Panasonic has unveiled a 12.2-million-pixel digital compact camera called the Lumix DMC-FX100.
Due in UK shops from July, the DMC-FX100 boasts a ?28-100mm? Leica-branded lens, improved ISO sensitivity and better noise reduction, claims Panasonic.
The camera sports an f/2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens delivering the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 28-100mm zoom. The optic includes four aspherical lenses.
Billed improvements over Panasonic?s FX30 include a ?High Sensitivity? ISO range of 1600-6400.
ISO 6400 is possible only at ?three million pixels?, according to Michiharu Uematsu, product planning group manager for Panasonic?s DSC Business Unit (pictured).
The FX30 has a top ISO of 3200.
Added features also include centreweighted and spot metering, as well as an eight frames per second burst rate at ?3MP? resolution.
According to Panasonic, the FX100 will run alongside the FX30, and not replace it.
Features on the SD-card compatible newcomer include Mega Optical Image Stabiliser and a 7x ?extra optical? zoom (also at 3MP). Magnification is boosted in this way by enlarging the centre part of the CCD imaging sensor.
The new camera uses an ?Easy Zoom? function to help deliver faster zooming.
Panasonic claims that the camera employs a ?more sophisticated? noise reduction system. The Venus Engine III image processor is claimed to help suppress chromatic noise.
The debutante sports a 2.5in, 207,000 pixel monitor.
At the time of writing, a UK price had not yet been released.
For details call Panasonic on 01344 862444.
? The FX100 will only be available in silver and black versions in the UK
Click here for the full spec:DMC-FX100 specification as supplied by Panasonic UK
See here for a DMC-FX100 European news update DMC FX100 in Europe dilemma
