In a mid-morning announcement, Panasonic has refreshed its FX35 ultracompact in the form of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37.

A light update to the FX35, the FX37 utilizes the same 10.1 megapixel CCD sensor. The FX35's signature hardware – its 25mm wide-angle Leica lens – is updated for the new model, expanding telephoto reach out to a 35mm-equivalent 125mm (versus the FX35's 100mm spec).

Visually, the camera retains the FX35's ultracompact form factor and all-metal construction. The new model will hit store shelves in a wider range of hues, however, with white, pink, and brown models joining Panasonic's usual black, silver, and blue versions.

As with all four of Panasonic's releases for the fall term, the FX37 gets the manufacturer's AF Tracking technology, as well as an expanded list of scene modes. Panasonic's usual suite of "Intelligent" features – Intelligent Auto mode, Intelligent Exposure, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector – are all reprised for the FX37 as well.

Video capture at 1280x720 for HD playback remains one of the FX37's bragging points. Panasonic's high-res 16:9 aspect ratio shooting modes also provide the ideal setting for shooting still images for viewing on an HDTV.

Without a major sensor or processing overhaul, we're not expecting to see much change where noise performance is concerned – meaning that the FX37's weakest area will likely continue to be what has been a primary concern with the FX35. Still, the FX35 was solid enough all around to earn our March Editor's Choice recognition, and the FX37's handful of features upgrades look to make it a solid contender this time around.

The FX37 goes on sale in September, priced at $349.95.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 Specifications: