Panasonic has made a couple announcements today with two new Lumix series cameras - the DMC-GX1 Micro Four Thirds and DMC-3D1.

Beginning with the former, the GX1 sports a Venus Engine image processor with a 16.01MP Live MOS sensor and a sensitivity of up to ISO 12800. It includes a Contrast AF focus system with 0.09 second (Light Speed AF) autofocus and the use of a dust reduction system, as well as One Push AE and the iA and iA Plus modes for automatic shots.

The LCD on the new GX1 is touch-enabled, being 3-inch (460,000-dot) in size. The camera is capable of recording video at up to 1080/60i and will come in two colour options - black and silver. There will also be two differing kits on offer from Panasonic for this model, the DMC-GX1-K which comes with the 14-42 standard zoom (priced at $800) and the DMC-GX1-X which has the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens (at $950).

Both models of the DMC-GX1 will start shopping in mid-December.

Shifting focus to the DMC-3D1, this is a compact camera which features the ability to capture both 2D and 3D images and video thanks to the use of a twin-lens design comprising a couple 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses.

In 2D mode the camera can take 12MP images as well as 1080i Full HD video simultaneously. In 3D mode it can take (non-simultaneously) 8MP photos as well as 1080i resolution 3D video.

Other features of the DMC-3D1 include the 3.5-inch sized touchscreen LCD, MOS sensor, Venus Engine image processor and multi-process Noise Reduction system. The camera can also handle up to 8 fps high-speed shooting and of course includes Panasonic's iA (Intelligent Auto) modes.

As with the DMC-GX1, the DMC-3D1 is scheduled for release in December, coming in at a $500 price point.