Back in June I reviewed the new Panasonic bridge camera, the FZ1000 with its one-inch sensor, 25-400 f/2.8 zoom and 4K HD Video. At the time I hoped that this Sony RX10-beating camera could one day become a Leica. Now, according to Leica Rumors, the new V-Lux to be announced at Photokina next week is “most likely” based on the FZ1000. If so, this is a logical move for Leica and will turn the V-Lux into a truly desirable tool for serious photography. For many years Leica’s digital compacts (other than the X series) have been hampered by small sensors and the leap to the now-popular 1in sensor seen in the Sony RX10 and RX100 will be welcome.
There is just one nagging reservation. If yesterday’s rumours about the LX100 (and, probably, the D-Lux 6 replacement) having a 4/3 sensor are true, the V-Lux would end up with a smaller sensor than the new D-Lux. One way or another, however, we are about to see a big increase in sensor size in the Leica digital range.
In fact, the FZ1000 and the rumoured LX100 both have the makings of excellent cameras and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the stories are true. These cameras will be good for Leica.
I’ve played with the Sony RX10 and really like it, so the FZ is going to be much better IMHO. The 1in sensor has proved itself in the RX100 and the RX10 and it will be great in the FZ, plus the better video and longer zoom. I don’t care if it becomes a Leica or not, I’ll go for the cheaper Panny