SINGAPORE - German camera maker Leica, famed for its rangefinder cameras, has launched its first rugged camera.

Now retailing for $5,300 the new X-U (Typ 113) is waterproof up to 15m deep, and is able to withstand damage when dropped from up to 1.2m. The camera is also dust-sealed, shatter-proof and snow-resistant, according to its maker.

The 16.2-megapixel compact camera comes with a fixed 23mm f/1.7 lens that is equivalent to a 35mm lens in 35mm-format due to APS-C image sensor's 1.5x crop factor.

Jointly designed with Audi Design, the X-U has a top plate made from premium aluminium and high-grip thermoplastic elastomer armouring around its body.

Other features include anodised aluminium control dials, an integrated flash above the lens, hardened protective cover for the monitor screen and a failsafe double-locking system for the battery compartment.