New Panasonic FX40 (FX48) offers a 25-125mm compact alternative

The new Panasonic FX40 (aka FX48), with a rather catchy model name for a change, follows up on the FX35 and FX37. This creates a new pattern and perhaps puts this line at a six-month refresh cycle.

For more details, including a PDF file with specs and such, be sure to visit Focus Numerique.

Just like the other new ones, it has a 12mp 1/2.33" sensor, a 2.5" LCD, 25-125mm (5X optical zoom lens), 720p video, and things like that. No manual exposure however, unlike the FX550.

The camera is available in silver or black and can be pre-ordered at Amazon for $350.

The Japanese announcements are out, and there we learn that the initial monthly production output will be 80,000 units per month, which is a solid number. The Japanese market will get their choice of five colors, so in addition to silver and black, they will get red, pink and gold. The Japanese release date is February 20.