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I'm assuming 'Soccer Mom' is USA English for Footballers Wife?? Mr Lee must have seen Victoria Beckham using her D2.

Well the guy is aware of the Leica brand, already owning several - even if as collectables - and may have the commercial nous to grow the brand. IMO I doubt he thinks 'Soccer Moms' will use M8's or DMR's but he recognises that they need to use the brand values to leverage their sales of the digicams, just as Nikon and Canon do.

Until recently Leica only made 'pro' gear. It was the introduction of the Mini p&s 35mm cameras that started them down the path of 'consumer' products - they too were made by a 3rd party.

I think if Leica continue with products like the M8 and DMR then the serious photographers shouldn't be too worried (not that I'm saying the PanaLeica's aren't worthy of serious photography!!).

It will also be a natural progression for Leica to introduce a wholly unique digicam range at some point, but right now it makes commercial sense for them to share the Panasonic platforms.

Regards