Panasonic introduces the LUMIX DMC-LS80

Panasonic introduced a new compact digital camera to its 2008 LUMIX lineup called the DMC-LS80. The DMC-LS80 comes with features such as a compact design, support for AA batteries, a newly developed LUMIX DC VARIOS lens system, 3x optical zoom, and an 8.1 megapixel high resolution sensor.

The new Panasonic DMC-LS80 integrates the following four features to for easy and perfect image capture (the following is from the Panasonic press release):

MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) lens system shifts to compensate, preventing hand-shake from creating a blurry image and instead, providing a clear and crisp photo.
Intelligent ISO – With this feature, the digital camera can determine if the photo subject is moving and change ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus enabling a blur-free photo.
Auto Macro – The LS80 automatically switches to the Macro setting when in close proximity to the photo subject, ideal for those extreme close-up shots.
Quick AF – With the Quick AF (Auto Focus) system, the LS80 will focus on the photo subject without the user needing to press the shutter button, producing the fastest shutter speed by minimizing the AF time.

Other interesting features of the DMC-LS80 include:

Intelligent LCD – the brightness of the LCD display automatically adjusts to the ambient light level
Image processing with the Venus Engine III Processor
Shuttle release time lag as short as 0.0005 second
Consecutive shooting mode, it’s possible to shoot at 2.5 frames per second in full resolution
In High-Speed shooting mode, it’s possible to shoot at 5.5 shots per second
SD Memory Card support
Take 1920 x 1080 pixel photos for HDTV sets
Record in VGA (640 x 480) or WVGA (848 x 480) video

The LUMIX DMC-LS80 will be available starting in February of 2008 in pink, black. and silver for a price of $149.95.