The Panasonic FZ200 is the first superzoom camera that sports a f/2.8 constant aperture throughout its 25-600mm equivalent zoom range.  The FZ200 features a 12.1MP image sensor and can capture full res images at 12fps.

The FZ200 also features HD video capture at 1080/60p, as well as HD video (presumably 720p) at 120fps and VGA-res video at 240fps.

The FZ200 retails for $599 and is currently available for pre-order here at B&H Photo.

Panasonic FZ200 Key Features

• 12.1 MP MOS Sensor
• LSI Venus Engine Image Processor
• 25-600mm f/2.8 Leica Optical Zoom Lens
• 3.0" Free Angle 460K-dot LCD Display
• 0.2" Electronic View Finder w/ 100% FOV
• 12 fps Continuous Shooting
• RAW and RAW+JPEG Recording Option
• Full HD 60p Video Recording
• Improved Ergonomics
• Hot-shoe and Accessory Mount

More details in the press release below.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES THE LUMIX FZ200, A NEW SUPER-ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA WITH FULL RANGE F2.8 APERTURE AND 24x OPTICAL ZOOM

The New LUMIX FZ200 Features High Speed Response and Shoots Full-HD Video

July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-FZ200 which features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra-wide angle lens with a 24x powerful optical zoom(35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) and achieves full range F2.8 aperture.  The newest addition to the LUMIX FZ-series of digital cameras, the LUMIX FZ200 is the first digital compact camera*¹ to offer full range F2.8 aperture at 600mm, making it possible to capture moving subjects clearly with fast shutter speed, even from a distance.

A newly developed 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and high performance image processing LSI Venus Engine provide the LUMIX FZ200 with high speed response, high sensitivity recording and superb image quality.  Light Speed AF (auto focus) combines with the LUMIX FZ200’s ability to capture high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (frames per second) in full resolution and a quick start-up time of approximately .95 seconds, so users never miss even the most fleeting shooting opportunities.  Furthermore, High Speed…