Tim Williamson
03-28-2008, 08:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dpreview.com/news/0803/08031802panasonicfx500.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.dpreview.com/news/0803/0...asonicfx500.asp</a><br /><br /></div><em>"Fans of flexibility will be bending over backwards to grab a glance at the latest offering from Panasonic. The FX500 features a 5x optical zoom that starts at 25mm (in 35mm terms), featuring the company's O.I.S anti-shake system. The FX500 is also the first Panasonic to feature a touch-screen interface, which can be controlled using either fingertips or the included stylus."<br /></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/dht/auto/1206724925.usr209.jpg" alt="" /><br />This camera definitely would have been a contender in my recent search for the ultimate compact point-and-shoot camera (I ended up with a Canon SD870IS which I'll be putting through the paces the next couple weeks while on vacation in Washington DC). It's pretty unbelievable that Panasonic has managed to fit a 5x optical zoom plus a 25mm equivalent ultra-wide-angle lens in such a compact body. The touchscreen interface is a feature I'd need to experiment with before I'm sold (I typically like tactile feedback), and I'm not too sure I'd want to be fumbling with a stylus while trying to frame the perfect shot. It looks really good on paper, but I'd wait for some photo samples and reviews before jumping on the bandwagon.