Panasonic launches 14.1-megapixel Lumix FX70 compact camera

Not quite a Leica, but the Panasonic Lumix FX70 does offer up an F2.2 super bright 24mm ultra wide angle Leica lens for the same image quality of a Leica compact.

According to Panasonic, that F2.2 lens allows the FX70 to shoot at a higher shutter speed, which means clearer, sharper and blur-free images, even in poor light. Other features include a 14.1-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a deblur mode, intelligent exposure, Intelligent Scene Selector and ISO and the option of shooting HD video in AVCHD Lite.

Also packing a 3-inch touchscreen, the Panasonic FX70 is available in black or silver from August. No price yet, but you can be sure it's cheaper than a Leica alternative.

Panasonic website