Panasonic has announced a new addition to its slim and stylish FX series, in the shape of the flagship FX500.

The brand new model boasts a wide range of features befitting of a flagship unit ? its 10.1MP sensor benefits from a newly developed Leica DC lens offering 5x optical zoom and an ultra-wide angle of 25mm in 35mm equivalent terms.

The advanced lens system includes four aspherical lenses and six aspherical, meaning the FX500 keeps image distortion at a minimum, in spite of the extra-wide angle.

A 3in LCD, complete with touch-screen technology, is coupled with joystick operation to mean that the FX500 offers more intuitive operation ? the joystick handles simple commands, with touch-screen taking care of more complex functions.

The FX500 continues the current trend within the Lumix range in offering Intelligent Auto operation, but also boast full manual functionality to allow the user to take advantage of the impressive specification.

The FX500 will be available in May at a price of $399.95, and for more information visit www.panasonic.co.uk