FX33/FX55 left, FZ18 right
Panasonic have unveiled new cameras to add to their exisiting FX and FZ series - the FX33, FX55 and FZ18.
The first two compacts are, by and large, much the same - 8megapixel compacts, with 3.6x (28-100mm equiv) optical zoom, image stabilisation and ISO100-1600. The FX55 differs in that it has a 3" LCD screen (as opposed to the FX33's 2.5") and is slightly larger in physical size.
The FZ18 is a little more special - the kind of camera that may tempt the prosumer market, and for good reason - with an 18x optical zoom you can be zooming in and out all over the place. That's the equivalent range of 22-504mm. Whilst you're not going to have the same control as with a DSLR, you do compensate on the price.
The FZ18 also comes complete with an 8megapixel sensor, image stabilisation and ISO100-1600 as per the smaller compacts.
Available September.
www.panasonic.co.uk