



Panasonic: Panasonic Introduces Two New FS-Series Cameras to Popular LUMIX Digital Still Camera Line
SECAUCUS, NJ--(Marketwire - January 16, 2009) - 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 and to download full specifications, please visit [ www.panasonic.com/pressroom ].
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. (
DMC-FS15 ---------------------- ------------------------ 97.0 x 54.4 x 21.7 mm Metrics Dimensions (W x H x D) (3.82 x 2.14 x 0.85 in) Weight Approx. 116g (0.26 lb) Approx. 138g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.3 lb) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Camera Effective Optics Pixels Pixels 12.1 Megapixels ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 1/2.33-inch / 12.7 Total Sensor Size / Total Megapixels / Primary CCD Pixels / Filter Color Filter ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ F3.3 - 5.9 / Iris Diaphragm (F3.3 - 8 (W) Lens Aperture / F5.9 - 8 (T)) ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Zoom 5x ---------------------- ------------------------ f=5.2-26.0mm (29-145mm Focal Length in 35mm equiv.) ---------------------- ------------------------ 6.1x (4:3 / 8M), 7.8x Extra Optical Zoom (4:3 / 5M), 9.8x (under (EZ) 3M) ---------------------- ------------------------ Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 7 elements in 6 groups (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces) ---------------------- ------------------------ 2-Speed Zoom - ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Image MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Stabilizer Mode1 / Mode2) ---------------------- ------------------------ Conversion lens Compatibility - ---------------------- ------------------------ Digital Zoom 4x ( Max. 20.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom ) (Max.39.2x combined with Extra Optical Zoom) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Normal: Wide 50cm/ Tele Focus Focusing Area 100cm - infinity Macro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 5cm / Tele 100cm - infinity ---------------------- ------------------------ Focus Range Display Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ AF Assist Lamp Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Normal / Macro, AF Tracking (On / Off), Focus Quick AF (Always On) ---------------------- ------------------------ Face / AF Tracking / AF Metering Multi (11pt) / 1pt ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 8-1/2000 sec Starry Sky Mode : Shutter Shutter Speed 15, 30, 60sec. ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Finder Viewfinder - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Image Recording iA Stabilizer Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Intelligent ISO Control Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Face Detection Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Portrait, Scenery, Night Intelligent Scene Portrait, Night Scenery, Selector Macro ---------------------- ------------------------ Intelligent Exposure Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ AF Tracking Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Digital Red Eye Correction Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ iA Direct Button Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Still Image: JPEG (DCF / File Format Exif2.21) Motion picture: File QuickTime Motion JPEG ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Interface Mode Switch [Recording] / [Playback] ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Intelligent AUTO, Normal Recording Picture, MySCN, SCN, Modes Mode Button Motion Picture ---------------------- ------------------------ Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Scene Mode Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Pinhole, Film Grain, Photo Frame ---------------------- ------------------------ Full-Resolution Image, 1.8 frames/sec Max. 5 Continuous Shooting images (Standard mode), Mode Max 3 images (Fine Mode) High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 5.5 frames/sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9) ---------------------- ------------------------ Unlimited consecutive shooting 1.7 frames/sec ---------------------- ------------------------ Motion Picture VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, Recording 30fps (Motion JPEG) QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) ------------------------ WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Exposure Parameters Exposure Program AE ---------------------- ------------------------ Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV ---------------------- ------------------------ Yes (only in Backlight Compensation Intelligent AUTO mode) ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto (AE) Bracketing +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 ---------------------- ------------------------ Multi-Aspect - ---------------------- ------------------------ Light Metering Intelligent Multiple ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO ISO Sensitivity 1600-6400) ---------------------- ------------------------ Max Auto ISO Setting - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Image Parameters Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 ---------------------- ------------------------ 4000 x 3000(12M)/ 3264 x 2448 (8M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) / 2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x Still Picture 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 Recording (0.3M EZ) ------------------------ 4000 x 2672(10.5M) / 3264 x 2176 (7M EZ) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) / 2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ) ------------------------ 4000 x 2248(9M) / 3264 x 1840 (6M EZ) / 2560 x 1440 (3.5M EZ) / 1920 x 1080 (2M EZ) ---------------------- ------------------------ Image Quality Fine / Standard ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Balance White Set (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Highspeed Burst, Pinhole, Photo Frame mode? ---------------------- ------------------------ Quick Menu Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Color Mode Sepia, Cool, Warm ---------------------- ------------------------ Still Image with Audio Recording - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Others Audio Dubbing - ---------------------- ------------------------ Flip Animation - ---------------------- ------------------------ Real-time histogram - ---------------------- ------------------------ Composition Guide line Yes (1 pattern) ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Hold, Zoom ---------------------- ------------------------ Review - ---------------------- ------------------------ Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume No / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Zoom in Motion Picture - ---------------------- ------------------------ Macro Zoom Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Orientation