Panasonic Lumix FX150 Touts 14.7 Megapixels

Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-FX150 compact digital camera sports a 14.7 megapixel resolution, manual controls, and RAW format support.

Hot on the heels of announcing its FZ28 zoom camera, Panasonic has unveiled its new Lumix DMC-FX150 compact digital shooter—but it’s not quite the same ultra-slim point-and-shoot camera aimed at fashionistas and casual snapshot fiends. Instead, the FX150 sports a 14.7 megapixel resolution, a 3.6× optical zoom, and a manual exposure mode that let users control the shutter speed. Plus, the camera stores images in RAW format for lossless pictures, and offers an Intelligent Auto mode makes automatic settings adjustments based on the environment.

“With the FX150, Panasonic brings a unique type of ultra-compact camera to the market,” said Panasonic Computer Electronics’ national marketing manager for imaging David Briganti, in a statement. “The combination of 14.7 megapixels, numerous manual controls, and Intelligent Auto mode in a stylish, pocket-sized body creates an ideal camera for photo enthusiasts.”

Like the FZ28, the FX150 sports a new AF tracking mode that lets the camera lock focus on a moving object and increased face detection accuracy: the FX150 can track as many as 15 faces. The FX150 also features optical image stabilization, intelligent ISO, red-eye correction, and a 2.5 fps burst mode. The FX150 can also shoot 1,280 by 720 video at 24fps. The camera supports S and SDHC memory cards, and offers about 50 MB of built-in memory.

The FX150 should be available in August in black or silver for a suggested retail price of $399.95.