Today, Panasonic unveiled its new entry into the ultra-zoom digital camera market. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 boasts an 8.1 megapixel sensor with a Leica 18x optical zoom lens (28-504mm equivalent for a 35mm film camera). The Mega OIS (Optic Image Stabiliser) provides anti-shake reduction, a necessity for cameras with such long zooms. Rounding out the package is a 2.5″ LCD for capturing and reviewing your photographs.

Targeting the amateur photographer, the FZ18 provides SLR-like features without the with the convenience of a point-and-shoot.

For those looking for something more compact, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 were also launched today.

More at DPReview.

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