Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 & DMC-FS7 Premium Ultracompact Cameras

Panasonic are to add two new models to their Lumix FS Series of premium ultracompact digital cameras with the up and coming release of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Lumix DMC-FS7 cameras with offer 12.1 megapixel and 10.1 megapixel CCDs respectively and both of which employ Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV image processor and come with 29mm wide angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT zoom lenses (4x for the DMC-FS7, 5x in the case of the DMC-FS15).

‘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, who introduced the new Lumix DMC-FS15 and Lumix DMC-FS7 cameras. ‘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.’

The new Lumix DMC-FS15 camera – the more expensive of the two new models – differs from the Lumix DMC-FS7 not only in terms of a greater resolution CCD but also comes with an updated version of Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode which now takes in AF tracking as well as Intelligent Exposure functions supplementary to Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. Both models offer VGA video recording as well as WVGA (848 x 480 resolution) 16:9 widescreen video capture capabilities at 30fps.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 Key Features:

• 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

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 Key Features:

• 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

Panasonic’s press release states that the Lumix DMC-FS15 will retail at just shy of $200 with the Lumix DMC-FS7 coming in at just short of $160. Both cameras are set to commence shipping in March.