Digital Camera shopping?  You’ve come to the right place.  You’ll learn about the Lumix cameras, which is the name Panasonic markets its digital cameras.  More specifically you’ll learn more about some of the different cameras as well as Panasonic’s relationship with Leica.  Well, you already know that Lumix is Panasonic’s digital cameras, but what about Leica?

What is Leica?

1. Well, Leica is the specific lenses that are equipped on the Panasonic Lumix cameras.  They are designed by German engineers and assembled in Japan.  If Sony has Carl Zeiss, then Lumix has Leica.
2. Other sources say that the lenses aren’t actually manufactured by Leica but are manufactured by Panasonic and approved by Leica.  Basically, the lenses pass quality control in order to carry the “Leica” name.  I believe it’s the same deal that Sony has with the Carl Zeiss Lenses.

Oh What’s in a Name?

The answer…a lot.  The Leica name carries with it, the assurance of quality.  And if you’re a professional photographer or photography enthusiast, this really, REALLY means a lot.

Leica DC Lens for their Sytems Cameras:

-          known for expressive colors

-          depth to photographs

-          great performance

-          Leica Vario-ELmarit and Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens sytems compensate for spherical differences

-          Multi-coated lenses minimize the chance of fogging because of the glare

-          Multi-coated lenses minimize the chance of capturing a “ghost” in your pictures due to the high light levels.

Combined, all of these features make the photographers shots come out in vivid perfection.

Here are the following Leica Lenses available on Panasonic Lumix Cameras:

Features and lens specifications were taken from the official Panasonic Lumix website.

1. H-ES045 Interchangeable Lens
   1. Aspherical and ED Lens for to capture the best photographs
   2. MEGA O.I.S. – Panasonic’s Advanced Hand-shake Correction Technology
   3. Excellent resolution and contrast
   4. Contrast AF System Support
   5. Circular Aperture Diaphragm and Durable Metal Mounting
   6. Multi-coated Lens (reduces glare and “ghosts”)
   7. H-X025E Interchangeable Lens
      1. F1.4 Brightness for soft focus
      2. Multi-coated lens
      3. UHR (Ultra High Refractive) Index Lens and Glass Mold Aspherical Lenses
      4. Circular Aperture Diaphragm
      5. Metal Mount
      6. L-X025E LEICA D SUMMILUX Lens
         1. F1.4 25mm fixed focal length lens (35mm equivalent: 50mm)
         2. One ED lens and three ED lenses
         3. Aperture ring with a familiar, intuitive touch
         4. Minimum photographic distance of 38 cm for beautiful macro shooting
         5. Circular aperture diaphragm
         6. Multiple lens coatings minimize ghosts and flare
         7. L-RS014150E LEICA D Vario-Elmarit Lens
            1. Zoom Range to 300mm
            2. Hand shake correction technology
            3. Four aspherical lenses and one ED lens
            4. Extra Silent Motor (XSM) Technology

Here’s the low down on the Leica:

Because of the LEICA lenses equipped on the Lumix Cameras, the photographs have beautiful resolution, brilliant colors with minimal undesirable image mishaps like ghosts and glares.  Pictures taken come out looking professional and true to life.  The hand shake control especially, comes in hand when you want that certain shot that requires you to stay still and hold your camera lens for the longest time.   The lenses above go with Panasonic Lumix’s system camera lines.  These include the Lumix DMC-GH2 (Creative HD Hybrid) and the Lumix DMC-G3 (it’s their smallest and lightest system camera).  However, their compact cameras (point and shoot) are equipped with the LEICA lens as well.  So, no matter what Panasonic Lumix digital camera you decide to buy, you’ll get a really good quality lens that takes beautiful photographs.  Deciding which camera to get really  just depends on what you want out of your digital camera and how much you are willing to spend.