Over at Leica Rumors, they’re currently doing a series of comparisons between the just-retired Leica D-Lux 4 and the brand-new Leica D-Lux 5. This should be quite interesting, as on first sight the DL5 is really a mere update to the DL4, and not so much a completely new camera. But on a closer look, the DL5 has quite a bit more to offer:

The Leica D-Lux 4 (left) and D-Lux 5 (right)

• A new 1/1.63″, 10.1 megapixel sensor (DL4: 1/1.65″)
• 1:1 aspect ratio supported
• 24-90mm equivalent f/2-3.3 zoom lens (DL4: 24-60mm eq., f/2-2.8)
• High-sensitivity mode up to 12.800 ISO (DL4: 3200 ISO)
• max. 1/4000 sec. shutter speed (DL4: 1/2000)
• Click wheel instead of joystick on the rear
• Optional accessory EVF (same as the GF1’s)

Part 1 of LR’s comparison series features some first impressions and a number of side-by-side shots that show that design-wise, the two cameras are essentially the same.