Leica has launched a new compact camera, the V-Lux 30. Aimed at "travel and urban" photographers, it offers a 16x zoom lens (a Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.3-68.8mm f/3.3-5.9 ASPH, equivalent to 24-384mm in 35mm format), but measures 33mm in depth and weighs in at under 220g, according to the manufacturer.

The V-Lux 30 includes a newly-developed 14.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, and HD video in 1080i-AVCHD format. It also offers a 3D mode, in which two photographs are taken in sequence (in a 'stereoscopic pair') and then combined together to create a 3D image in MPO format, which can be viewed on 3D-compatible screens.

The camera features a 3-inch touch-screen LCD display and both manual and automatic controls. It shoots stills in a variety of formats - 16:9, 3:2, 4:3 and 1:1 - and at a variety of resolutions, from 4320x2432 pixels to 480x480 pixels. It offers sensitivity from ISO100-1600, shutter speeds from 1/4000s-60s, and continuous shooting modes at a range of resolutions, from 2 bursts/s a maximum number of 100 times at 14MP to 60B/s a maximum number of 60 times at 3.5MP resolution.

The V-Lux 30 will be available in the UK from June, and photographers are invited to visit the Leica Store in Mayfair, London for a free demonstration and training session. The RRP is £550, and the camera comes with a two-year warranty. A leather case with a shoulder strap is also available for £80, and a soft leather pouch for £63.
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