Panasonic is pleased to announce that the Lumix DMC-FX500 digital still camera has received the prestigious TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Award for the Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2008.

TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) is an independent association of photo and imaging expert editors, representing 12 countries across Europe. The eminent TIPA Award is presented honouring the product for its superiority in quality, performance and value to distinguish the best in each classified category.

The DMC-FX500 features intuitive touch-screen operation on a large, 3.0-inch LCD to provide an advanced hybrid control system with both touch-screen and joystick control. In addition to the 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom, manual operation controllability give users great creative freedom. A variety of advanced functions, including Intelligent Auto mode, HD motion picture recording and HD component output, together with slideshows enhanced with music, further enrich the camera and user experience. The official TIPA comment is as below.

“The FX500 is the first of a new family of compact cameras with a 5x, image-stabilized zoom that covers the 25 to 125mm range – ideal for any subject from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto portraits. The images captured by the 10.1 megapixel sensor are processed by the new Venus Engine IV, and ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 1600, and from 1600 to 6400 in High Sensitivity mode. The 3-inch touch-screen LCD offers an easy image composition and review. For the more advanced photographer, the FX500 offers a...