It’s about time Leica came up with an advanced compact camera that can compete with the Canon G10s, Sigma DP2s, Ricoh GX200s and Nikon P6000s of the world. Pretty much a complete reimagining of the D-LUX 3, the new 10-megapixel Leica D-Lux 4 includes a raft of quality upgrades from the previous model including a large 1/1.63-inch CCD sensor which should help cut down on image noise at high ISOs. (The camera can shoot from ISO 80 to 3200.)

Other notable additions to the D-Lux 4 include a very nice high-speed lens—shouldn’t we always expect quality lenses from Leica?—the Leica DC Vario-Summicron 5.1-12.8mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH lens which gives the camera a focal length of 24-60mm in 35mm format. Along with the wide-angle lens (great for the sort of street photography that Leica’s cameras have been known for) the D-Lux 4 has an integrated image stabilizer to correct for shaky shooting situations and low-light subject matter. The camera can shoot in three aspect ratios: 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.

Other features include a lovely 460,000-pixel, 3-inch LCD; an HD movie mode; and optional RAW and TIFF shooting modes. (The D-Lux 4 ships with Phase One’s popular Capture One 4.0 conversion and editing software.)

The best part about this new pocket shooter could be its range of accessories though including an optical viewfinder ($350) with a 24mm brightline frame which attaches to the hotshoe; a small external CF-22 flash unit ($350); and an attachable handgrip that sells for $115. If you really want to splurge, Leica also offers a leather carrying case ($170) that comes in black or brown.

No, none of those extras is very cheap—and neither is the actual D-Lux 4 camera ($849)—but this is Leica after all.

Cost: $849
Further information:
www.leica-camera.us