Detector Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Scene Mode Help Screen Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Self Timer 2sec / 10sec ---------------------- ------------------------ Focus Icon Select Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites Playback Mode Playback ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Playback Display Easy Organization - ---------------------- ------------------------ Touch Zoom - ---------------------- ------------------------ Thumbnails / Zoomed 12,30-thumbnails / Max Playback 16x ---------------------- ------------------------ Calender Display / Dual-Image Playback Yes / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Set Favorites / Rotate Image Yes / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Playback Still Images with Audio - ---------------------- ------------------------ Playback Motion Picture Yes (Motion JPEG) ---------------------- ------------------------ All Still Images / Favorites / Category BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Slideshow Mode Swing / Urban / OFF) ---------------------- ------------------------ Show Histogram - ---------------------- ------------------------ Show Highlights - ---------------------- ------------------------ Single / Multi / All / Delete Image All except Favorites ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ DPOF Print Setting / Delete Set Protection Yes / Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Resize / Trim / Aspect Edit Conv. / Leveling Yes / Yes / No / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Copy / Title Stamp / Text Stamp Yes / Yes / Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Cut Animation - ---------------------- ------------------------ Single / Multi / All / PictBridge Support Favorites / DPOF ---------------------- ------------------------ English,German,French, Italian,Spanish,Polish, Czech,Hungarian,Russian, Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), Nethherlandic, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, OSD language Swedish, Danish, Finnish ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Travel Date / World Setup Time Yes / Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 2.7" TFT Screen LCD Others Monitor LCD Monitor Display (230K dots) Field of View : approx. 100% AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High-Angle LCD ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Flash Built-in-Flash Forced Off 0.3 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.0m (Tele/ISO Auto) ---------------------- ------------------------ External Flash - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard Media Recording Media (Still image only) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Built-in-Memory approx. 50MB ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Audio Microphone / Speaker Mono / Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ AV Output (NTSC/PAL, NTSC only for N. America) / USB2.0 High speed, DC Input (requires optional DC Interface Interface Coupler) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, Power Power 940mAh) (Included) AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional) ---------------------- ------------------------ Battery life 330 pictures (CIPA (approx.) Standard) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Standard Package Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker) USB Driver, QuickTime ---------------------- ------------------------ Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery carrying Standard Accessories case AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable Hand Strap, CD-ROM ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ DMC-FS7 ---------------------- ------------------------ 97.0 x 54.4 x 21.7 mm Metrics Dimensions (W x H x D) (3.82 x 2.14 x 0.85 in) ---------------------- ------------------------ 'Approx. 117g (0.258 Weight lb) 'Approx. 139g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.31 lb) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Camera Effective Optics Pixels Pixels 10.1 Megapixels ---------------------- ------------------------ 1/2.5-inch / 10.35 Total Sensor Size / Total Megapixels / Primary CCD Pixels / Filter Color Filter ---------------------- ------------------------ F2.8 - 5.9 / 2-Step (F2.8 - 8 (W) / F5.9 - Lens Aperture 16 (T)) ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Zoom 4x ---------------------- ------------------------ f=5.5-22.0mm (33-132mm Focal Length in 35mm equiv.) ---------------------- ------------------------ Extra Optical Zoom 5.7x (4:3 / 5M), 7.1x (EZ) (under 3M) ---------------------- ------------------------ Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 6 elements in 5 groups (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces) ---------------------- ------------------------ 2-Speed Zoom - ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Image MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Stabilizer Mode1 / Mode2) ---------------------- ------------------------ Conversion lens Compatibility - ---------------------- ------------------------ Digital Zoom 4x ( Max. 16.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom ) (Max.28.4x combined with Extra Optical Zoom) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Normal: Wide 50cm - Focus Focusing Area infinity Macro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 5cm / Tele 50cm - infinity ---------------------- ------------------------ Focus Range Display Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ AF Assist Lamp Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Normal / Macro, Quick AF Focus (Always On) ---------------------- ------------------------ AF Metering Face / Multi (9pt) / 1pt ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 8-1/2000 sec Starry Sky Mode : Shutter Shutter Speed 15, 30, 60sec. ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Finder Viewfinder - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Image Recording iA Stabilizer Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Intelligent ISO Control Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Face Detection Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Portrait, Scenery, Night Intelligent Scene Portrait, Night Scenery, Selector Macro ---------------------- ------------------------ Intelligent Exposure - ---------------------- ------------------------ AF Tracking - ---------------------- ------------------------ Digital Red Eye Correction Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ iA Direct Button Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Still Image: JPEG (DCF / File Format Exif2.21) Motion picture: File QuickTime Motion JPEG ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Interface Mode Switch [Recording] / [Playback] ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Intelligent AUTO, Normal Recording Picture, MySCN, SCN, Modes Mode Button Motion Picture ---------------------- ------------------------ Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Film Scene Mode Grain, Photo Frame ---------------------- ------------------------ Full-Resolution Image, 2.5 frames/sec Max. 5 Continuous Shooting images (Standard mode), Mode Max 3 images (Fine Mode) High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 6 frames/sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9) ---------------------- ------------------------ Unlimited consecutive shooting 2.0 frames/sec ---------------------- ------------------------ Motion Picture VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, Recording 30fps (Motion JPEG) QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) ------------------------ WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Exposure Parameters Exposure Program AE ---------------------- ------------------------ Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV ---------------------- ------------------------ Yes (only in Backlight Compensation Intelligent AUTO mode) ---------------------- ------------------------ +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 Auto (AE) Bracketing ---------------------- ------------------------ Multi-Aspect - ---------------------- ------------------------ Light Metering Intelligent Multiple ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO ISO Sensitivity 1600-6400) ---------------------- ------------------------ Max Auto ISO Setting - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Image Parameters Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 ---------------------- ------------------------ 3648 x 2736 (10M) / 3072 x 2304 (7M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) / 2048 x Still Picture 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x Recording 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 4:3 (0.3M EZ) ------------------------ 3648 x 2432 (9M) / 3072 x 2048 (6M EZ) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) / 2048 x 3:2 1360 (2.5M EZ) ------------------------ 3648 x 2056 (7.5M) / 3072 x 1728 (5.5M EZ) / 2560 x 1440 (3.5M EZ) / 16:9 1920 x 1080 (2M EZ) ---------------------- ------------------------ Image Quality Fine / Standard ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Balance White Set (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Highspeed Burst, Photo Frame mode? ---------------------- ------------------------ Quick Menu Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Color Mode Sepia, Cool, Warm ---------------------- ------------------------ Still Image with Audio Recording - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Others Audio Dubbing - ---------------------- ------------------------ Flip Animation - ---------------------- ------------------------ Real-time histogram - ---------------------- ------------------------ Composition Guide line Yes (1 pattern) ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Hold, Zoom ---------------------- ------------------------ Review - ---------------------- ------------------------ Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume No / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Optical Zoom in Motion Picture - ---------------------- ------------------------ Macro Zoom Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Orientation Detector Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Scene Mode Help Screen Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Self Timer 2sec / 10sec ---------------------- ------------------------ Focus Icon Select Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites Playback Mode Playback ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Playback Display Easy Organization - ---------------------- ------------------------ Touch Zoom - ---------------------- ------------------------ Thumbnails / Zoomed 12,30-thumbnails / Max Playback 16x ---------------------- ------------------------ Calender Display / Dual-Image Playback Yes / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Set Favorites / Rotate Image Yes / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Playback Still Images with Audio - ---------------------- ------------------------ Playback Motion Picture Yes (Motion JPEG) ---------------------- ------------------------ All Still Images / Favorites / Category BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Slideshow Mode Swing / Urban / OFF) ---------------------- ------------------------ Show Histogram - ---------------------- ------------------------ Show Highlights - ---------------------- ------------------------ Single / Multi / All / Delete Image All except Favorites ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ DPOF Print Setting / Delete Set Protection Yes / Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Resize / Trim / Aspect Edit Conv. / Leveling Yes / Yes / No / No ---------------------- ------------------------ Copy / Title Stamp / Text Stamp Yes / Yes / Yes ---------------------- ------------------------ Cut Animation - ---------------------- ------------------------ Single / Multi / All / PictBridge Support Favorites / DPOF ---------------------- ------------------------ English,German,French, Italian,Spanish,Polish, Czech,Hungarian,Russian, Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), Netherlandic, Thai,Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, OSD language Danish, Finnish ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Travel Date / World Setup Time Yes / Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 2.7" TFT Screen LCD Others Monitor LCD Monitor Display (230K dots) Field of View : approx. 100% AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High-Angle LCD ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Flash Built-in-Flash Forced Off 0.3 - 6.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.5 - 3.0m (Tele/ISO Auto) ---------------------- ------------------------ External Flash - ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard Media Recording Media (Still image only) ---------------------- ------------------------ Built-in-Memory approx. 50MB ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Audio Microphone / Speaker Mono / Yes ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ AV Output (NTSC/PAL, NTSC only in N.America) / USB2.0 Full speed, DC Input (requires optional Interface Interface DC Coupler) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, Power Power 940mAh) (Included) AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional) ---------------------- ------------------------ Battery life 360 pictures (CIPA (approx.) Standard) ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------ Standard Package Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker) USB Driver, QuickTime ---------------------- ------------------------ Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery carrying Standard Accessories case AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable Hand Strap, CD-ROM ---------- ---------------------- ------------------------