Panasonic has announced the new Lumix DMC-FP8 digital camera as part of its new FP-Series and offers the company's Venus Engine V processing tech.

The FP8 is a 12.1-megapixel compact featuring a 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x optical zoom Leica DC lens with folding optics and "encased in a futuristic-looking stylish body".

The FP8 gets high-speed auto focus and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto suite of technologies that now includes "POWER Optical Image Stabilization" which claims double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilisation system as well as face recognition and 27 scene modes.

Round the back of the camera there's a 2.7-inch LCD and what's said to be "intricate detailing" including blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed. Battery life is said to be good for 380 shots.

In addition, the new compact can record HD movies in 1280 x 720p at 30fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480).

Complete with PC software, the Lumix DMC-FP8 will hit the shops in September in the States for a suggested price of $299.95 in black, red and silver.

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