One of the hottest new technologies built into digital cameras now is face detection. With it, a bytecam can detect the faces in a photo and make sure they're properly exposed and focused in a shot. With the introduction of its 10.1 megapixel Lumix DMC-L10 this week, Panasonic has brought the technology to its digital SLR world.


The unit, aimed at consumers making the leap from conventional digital cameras to SLRs, can recognize up to 15 faces in a shot. Face detection combined with the camera's Intelligent ISO feature, which automatically adjusts shutter speed to compensate for factors that can cause blurring and underexposure in a picture, helps produce clear, bright and crisp shots. Here are some highlights of the new model.

• A Leica D Vario-Elmar F3.8-5.6 zoom (14-50mm equivalent).


• A 2.5-inch articulated LCD that can rotate 270 degrees. Shots can be previewed in the display before snapping the shutter.


• A film mode that allows you to mimic analog film effects.


• Adjustable pre-sets. Scene modes like portrait, sports, landscape and night portrait can be fine-tuned for the shot at hand.

The new camera is expected to reach the shelves next month with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1299.95.