Gadgets

Leica announces their latest camera offering, the Leica V-Lux 3

Leica Camera AG has just announced the Leica V-Lux 3, a versatile all-round compact camera with a 24x optical zoom lens, designed for photographers shooting landscapes, portraits, architecture or wildlife, as well as sports and fast-moving subjects.

Perfect for travel photography where flexibility is vital, the V-Lux 3 features a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5 - 108mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. super-telephoto zoom lens with an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600mm in 35mm format, making it ideal for almost all photographic situations. A newly-developed 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor ensures exceptional image quality, performing particularly well in low light and at high speeds. The high contrast, low noise, and rich and natural colours delivered by this sensor set new standards in a camera of this class for both still images and movies.

Furthermore, the V-Lux 3’s high-speed continuous shooting function (12 frames per second at full resolution, or 60 frames per second at a resolution of 3.5MP), make it one of the fastest burst-shooting cameras in its category.

In addition to still image functionality, the Leica V-Lux 3 offers an extensive range of video options and exceptional quality comparable with premium-range camcorders, capturing full HD video in AVCHD format with 1920 × 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second, known as 1080p60. This video format not only guarantees the perfect rendition of fast movement with outstanding detail, but is also ideal for conversion to alternative resolutions and refresh rates. In addition, the V-Lux 3 can record footage directly in MP4 format, which can be used directly on mobile devices and on the web, conveniently and without conversion. The entire 24x zoom range is available during video recording, and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras, Leica Camera AG, said,
“The Leica V-Lux 3 combines exceptional performance with the handy size of a compact camera, thus uniting the product features of two camera systems, and offering the user numerous benefits. The enormous range of focal lengths covers almost all photographic situations, normally requiring the use of cameras with interchangeable lenses. The V-Lux 3 is therefore an attractive alternative to entry-level DSLR cameras, particularly where size and convenience are paramount.”

Full specifications for the Leica V-Lux 3 can be found here

Leica Store Mayfair
34 Bruton Place,
Mayfair,
London.
W1J 6NR
www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk
tel: 020 7629 1351.

We get up close with a review of the latest Leica D-Lux Titanium

“How does such a small brand have such a huge Worldwide following, with their relatively compact sized cameras literally going head-to-head with DSLR photography stalwarts Nikon and Canon?….I get down to the Leica Store / Akademie in Mayfair for a crash-course in Photography before being let loose with their latest ‘Special Edition’ Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium to find out.”

Tucked away down a quiet Mews in Mayfair, their store is like an Aladdin’s cave of ‘objects of desire’, spanning the entire current range of Leica’s offerings encased within glorious Leica-red display shelves of the ceiling height down-lit black display cabinets. The staff, all avid photographers, thankfully seem more keen to talk about photography and their passion for Leica cameras than force any sales.

As every Thursdays and Fridays 14.30 – 17.30, Leica operate a ‘Lets Talk Leica’ session, where they provide free photographic advice on cameras, lenses, software and general image critique. So, prior to taking the camera on review I joined them for some photographic inspiration before being whisked away to the Leica Academy for an in-depth one-to-one on the D-Lux 5 camera’s full capabilities with in-house creative photographer Arteh Odjidja. Having previously covered a number of events for CDC Lifestyle I was relatively familiar with the basics, yet had never truly explored my creative potential in taking settings to their extremes. Luckily Arteh was quick to pick-up on this and soon jumped in to the more adventurous settings, such as close-up macro shots with intense shallow depth of field (ie/ detailed close-up focus with blurred backgrounds), to the more bizarre such as multi-layered shots, taking bursts of images and utilising slow shutter-speeds to give a sense of movement. Having spent practically 2 hours in the shop/Akademie with the Leica gurus and learnt almost all there was to know about the D-Lux 5 camera, I was then off on my way to put it to the test.

Having regularly used a camera for the purpose of covering events or merely snapping things on my iPhone for our CDC Facebook or Twitter accounts, it actually felt quite liberating to be in a position where I would have to go out of my way to take interesting photos and have the full freedom to experiment with all the camera’s various modes and settings. However, also in the back of my mind was the fact that my images would then be up for scrutiny and critique when I returned to attend an Adobe Lightroom course at the Leica Akademie to brush-up on my photo-editing skills after reviewing the camera.
Luckily for me I already had two events that I was booked to cover (namely the
Luxury Property Show and Conde Nast Traveller ‘Luxury Travel Fair’)
…plus the added welcome addition of my sister’s Halloween Party in the Cotswolds which proved to be great for landscapes some spooky portraits….

