Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8
Panasonic's Lumix series of digital cameras are known for a couple of things - its Leica lens and the fact that it was one of the first to introduce wide-angle lens in compact models.
With the new Lumix DMC-FP8, you get all that, but for the first time, you get it all in an ultra-thin, 2-centimetre thick body thanks to the use of a folding optics lens - common on the market, but available for the first time by Leica.
The result is a compact body that hides the lens while still offering a 4.6 optical zoom (28-128mm). Panasonic has also added an LED backlight that illuminates the controls on the back. This further enhances the model's sleek look. The FP8 is targeted at the style-conscious - it's available in at least eight colours, including purple and pink. But it still offers most of the features and functions that you can expect from the Panasonic brand.
In addition to the 12.1 mega-pixel image resolution and 4.6x optical zoom, the product features a 2.7-inch display, ultra-fast start-up time (less than a second), Panasonic's optical image stabilisation, and 40 megabytes of onboard memory.
The model also supports full-resolution, high-definition video recording (1280x720p) at 30 frames per second. What's more, the camera now comes with full HD output capability, so it will play back full HD videos on your TV.
It costs HK$2,590.
Pros: flat body thanks to folding optics lens, 4.6x optical zoom from Leica, full HD video recording and playback
Cons: minimum aperture of the lens is f3.3, which means it needs a lot of light for shots without the flash
