Panasonic has announced a brand new compact digital camera boasting a massive 12.2 megapixel resolution plus the ability to record high-definition video.

Called the Lumix DMC- FX100, it can take photos in 4:3 mode, plus there are four 16:9 widescreen modes offering a quite impressive 4000 x 2248 pixel image resolution - adding something substantial to the company's current compact collection.

HD video can also be recorded at up to 1280 x 720 at 15 frames per second, but on the downside it only offers 27MB internal memory. Naturally SD card expansion is available.

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The DMC- FX100 also features a "newly developed" 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness, 1.72in large CCD and Intelligent Image Stabilisation with Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO Control. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 7x in 3-megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration (apparently) using something called the Extra Optical Zoom function.

In addition, there's a high-speed mode that will let you shoot eight photos per second at full resolution, plus unlimited consecutive shooting. The FX100 has a 2.5in LCD screen, weighs 150g and will be available in silver and black. Pricing details are not yet available.

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