“Without launching in to the kind of hardcore technical photographic review that would not only see me completely out of my depth, but also bore you all stupid, here are a selection of the images I have taken so far. Above is one of an old Ford Mustang shot outside the Luxury Property Show at the Hurlingham Club and below are an assortment of shots from taken in the Cotswolds.”

I have tried to capture an assortment of different subject matters, angles and colourations to best portray the camera’s characteristics, and having heard a number of rumours about a supposed ‘Leica look’, I can honestly say that I am definitely starting to see that. I think it is the untarnished flatness of the colours that just gives them all such natural clarity, plus an almost endearing depth that I simply just could not shake off whatever shots I tried (although perhaps I have a biased eye for quite dark and mysterious photos?).

Aesthetically speaking, the first thing that was immediately striking about the camera was it’s classic retro styling, in many ways it looks like a camera should look; robust, sturdy, with a reassuring weight about it, that lends itself to Leica’s German engineering history and simple yet purposeful manual controls up-top. The back however is a lot more conventional, with industry standard 3″ LCD display, directional selector buttons, menu and jog-wheel controls. The case also looks like something that wouldn’t be out of place in a museum or old war film, but in a tasteful and authentic way.

“Full technical specification can be found on the Leica website via download for those who want the full lowdown, but needless to it has 10.1 MP resolution, 24 to 90 mm zoom, 1/1.63″-CCD image sensor (particularly large for a compact camera) and an aperture spanning from f2:0-f8:0 which is more than sufficient for everything from close-ups to landscape photography and a pop-flash for those who really insist on one.”

In keeping with the Leica theme, I have to say that the thing that I found most appealing and perhaps one of the many reasons why they have such a great and Worldwide established following, is there impeccable after-sales service. Ranging from the aforementioned ‘Let’s Talk Leica’ sessions to the full range of complimentary (and more thorough, paid-for) photography courses they run at their academy. One such a course is the Adobe Lightroom course run by Leica’s own Brett, which is limited to a small group of three and runs for 3 hours on alternate Thursday afternoons. Lucky enough for me they were kind enough to invite me along and wow, was I impressed. As a lifelong Photohop user (although still a relative amateur), I had to my detriment, clearly over-looked the outstanding capabilities of Lightroom (and Apple’s competitor software Aperture for that matter).

Well, was I in for a real treat or what; not only was Brett one of the most professional photographers I have met, but also he had a meticulous eye for detail and was a great visualiser for seeing what potential a shot has in the processing stages. The course rattled through all the basics and shortcut key-commands quickly on to the more advanced, and all the while remained thoroughly captivating via a mixture of processing our own shots, kept alive with the ongoing inspiration of deconstructing some of Brett’s images before he then explained his thought process in developing them. For just £125 this was fantastic value for money and clearly hope my results speak for themselves?

All-in-all, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium; it was portable enough to capture all those moments that I would never have gotten round to with a cumbersome and bulky DSLR and was sad to part with it. I have subsequently already been back to the Leica Store on a couple of occasions for their valuable critique on my photographs, and have always been warmly welcomed and given nothing but great advice…. so I’m already beginning to think that perhaps they may well have secured another loyal Leica follower.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium special edition set is scheduled to be available in the UK at the end of October 2011 at an SRP of £855 including VAT from authorised Leica dealers including the:

Leica Store Mayfair
34 Bruton Place,
Mayfair,
London.
W1J 6NR
www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk
tel: 020 7629 1351.

A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at
www.leica-camera.co.uk.

Please note that the standard version of the Leica D-Lux is still available at just £644 along with the ultra exclusive Paul Smith cases which are only available at the Leica Store Mayfair and Paul Smith outlets.

For further inspiration and to explore the full capabilities of Leica cameras I would have to suggest visiting the Leica Fotografie International website (amongst others) or simply drop by the Mayfair store to see for yourself

Leica announces Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium ‘Special Edition’ Camera

18 October 2011: Leica Camera AG has today announced a special edition of its successful D-Lux 5 digital camera: the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium. This elegantly-designed compact camera, with its sophisticated, anodised silver-grey finish, comes presented in a special set with a premium grey leather case with shoulder strap, and is sure to be on every discerning photographer’s list of ‘objects of desire’this Christmas.

Equipped with the same high-performance technical specifications as the standard Leica D-Lux 5 model, the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium includes a fast 5.1 - 19.2mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. zoom lens with a focal length range from 24 to 90 mm (35 mm equivalent), suitable for a wide variety of situations including wide-angle landscape and macro photography.

The camera’s 1/1.63” CCD image sensor, with a resolution of 10.1 megapixels, is unusually large for a compact model, and is perfectly attuned to the Leica lens together with the electronics and software, producing images with outstandingly natural colour rendition, superb sharpness and high contrast. The exceptionally fast maximum aperture makes it an ideal camera for ‘available light’ photography.

