Leica's V-Lux 4 Superzoom Maintains a Constant f/2.8 Aperture Regardless of Focal Length

Targeted at photography enthusiasts who aren't afraid of the dark, Leica's new V-Lux 4 superzoom camera features a 24X, 25-600 millimeter (35 millimeter equivalent) lens with an impressive maximum aperture of f2.8 across its entire zoom range. And coupled with an ISO sensitivity that tops out around 6400 and a new 12-megapixel CMOS sensor it seems like it could be the perfect choice for Peeping Toms when it's available come November.

In addition to a three-inch LCD display on the back packing 460,000 pixels, a new electronic viewfinder provides 100 percent coverage and an incredibly sharp image with a resolution of 1.4 megapixels. The viewfinder even has its own zoom capabilities for magnifying the subject and fine tuning the focus. At full resolution the camera is capable of snapping frames at a rate of 12 per second, but it's also got a full HD video mode capturing 1920x1080 clips at up to 60 frames per second.

And for those looking for something a bit more compact but still able to battle low-light conditions, the new Leica D-Lux 6 packs a smaller 24-90 millimeter equivalent lens into a pocketable body. But what it lacks in zoom capabilities, at least when compared to the V-Lux 4, it makes up for with a super fast f1.4-2.3 range which can be set using an aperture wheel on the lens barrel. The camera is essentially a re-worked version of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, with a new image processor and an ISO range that can be boosted to 12,800.

Out of the box photographers will have to rely on a three-inch LCD display with a resolution of 920,000 pixels, but an optional electronic viewfinder accessory—which will be available alongside the camera come November—can be attached to the V-Lux 4's hot shoe providing the same 1.4 megapixel image as the one on the D-Lux 6. It also shares that camera's video capabilities, with AVCHD clips being captured at a full 1920x1080 HD resolution, maxing out at 60 frames per second. Pricing for both cameras is still to be announced, but given the Leica badge you can assume both will come at a premium. [Leica D-Lux 6 and Leica V-Lux 4]