Panasonic intros 12MP cam with HD video

Panasonic on Monday morning upgraded its Lumix compact cameras with a single model, the FX100. Like the Casio Z1200 also revealed today, the FX100 features a 12-megapixel sensor for extremely sharp images, and includes similar image stabilization as well as automatic ISO compensation for dark or fast scenes. Unique to the Panasonic model, however, is full HD video recording: owners with enough SD or SDHC storage can capture video up to 1920x1080 (1080p) or at the more common 1280x720 (720p) by cutting the recording speed to 15 frames per second. This helps show captured footage at an HDTV's native display, says Panasonic.

The Japanese firm also claims better optics through a Leica-made lens with 3.6X optical zoom, ISO up to 6400 in a special high-sensitivity mode, and flash that can reach up to 16 meters (52 feet) to properly expose subjects at the back of a dark room.

Panasonic ships the FX100 in black, bronze, and silver colors. Exact availability is unknown but should include North America, Europe, and Japan. [via Let's Go Digital]