With clearly laid-out menus and straightforward operation of its comprehensive range of features and manual settings, the versatile Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium offers intuitive handling in all photographic situations, from creative image design to spontaneous reportage-style shots, as well as when using the camera’s 1,280 x 720 pixel HD movie recording feature.

The camera delivers images in 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 formats as well as 1:1, a particularly interesting format for creative composition. Furthermore, the 3” LCD screen, with its wide viewing angle and 460,000 pixel resolution, enables accurate framing and composition, as well as high quality, detailed image review.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium comes with (as a download) Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3, professional processing software that allows photographers to develop RAW image files and maintain complete control over the development process applied to their images. The high quality, complementary grey calf leather case is included in the set.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium special edition set is scheduled to be available in the UK at the end of October 2011 at an SRP of £855 including VAT from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351.
A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk.

Read our exclusive review…. Click here

RIP Steve Jobs!!! A visionary and technological icon

“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

Words and image taken from Apple apple.com/stevejobs/

Apple iPhone 4S Billionaire Toys Gold & Platinum limited edition

Stalwart of everything that glistens in the World of exuberant luxury, Stuart Hughes strikes again!….

This time Stuart joins forces with Jo-Emma Larvin to design the Apple iPhone 4S ‘BILLIONAIRE TOYS’ Gold & Platinum limited editions which will be limited to a run of just 1000. This stunning iPhone is uniquely crafted, with each iPhone being fully embellished with 24ct Gold or Platinum and with a hand finished outer frame inlaid with more than 500 crystal stones. The iPhone also comes with a unique Apple logo made utilising 53 hand-set crystal stones. Like the diamond setting process, each stone is individually set in to cut clasps, that run seamlessly along the circumference of the bezel, complimenting the curves of the device while adding lavish seductive detail. They will also come complete with their own individually matching set crystal earphones.

Available after 7th October
Priced @ £3,795
www.goldstriker.co.uk

Meridian Audio £60k Limited Edition Hi-Fi

Meridian Audio Releases Limited Edition Anniversary Sound System -
Marking 40 Years of Achievement for an Outstanding British Design Duo

With more than 165 international awards bestowed on their product designs, the two founders of the British luxury brand Meridian Audio celebrate 40 years since their creative partnership began. To honour this, Bob Stuart and Allen Boothroyd have collaborated once again to produce a limited edition 40th Anniversary System comprising an enhanced pair of the company’s flagship DSP8000 loudspeakers and a special version of their 808 Signature Reference CD Player. This exclusive system offers the ultimate listening experience for a small selection of music aficionados. Limited to only 40 numbered editions world-wide, each system is signed by Bob and Allen, and comes with an engraved plate showing its unique system number. Like all of Meridian’s award-winning audio products and systems, it promises to deliver a superior listening experience. What’s more, this limited edition system includes a number of unique additions that make it a truly special purchase.

Aesthetically, the Anniversary System will exude elegance and flair. Available in an exclusive “Ruby” finish - not available on other products in the range - this sleek colour skin comes with coordinated glass inset panels, loudspeakers grilles and tweeter surround. Even the drivers are treated with a new, polished bezel. Each system will also come with a book, illustrating the rich history of Meridian’s exceptional Digital Signal Processing (DSP) loudspeakers, which is also signed by Bob and Allen.

Reflecting the high-level of customer service which Meridian prides itself on, owners of the Anniversary system will be offered the opportunity to receive a Meridian Engineer to fine tune the sound system in their homes following installation. Boothroyd and Stuart’s shared passion for music, and their desire to ensure that the full quality of an original recording is maintained when it is reproduced on any system that bears their names, is at the heart of everything Meridian does. They acknowledged early on in their working relationship that it was through technology that they could lead the market, but that it was crucial that the technologies they employed genuinely improved the overall musical performance of a system in order for them to succeed.

The 40th Anniversary System is a complete package that exemplifies the state-of-the art sound technology Meridian is respected for. The 808 Signature Reference CD Player features a CD-ROM-based drive which allows for data recovery and error correction many times better than that employed in standard CD systems. A master clocking system and timing circuitry minimise jitter for improved sound source localisation, clarity and imaging while unique Meridian DSP technologies add new accuracy and clarity to CD replay, even correcting faults in the original recording, helping to make CDs sound like high resolution recordings.

