Panasonic launched on Thursday a new class of digital cameras at the PMA trade show in Las Vegas. The new models, which will be available in February and March, feature slim form factors, wide angle lenses, and new high-speed image processors.

To start, the company announced 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 $179.95 (list) and $249.95 respectively.