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Panasonic has launched a new line of ultracompact cameras in the lead-up to the 2008 PMA trade show in Las Vegas. With the new line of cameras, Panasonic has introduced a number of new additions to its line of Lumix point-and-shoot digital cameras, spanning the gamut of consumer camera models.

The first announcement was of two point-and-shoot models, the 10.1-megapixel DMC-LZ10 and the 8.1MP DMC-LZ8, both of which offer improvements over last year's LZ7 model such as Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses and wide-angle shooting—30mm on the LZ10 and 32mm on the LZ8. In addition, these new LZ-Series models boast manual controls, convenient AA-battery operation, 5X optical zoom, Intelligent Auto Mode and the Venus Engine IV, the new high-speed, image-processing LSI.

Also new to this series is Advanced Scene Mode–a feature that gives consumers manual control with frequently used scene modes: Portrait, Sports, Landscape and Night portrait. Intelligent Auto Mode is suited for less experienced photographers, and encompasses image stabilization, face detection, intelligent ISO modes, and more. Both of these new models feature 2.5-inch LCD screens that can adjust to various lighting conditions. Available in black and silver, the LZ8 and LZ10 will hit the stores in February for USD 179.95 (list) and USD 249.95 respectively.

Panasonic also launched the new FS-series, with the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 models. Both cameras feature 10.1 megapixel sensors, a 30mm wide-angle Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom. The tiny cameras are designed to fit into a pocket or small purse, and come equipped with image stabilization, intelligent ISO, scene selector, face detection and quick auto-focus. Both cameras have 50MB of built-in memory, as well. The FS20 has a 3.0-inch LCD, the FS5 a 2.5-inch LCD. The FS5 will retail for USD 249.95 and the FS20 for USD 299.95 when the cameras go on sale in February.

Also getting an update is the FX-Series, with the introduction of Panasonic's first-ever 25mm ultra-wide-lens—featured on the DMC-FX35. The 10.1MP camera also features a 4X optical zoom, Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens offering f2.8 brightness and the new fourth-generation Venus Engine image processor. The LUMIX FX35 can also record 720p video and 1920 x 1080 pixel High Definition-ready photos optimized for a 16:9 widescreen HDTV, such as those models Panasonic itself offers. The DMC-FX35 will be available in March 2008 in silver, black and blue, models for USD 349.95.

The final introduction was the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4. The DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 both feature 28mm wide-angle, 10x optical zoom Leica DC lenses. They also feature "Intelligent Exposure" controls and digital red-eye correction. The cameras feature optical image stabilization, continuous auto-focus, face detection and other features, like a faster image processor. The TZ4 sports a 2.5-inch LCD display and the TZ5 is equipped with a 3.0-inch LCD; the TZ4 has 8.1 megapixels while the TZ5 has 9.1 megapixels. Both can take 1920X1080 pixel "high definition" photos; the TZ5 can also record 720p movies. The two cameras will be released in March, the TZ4 for USD 299.95, and the TZ5 for USD 349.95.