Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX550: So hot, it'd probably even touch itself

Panasonic's latest touchscreen compact is none other than the 12.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX550. It features a 5x optical zoom, a touch-sensitive 76mm (3-inch) LCD display, and Panasonic's new improved face recognition technology, which we first covered with the launch of the DMC-TZ7.

The new face recognition allows you register the faces of up to six people you regularly photograph, so the camera knows to focus on them, and not the creepy chap with his pants around his ankles in the background -- excellent news if you take a lot of photos in Croydon.

Additionally, a wide-angle shooting option lets you shoot pictures in a 16:9 aspect ratio, which isn't a new feature. You can also capture video in 720p high definition, which is still relatively rare.

We've been impressed with Panasonic's cameras in the past, and this addition to the range has caused some excitement. You can expect a full hands-on and review in the coming weeks, and the camera itself on shelves in April.

Prices are to be confirmed, so, in the meantime, hit up the gallery of photos at the top of the page.