The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 is a high-end, point-and-shoot digital camera announced today that sports a 12.1-megapixel resolution, HD recording capability as well as an impressive 18x optical zoom lens.

The FZ35 (aka FZ38 in some regions) incorporates a 27mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens and features Panasonic’s new Power Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) system to avoid shaky snaps. This 12.1MP shooter also features an ultra high-speed (0.3-second) autofocus like we just saw on the Lumix DMC-FP8. HD recording makes use of the AVCHD Lite format for high quality movies (1280 x 720 pixel resolution) with lower storage requirements, so you can shoot for longer on either SD or SDHC memory cards.

While the DMC-FZ35 is a point-and-shoot camera, it offers a level of flexibility that pushes it towards DSLR territory. Good for amateurs who have outgrown the short range of their compact camera and also useful for pros, who could use it as a bridge camera to save lens changes.

With an extended battery life that will get you up to 470 shots, a 2.7-inch LCD and a built-in HDMI terminal for direct viewing on an HDTV, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com for $399.95. Shipping will commence in September.

Sources:
Panasonic (Press Release) and Amazon.com
Via: iTechNews