Leica's new X1 digital camera, with a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and an all-purpose Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 lens, has a 2.7-inch LCD display and is compatible with many Leica camera accessories.

With a more sensitive sensor, the X1 receives more light and guarantees low noise levels, a higher dynamic range and more accurate color differentiation.

Automatic functions range from precise autofocus to automatic exposure; however, shutter speed, aperture, focus plane and white balance functions can all be manually adjusted.

The X1 is compatible with a variety of Leica accessories including the 36mm bright-line accessory that offers optical viewfinding to save on battery power and the Leica SF 24D and SF 58 flash units, which can be used when shots require more light than what the retractable flash offers.

The Leica X1 will be available in December for $1,995.