The FX-33 succeeds the Lumix FX30, which we named as our consumer Compact Camera of the Year in 2007. Not wishing to mess with a successful formula it differs from the FX-30 in just two areas: a new intelligent auto mode (in which the camera analyses the subject and decides which ISO and scene mode to select), and a new matt black version (as well as silver)  which is simply stunning.

The other features are unchanged: an 8MP sensor, a useful 28-100mm equivalent Leica zoom lens (a 28mm wideangle is rare on a compact but very welcome) a 2.5in LCD screen, Mega OIS stabilisation and the impressive Venus III processor. You can also shoot in a choice of three aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2 or 16:9). Image quality is better than the FX30, though not radically so, while the Intelligent Auto works surprisingly well too.