Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 / DMC-FS15

Panasonic is introducing three new entry-level cameras today. The first two models are in their ultra-compact FS-series:

Lumix DMC-FS7 [specs]
10.1 Megapixel CCD
F2.8-5.9, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 33 - 132 mm
Optical image stabilization
Ultra-compact body comes in silver, black, blue, pink, and a rather hideous green
2.7" LCD display, with 230,000 pixels
Venus Engine IV processor
Intelligent Auto Mode picks a scene mode for you, detects faces, and boosts the ISO based on subject movement
Records movies at 848 x 480 (16:9) at 30 frames/second
50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
Uses proprietary lithium-ion battery; 360 shots per charge
Lumix DMC-FS7 Panasonic digital camera battery
Ships in late March for $160

Lumix DMC-FS15 [specs] - changes:
12.1 Megapixel CCD
F3.3-5.9, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 29 - 145 mm
Additional features in Intelligent Auto Mode include AF tracking and Intelligent Exposure
330 shots per charge
USB 2.0 High Speed support
Available in silver, black, and blue
Lumix DMC-FS15 Panasonic digital camera battery
Priced at $200

ADDITIONAL IMAGES:

Panasonic today announced two new additions to its LUMIX FS-Series of digital cameras, the DMC-FS7 and the DMC-FS15. The FS models, a stylish sister line of the highly-acclaimed LUMIX FX-Series, combine easy operation with a slim and sleek look, enabling both beginner and advanced users to take beautiful digital photos with a model they can slip in their pockets.

The 12.1 megapixel DMC-FS15 features a 29mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 5x optical zoom. Panasonic has enhanced the Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) on the DMC-FS15 from the previous FS models to now include AF tracking and Intelligent Exposure functions in addition to Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. AF Tracking enables the user to “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter button halfway down. Additionally, Intelligent Exposure helps capture natural-looking images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights. It continually monitors the light source in the shooting environment and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects the light source is behind the subject.

The 10.1 megapixel DMC-FS7 features a bright F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 4x optical zoom and iA mode, comprised of four functions including Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. Like the DMC-FS15, the DMC-FS7 also include a newly-added independent iA button on top of the camera that lets the user enter directly into the mode without going into the menu.

“These new additions to the LUMIX FS-Series incorporate a number of enhanced quality and convenience features that provide consumers with simple-to-use, intuitive cameras at an affordable price,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “By combining Leica lenses, Intelligent Auto Mode and powerful image processing with a sleek and compact design, the FS Series cameras are ideal for consumers looking to take easy, high-quality photos on the go.”

Other features of both FS models include a Venus Engine IV processor, which enables an advanced processing system and quick response times. An intelligent LCD screen detects light conditions and automatically adjusts the brightness levels for viewing in sunlight and helps to preserve battery life. The new Photo Frame mode lets the user put attractive borders around photos, so when printed, they look like postcards in picture frames. Also, the new My Scene setting lets the user assign their most frequently used Scene modes to the setting, and with a simple switch, access that scene instantly. The FS-Series is also capable of recording WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in 16:9 wide-screen format, as well as standard VGA (640 x 480) format.

The DMC-FS15 will be available in silver, black and blue at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $199.95. The DMC-FS7 will be available in silver, black, blue, pink and green at an SRP of $159.95. Both models will be available in late March 2009.

For more information, please visit dcresource.com