Panasonic DMC-FX8 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8 features a similar five megapixel imager and Leica DC Vario-Elmarit-branded optically stabilised 3x zoom lens as the previous FX7 model. The FX8 uses the new Venus Engine PLUS and a new battery, which together offer a claimed twofold improvement in battery life, as well as improved autofocus performance (including a new high-speed 1-point AF mode). There's also improved movie performance courtesy of a tweaked image sensor that now offers nine-pixel mixed readout.

The camera body has also been restyled slightly. As with the FX7, the new model will be offered in four color schemes for the Japanese market - "Silky Silver", "Comfort Blue", "Misty Pink" and "Gross Black" (perhaps a little something got lost in the translation, but we're actually quoting Panasonic on the names).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8 will ship September 2005, with a list price of US$349.95.