After announcing that super cool-looking M9 “Titanium” limited edition, LEICA has decided to come down to Earth (well, sort of) and released the V-LUX 2 model, which looks (and behaves) a whole lot like the Panasonic FZ100, while having a significantly bigger price point.

The camera comes equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. Lens, the 24x optical super-zoom lens providing a range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35mm format.

The V-LUX 2 from LEICA also sports a newly developed 14.1 MP CMOS image sensor, accompanied by a 3-inch LCD display that has a resolution of 460,000 pixels and can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, making it easy for photographers to compose pictures from even the most unusual or challenging angles.

In addition to offering an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter, the entire 24x zoom range is available during video recording.

And since we're on this topic, it's also quite important to point out that the LEICA V-LUX 2 is the first Leica digital compact to feature video capture in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD.

Moreover, the LEICA V-LUX 2 features high-speed burst shooting capability, as it can do bursts of 11 frames per second at the full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with a resolution of 2.8 MP.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG, said, "The V-Lux 2's versatile lens and compact form make it the ideal camera for the ambitious travel and wildlife photographer.

In certain shooting situations, having to change lenses can be frustrating, especially when a quick reaction is required.

Thanks to the V-LUX 2's large range of focal lengths, this compact camera has the ability to capture almost all moments of life.

The V-LUX 2 is an interesting alternative to comparable SLR systems.

Compact and lighter, it also significantly reduces the weight and volume of photographic equipment when travelling."

Unfortunately, while delivering some pretty OK features, overall, LEICA's V-LUX 2 has one major problem, namely that of pricing.

So, the camera will be available in the UK from October 2010 at a suggested retail price of 675 pounds sterling (1,048 849.00 US dollars, thanks Leica team for pointing that out), which is quite a lot, especially since its very close relative, the Panasonic FZ100, can be found at around half that price.