Panasonic has launched the DMC-FZ7, a six-million-pixel digital camera featuring manual exposure and focus control.

The FZ7 sports an f/2.8-3.3 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens designed to deliver the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 36-432mm lens. The 11-element-in-8-group optic includes three aspherical elements. Manual focus and manual exposure are controlled via a joystick.

Features include Panasonic?s Mega Optical Image Stabiliser and a High Sensitivity mode, allowing ISO sensitivity up to ISO 1600, claims Panasonic.

Exposure compensation of ±2EV in 1/3EV steps is possible, as is autobracketing.

The 2.5in LCD screen has a resolution of 114,000 pixels and there is a Power LCD function, which is claimed to increase the screen?s brightness by 40% for use in, for example, sunny conditions outdoors.

Exposure modes include shutter and aperture priority, and Panasonic claims that the FZ7 can shoot at a rate of up to three frames per second.

The FZ7 is powered by a Li-ion battery.

A price and launch date had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.

For details call Panasonic on 01344 862444.