Leica digital

[Johnny Deadman <john@pinkheadedbug.com>]

very interesting, from the panasonic press release. The hi-end model has the
following features

- -- 4 Mpx
- -- 2.5" LCD
- -- manual exposure & focus 'capability' -- does that mean it's NOT
autofocus?
- -- 3x zoom (so-called VARIO-SUMMICRON, so presumably f/2. No indication of
what the zoom range is)
- -- claimed low shutter lag
- --  very fast burst mode (8 frames @ 4 fps in highest quality mode)

these are all pretty impressive for a $795 camera

here's the PR in full

> The high-end model, DMC-LC5, has a built-in 3x zoom lens, effective 3.9
> mega-pixels (total 4.0-megapixel CCD), and 2.5-inch TFT liquid crystal display
> with 200,000-pixels, all enhancing ease of use and visibility. The DMC-LC5
> also incorporates both manual exposure and manual focus capability, enabling
> camera enthusiasts to use it as an authentic DSC to fully utilize their
> shooting techniques. The other model, DMC-F7, has a built-in 2x zoom lens,
> effective 2.0 mega-pixels (total 2.1-megapixel CCD) and 1.5-inch TFT liquid
> crystal display. As light as 150 g (without batteries and SD memory cards) in
> a stylish aluminum alloy body, the DMC-F7 is still able to incorporate a
> special editing mode that can print the dates as well as transform captured
> images into black and white, sepia, or negative colors.
> 
> The market for DSCs is growing rapidly, with a forecast of approximately 20
> million units sold worldwide this year. Market needs are advancing toward DSCs
> that offer the high image quality of silver halide film cameras plus the
> ability to interface with digital-networking appliances.
> 
> With this background in mind, the new DSC lineup incorporates the LEICA DC
> VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens (DMC-LC5) as well as the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens
> (DMC-F7). Moreover, Matsushita's digital technology enables very short
> stand-by times and shutter time lag, making possible rapid burst shooting even
> for the highest quality images.
> 
> The burst shooting function is especially notable. The high-end DMC-LC5 has
> the ability to shoot a maximum of 8 frames at a rate of 4 frames per second in
> maximum picture resolution. The DMC-F7 can shoot a maximum of 5 frames at a
> rate of 4 frames per second in maximum picture resolution. These are high
> levels in the industry in their class. These functions enable these DSCs to be
> used in innovative ways that have been difficult to achieve even with analog
> cameras. 
> 
> Both models offer greatly expanded networking capabilities as well. In
> addition to offering a conventional network connection via PCs, they can also
> be networked with such SD-card capable appliances as PDAs, mobile handsets,
> digital TV receivers, video printers, and other equipment by using SD Memory
> Cards. 
> 
> With these two new DSC models, offering both high image quality and networking
> ability, Matsushita intends to extensively promote its DSCs in the market.

- -- 
John Brownlow

http://www.pinkheadedbug.com

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