When it comes to cameras we have a pretty specific taste, which combines high quality and of course also design. Usually we stick to the Canon G line, Ricoh, Panasonic Lumix and in case money is not an issue you of course go for a Leica. Today the German company, maker of high end cameras, has announced the M9 and the X1. The M9 is the upgrade to the M8, which turned one of their most iconic cameras into a digital one. The X1 will be priced lower and unites lots of features in compact format. We always felt like there was a huge gap between the M9 and other cameras of its category and hopefully the X1 can close that gap, at least in terms of price. The M9 will go for around 7′000 USD and comes out in September. The Leica X1 will go for 2′000 USD and will only start shipping in January. Do the quality of the cameras, the design or the functionality justify the price? Probably not.

Take a detailed look at both the Leica M9 and the Leica X1, both beautiful pieces of hardware, both made in Germany,  after the jump.

The Panasonic Lumix range has been a favorite of ours for many years, next to the Ricoh line-up and of course the offering of Leica. With the GF1, Panasonic once again introduces an interesting new camera that you should have a closer look at. Just like with former G-series models, also the lenses of the GF1 can be exchanged, probably one of the most interesting features of this very compact camera.

“Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95.”

The camera will come in a series of colorways from October 2009.

The Diana Mini is the new little sister of the classic Lomography Diana F+. “The Diana Mini is the ultra-compact, petite version of the Diana F+ camera. This little queen of convenience allows you to shoot square format or half-frame pictures using standard 35mm film – that’s 72 rectangular half-frames or 36 square images on one roll! To further enhance creative possibilities, we’ve thrown in Multiple Exposure and Long Exposure features, a tripod mount, and a cable release attachment – a first for the Diana!” That’s right, with Half-Frame you can pack 72 shots onto one 35mm film. Point and shoot kid. Now available at shop.lomography.com.

For the full inside story, detailed specifications, galleries and much more, visit Lomography’s Diana Mini microsite.

This year, Urban Outfitters proudly presents a limited edition of 700 hand-numbered deadstock Polaroid camera kits. This exclusive Urban Outfitters special edition will include one pack of deadstock Polaroid Instant Film and one of the most sought after analog instant cameras: the Polaroid One600 classic, the last Polaroid camera ever produced. Urban Outfitters worked with The Impossible Project on the kit, who recently purchased all of the dead stock, plus all the machinery and equipment at Polaroid’s Netherlands factory before it closed. Together they two hope to bring back new analog instant film for Polaroid cameras in 2010.

Along with the kits, Urban Outfitters will offer additional deadstock original Polaroid Type 779 Instant Film saved from the last production runs made at the last Polaroid factory in Enschede, Netherlands. The film has been hand-selected, tested, and stored at low temperatures exclusively for Urban Outfitters.

In conjunction with the release of the special edition Polaroid film and camera kits, Gallery space at space 15 Twenty in los Angeles is hosting a month-long group show of Polaroid photography. The original Polaroid instant photographs on view in Everything is Possible will reflect the unlimited possibilities of working with this unique format.

A full list of the participating artists in the exhibition follows after the jump.

Sony recently announced the Party-shot personal photographer – “an innovative camera dock that pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition and takes photos for you.” Using the camera’s BIONZ image processor with its Face Detection and Smile Shutter, the Party-shot takes photos all by itself. Sounds fun.

The Party-shot is compatible with Sony’s new DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 Cyber-shot cameras and is mountable on most tripods. Captures photos for up to 11 hours with two AA batteries. Available September 2009 at Sony dealers worldwide for approximately $150 USD.

Have a detailed look at the Sony Party-shot IPT-DS1 Camera Dock after the jump.

The Leica C-Lux 3 digital camera comes in a special collaborative version with Parisian artist Andre and colette. The camerca comes in black and white and features an illustration by the artist on the front. Each colorway is limited to only 30 pieces and will be available soon in the colette online store.

More detailed images of the Leica x Andre x colette C-Lux 3 follow after the jump.

Panasonic presents the update to their popular G1 camera, which was the first camera in the Lumix range with exchangeable lenses and overall a big success. The DMC-GH1 comes packed with new features, some of which are very interesting. The camera is now also suitable for video production, as it does not only record in full HD, but also records Dolby Digital sound, which is quite impressive. The camera is now available in stores for about 1500 USD.

Take a detailed look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 after the jump.

Leica has been come out with multiple interesting special edition versions of their popular cameras. The D-Lux 4 recently came in a Titantium Edition and the M8 in a White Edition and Safari Edition. Now they present the D-Lux 4 as well in a Safari Edition, featuring a military green case, with silver metal details and of course red Leica logo. The D-LUX 4 Safari Set will be delivered with a dedicated khaki-colored system case that matches the feel of the camera. The system case offers space for optional accessories like the handgrip, viewfinder or flash unit. It is made of water-resistant heavy duty material that is used in manufacturing in the automobile industry. The case also comes with a rain cape made of nylon. The camera will be released in August and will go for 995 USD. Via Dalephotoanddigital.

A while ago Leica released the limited Safari Edition of their flagship M8 model. In time for summer they will be releasing the white edition of the classic beauty. So far the price and release date have not been announced yet, but apparently numbers will be extremely limited on this one, according to Luxist.

We will keep you posted!

Hiroshi Fujiwara makes sure you can keep your camera lense clean in style and has created these Fragment Design Camera Lense Wipers. They come nicely packaged in a neoprene pouch that also comes with a hook, to make sure you do not loose it. They come in three colorways. Also very practical for your iPhone actually. A release date has not been announced yet.