Digital Home Thoughts: Panasonic Introduces the Lumix DMC-FX75

"Panasonic announced today the new LUMIX DMC-FX75, a super-slim digital camera that packs big features, including a 24mm ultra-wide-angle F2.2 bright LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 5x optical zoom, which can be used while shooting High Definition video. The slim and stylish LUMIX FX75, a 14.1-megapixel digital camera is one of Panasonic’s high-performing hybrid models with the ability to not only take high-quality still photos, but can also record HD video in the AVCHD Lite format."

(Also known as the DMC-FX70 in Europe)

Uh, wot?

Panasonic's FX line of premium compacts are generally known for their looks and build quality, but somehow this time the design looks a bit... uninspiring. Panasonic does well to pack as many high-end features into the camera, like a faster lens at f/2.2 (at the widest end anyway), AVCHD Lite, and the latest fad of touchscreens.

Something I've noticed, is that Panasonic has slowed down their output of FX cameras, so making a decision for buying a premium compact from Panasonic isn't as hard. In fact, the upper range of Panasonic's line up is not hard to figure out. If you want something small, you take the FX75. You want a little more zoom? You can take the ZR3. Don't mind a slightly bigger camera? There's the ZS7 and ZS5. Need something rugged? Then the TS2 is for you. The problem comes when you go down to the more budget area of the lineup. I've lost count of the number of FS (aka FH) cameras they've been churning out in the past two years...