Meridian’s high-performing Digital Active Loudspeakers set completely new standards for clarity, dynamics, imaging and realism. DSP8000 can accurately reproduce both the power and subtlety of a concert grand piano and is designed to reproduce sounds at up to full natural level while providing all the resolution required by high-definition audio sources up to 24-bit. All Meridian products are constructed from the finest materials and all electronic parts are individually selected for sound quality.

From the beginning, Bob and Allen have synthesised the design and technology of all Meridian products, resulting in an unusual yet welcome symbiosis of form and function, winning numerous prestigious design awards along the way. Allen says, “It is our job as product designers to create something people feel they can live with and take enjoyment in using, while instilling them with confidence that the product has longevity”. Beyond creating extraordinary sound, Meridian has always set new standards for elegant, iconic design, as evidenced by one of Boothroyd and Stuart’s earliest creations – the classic 1970s Lecson Audio product line, which can be found as part of the permanent collection at the New York Museum of Modern Art. During their forty year partnership, Boothroyd and Stuart have won the coveted British Design Council award for Outstanding British Products three times – the only design pair to ever achieve this recognition.

Available from October 2011 the Anniversary System is on sale at a suggested retail price of £60,000.00 / $100,000.00

Meridian Audio Limited
Latham Road, Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE
United Kingdom
T: (0)1480 44567
E: info@meridian.co.uk
www.meridian-audio.com

Leica collaboration with designer Paul Smith

Two limited edition ‘Paul Smith for Leica’ leather cases for Leica D-Lux 5 digital camera to be available for Christmas 2011

Leica Camera Ltd and international fashion designer, Paul Smith, have joined forces for the first time to offer two exclusive, limited edition leather cases for the Leica D-Lux 5 digital camera. Available from October 2011, just 300 of the premium quality cases will be available – 150 in a smooth chocolate brown calf leather with the famous Paul Smith vintage multi-stripe on the sides, and 150 in a light grey, croc-style embossed leather with a luxurious purple lining. The cases are hand-crafted in England and embossed with Paul Smith for Leica on the back. Both designs also feature an elegant matching shoulder strap.

Pricing and availability

The Paul Smith for Leica limited edition cases are scheduled to be available in October 2011 at an SRP of £200 including VAT.

Leica Store Mayfair,
34 Bruton Place,
London W1J 6NR

Tel: 020 7629 1351
Website: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk

…and from Paul Smith shops throughout the UK and www.paulsmith.co.uk.

Leica announces their new Leica M9-P

Designed for professional photographers, a new ultra-discreet version of the Leica M9 added to Leica rangefinder portfolio

Leica recently announced the release of their new version of the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera: the Leica M9-P. This new model will sit alongside the Leica M9 in the company’s rangefinder portfolio, providing an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the quintessential nature of the M9 – and particularly meets the needs of professional photographers. The new model will be available in a classic silver chrome or subtle black paint finish. Offering the same technical specifications as the highly successfully Leica M9, the M9-P combines all the benefits of the original: compact size, full-frame, 18 megapixel 24 x 36mm sensor (35mm format), sophisticated image processing and robust construction, with features designed for the professional user or photographers who prefer a pure, even more unobtrusive styling.

The Leica M9-P includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen.
This material is so tough that the screen can only be produced using special diamond cutting tools and is one of the world’s hardest materials. As a result, the sapphire glass LCD cover
is extremely resistant to wear and almost unbreakable, meaning many years of reliable use.
In addition, thanks to an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the cover, reviewing images on the display during composition and after capture is further improved, particularly in unfavourable lighting conditions.

The external covering of the body of the M9-P, finished in vulcanite leatherette, features a more coarsely textured finish that ensures a steady grip when shooting, making the M9-P feel particularly safe and secure in the hand. A further understated feature of the Leica M9-P is its minimalist styling, which is focused on the most essential features. Many professional photographers using Leica cameras have been known to tape over the Leica ‘red dot’ logo to make their equipment as inconspicuous and discreet as possible. For this reason, the Leica red dot logo and the M9 lettering on the front have been omitted. Instead, the top plate is engraved with the Leica name in classic script form.

Since 1954, the Leica M system has represented an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a very conscious photographic style. With a Leica M, the photographer becomes a ‘part of the action’ in the process of capturing challenging, authentic and creative images. The rangefinder frames precisely the shot the photographer envisages, while allowing a clear view of the scene outside the viewfinder frame. This allows the photographer to predict the decisive moment and capture it discreetly and reliably at the right moment – in all fields of photography, from photojournalism, reportage and ‘available light’ to the capture of portraits and aesthetic, fine-art images.

