Leica C may be a Panasonic LF1 with stylish new clothes, but it’s something you can afford

You’ve heard it time and time again that Leica’s cameras are expensive, with various models priced in the thousands (some even higher). So the new Leica C, at $699, is practically pocket change. Then again, you’re actually paying for what is essentially a rebadged Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1.

The Leica C matches the LF1 exactly in specs. It has a 1/1.7-inch 12.8-megapixel MOS sensor, 7x (28-200mm) f/2-5.9 optical zoom lens, 3-inch LCD, electronic viewfinder, and Wi-Fi with NFC support.  Although the Leica C shares the same body style as the black LF1, there are clearly design traits that make it uniquely Leica, namely the light gold and dark red color options. According to Pop Photo, the body and accessories are created by Audi Design. The accessories include matching “fashion” bags, cases, and straps.

Like all of Leica’s rebadged Panasonic cameras, they’re more expensive than the Panasonic counterparts (the LF1 costs $499). If the Leica name and unique design aren’t enough to justify the extra $200, you can always get the LF1. But Leica does throw in a copy of Adobe Lightroom, which actually makes the Leica C a good value for the money.