Panasonic have introduced the 10.2 megapixel Lumix DMC-LX2, successor to the popular DMC-LX1, which received worldwide acclaim for its unique 16:9 wide aspect ratio CCD, full-featured functions, and smart design. New features included on the DMC-LX2 include the world's first Intelligent ISO Control to compensate for blurriness caused by subject movement.

It also offers triple 'wide' features such as a 28 mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 16:9 wide aspect ratio CCD, and a 16:9 wide aspect ratio LCD screen. The DMC-LX2 is further distinguished from other cameras by its full manual controllability including manual focus via a joystick allowing users to easily enjoy creative shooting. Its Venus Engine III high performance image processing LSI dramatically reduces noise, realizing image recording at a maximum ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution.

Our LUMIX DMC-LX2 has the best features for the new digital lifestyle that puts a premium on capturing and sharing the images of our lives in a widescreen format,� said Rich Campbell, Director, Digital Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America.� �The 10.2 megapixel, true 16:9 CCD is perfect for capturing images to be displayed on a widescreen plasma TV. The new digital lifestyle is about capturing expansive, beautiful pictures and sharing them in the most dramatic way possible on a widescreen TV.

The DMC-LX2 inherits from the LX1 a wide range of features including the 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 112mm on a 35mm film camera), MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system that reduces blurriness caused by user hand movements, an enhanced CCD capable of 10.2-megapixels and a larger 2.8� 16:9 wide LCD screen.

Panasonic�s revolutionary MEGA O.I.S. is incorporated into the entire line of LUMIX cameras. The worldwide debut of the revolutionary new Intelligent ISO Control (IIC) feature on Panasonic�s LUMIX cameras signals the arrival of a new level of photographic excellence. IIC allows high sensitivity recording at full resolution (1250 ISO maximum) made possible by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III.� When set to the IIC, the Venus Engine III detects the subject�s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit subject movement and light conditions automatically. Panasonic�s unparalleled image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation, leaving everything to the camera.

The DMC-LX2 also incorporates 13 MB of built-in memory while the battery life is extended up to 300 pictures* on one charge, to help avoid missing those spur-of-the-moment shots.� A print mode has also been added to the mode dial so that you can print the images quickly. Bundled software allows users to edit and develop RAW files.

The DMC-LX2 will ship in September and will have an MSRP of $499.95.

Panasonic