Another significant advantage for unobtrusive photography is the almost silent shutter, a feature of both the M9 and M9-P. Moreover, when longer exposure times requiring an extremely steady camera stance are essential, only a slight pressure on the shutter release button in ‘soft release’ mode is required. Photographers can also select the most appropriate moment for re-cocking the shutter. The functions of the Leica M are consistently constructed for extreme durability and a long working life. The highest quality materials, intricate manufacturing processes and meticulous manual assembly at Leica’s facility in Germany guarantee functional reliability for years to come.

In line with Leica’s commitment to system compatibility, almost all Leica M lenses built since 1954 can be used with the M9 and M9-P – an important factor in the enduring value of the M series. The 18 megapixel image sensor, specifically designed and developed for the M9, enables capture of the full 35mm film format without any compromise. All M lenses mounted on the M9 and M9-P therefore offer the same focal length as originally intended, and the enormous potential performance of the extensive M lens portfolio, with focal lengths from 16 to 135mm, can be fully exploited by both cameras.

Pricing and availability in the UK:

The Leica M9-P (available in black paint or silver chrome) is scheduled to be available in the UK from June 2011 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351.

A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk.
The UK suggested retail price of the Leica M9-P is £5,395 including VAT.

Stuart Hughes' iPad 2 Gold History Edition

Yet another truly exclusive piece from the seemingly unstoppable luxury powerhouse that is Stuart Hughes; this time in the form of a 24ct Gold and an 8.5ct Diamond inlay

Undoubtably the world’s most unique gadget, this ‘Gold History Edition’ iPad 2 is encrusted with 12.5 cts of ‘I’F’ Flawless diamonds, a magnificent total of 53 individually set sparkling gems which dwell beautifully in a solid 24ct Apple logo. The rear section is again formed in 24ct gold and weighing an immense 2,000 grams. The unrivalled imagination and craftmanship of this iPad is down to its main front frame, which is made from the oldest rock the world has to offer, in the form of ‘Ammolite’, which is a 75 million year old stone sourced from Canada. However, to make this masterpiece even more individual, sections of a 65 million year old T-REX Dinosaur’s thigh bone was splintered and then shaved into the Ammolite, then finished off with the ultimate jewel; a single cut 8.5ct flawless diamond inlaid in it’s own platinum surround with 12 outer flawless diamonds. A magnificent combination of top of the industry technology and unique style were involved in creating this piece of History. Material spec, 16.5ct diamonds & 8.5ct single diamond, 57 grams of T-REX bone, 750 grams of Ammolite stone and 2000 grams of solid 24ct Gold. This item is from a limited edition of only 2 units to be made. You can also find other variations of this at www.goldstriker.co.uk

….oh..and I nearly forgot to mention: Price = £5 million

Shape Audio's Organic Harmony Speakers

Billed as the first speaker system cast purely from solid precious metal; Shape Audio’s new offering is available in Bronze, Silver or Gold with a price range from $416.000 to $6.95 million for their flagship pair. Designed as “musical sculpture,” the Organic Harmony stands 53 inches tall and reproduces two channels of audio from a single housing, which can be made of bronze, silver, or—gulp!—solid 18K gold as seen here. Each audio channel is served by a 2-inch tweeter and 5-inch midrange firing in opposite directions, and a ported 8-inch woofer fires downward, resulting in a frequency response from 40Hz to 30kHz (±2dB)…..

read more….

By: 1Luxurious.com 20/05/2011

Samsung unveil world's largest 3D HDTV

At a whooping 75″ Samsung’s latest UE75D9500 3D HDTV uses active shutter 3D technology, a 3D Hyperial Engine and Smart-Hub functions with full access to Smart TV apps and web. Due to be priced at circa $13,000. For more news, keep post at www.samsung.com

By: S A Bryan-Merrett 20/05/2011

Bang & Olufsen system for your iPod

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 8 - Price as reviewed: £895.00

However revolutionary and convenient they might be, iPods and their kin don’t do much to further the cause of awesome hi-fi sound quality. Sure, audio compression systems have come a long way in recent years, and you can adjust the amount of compression your iPod applies to your favourite tunes depending on how much memory space you’re willing to let a song occupy.

But for the most part, iPod music is never going to rival a good SACD, DVD-Audio, or even high quality CD for sheer, eargasmic sound quality. Not that this has prevented them selling like the most molten of hotcakes, though, as countless people have become accustomed to sacrificing sound quality for convenience. Which is a bit of a bummer if you happen to be a manufacturer of high-end hi-fi gear. For the likes of Linn, B&O, B&W and Meridian, the way the iPod (and downloaded music) has gradually reduced accepted standards of sound quality must have created a commercial headache quite separate from the one induced by all that compressed music insulting their finely tuned ears….

read more….

By: John Archer 28/01/2011