Panasonic

Back in January I compared the Fuji X100T with the X-T1 as a tool for the street photographer. At the time I couldn't make up my mind which I preferred. Since then I've had more experience with both cameras and it is the X100T that has had to go. The X-T1 is also a great street photographer tool and performs flawlessly. I'm willing to give up the complexities of the optical/electronic viewfinder system for the greater versatility of the interchangeable-lens X-T1.

Panasonic's press office has just told me that the highly-anticipated LX100 compact which was announced last month at Photokina has been reduced in price to £699.

The successful cooperation between Leica and Panasonic will continue for at least another five years according to a joint release from the two companies. On Friday, Leica's CEO Dr. Alfred Schopf and Panasonic's Yoshiyuki Miyabe renewed the agreement which first started in 2000 with digital audiovisual equipment lenses and was extended to the digital camera sector the following year. 

As rumoured, the new Leica V-Lux is based on the Panasonic FZ1000 with the one-inch sensor. It is similar to the Sony RX10 in format but with a longer zoom and the ability to record 4K video.

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.

Hints are that the new LX7 will be called the LX100 (get it.... RX100, LX100) which is more evidence that the Sony is in Panasonic's sights.