Panasonic announces two new Lumix ultracompacts: FP3 and FP1

With CES 2010 just getting underway, Panasonic has introduced its 2010 Lumix point-and-shoot lineup ranging from a new entry-level shooter to these two new entries in its FP ultracompact series.

The two additions to Panasonic's FP series use the same folded optics lens design as the DMC-FP8 introduced last July, which uses a prism to allow the zoom lens to extend internally rather than externally enabling an ultraslim profile. Though neither camera quite matches the FP8's 28-128mm equivalent wide-angle 4.6x optical zoom lens (both use a 35-140mm 4x lens instead), they do improve upon their predecessor's design with a cool new lens cover that slides over the lens and acts as the power switch as well. The closed camera has a really sleek look, with no extraneous markings on the front save for the word Lumix and a little "L" logo. The cameras also introduce 720p HD video recording capability at 30 fps to the FP series.

The 14.1-megapixel FP3 includes a sweet 3-inch touchscreen LCD, which promises to enable intuitive operation, such as allowing you to frame your shot and then touch where you want the image focused before you snap the photo. While the 12.1-megapixel FP1 uses a 2.7-inch regular (non-touchscreen) LCD, both are intelligent LCDs, which detect lighting conditions and adjust the brightness level of the LCD accordingly.

Pricing and availability have not been announced yet.