stabilized 29-145mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, 26 scene modes, 11-point autofocus system, and lithium battery. The 10MP DMC-FS7 (around $159.95) is also slim and has the same ISO 100-6400 range, runs on AA batteries, has a 3x zoom lens and 25 scene modes. The DMC-LS85 ($119.95) is a basic 8.1MP model with a 4x optical zoom, auto ISO control, Intelligent Auto (chooses the right exposure mode based on the scene) and Face Detection. The cameras are expected to be available by April.
For details, read the Panasonic USA press releases:
PANASONIC INTRODUCES TWO NEW FS-SERIES CAMERAS TO POPULAR LUMIX DIGITAL STILL CAMERA LINE
LUMIX DMC-FS7 and DMC-FS15 Feature Enhanced Intelligent Auto Technologies to Combine Simple Operation with Slim, Stylish Design
SECAUCUS, NJ (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.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES DMC-LS85 AA-BATTERY POWERED DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 4x OPTICAL ZOOM AND BRIGHT F2.8 LENS
New 8.1-Megapixel LUMIX Features Intelligent Auto Mode for Ultimate Ease of Operation, Suitable for Digital Photographers of All Levels
SECAUCUS, N.J. (January 16, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced a new addition to its acclaimed LUMIX line of digital cameras, the 8.1-megapixel DMC-LS85. Encased in a compact design and powered by AA batteries, the DMC-LS85 offers a powerful 4x optical zoom and bright F2.8 quality LUMIX DC VARIO lens at an affordable price.
Panasonic has incorporated its Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) into the DMC-LS85, a new addition to the LS series of entry-level cameras. In this model, iA is comprised of four major functions including Mega O.I.S, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. Additionally, Panasonic’s Quick AF (auto focus) system allows the camera to automatically keep focus on a subject without the need to hold the shutter button down halfway, greatly minimizing the time needed for the camera to focus. A new enhancement for iA mode this year is a simple button located on top of the camera, which enables the user to enter the mode directly without going into the menu.
“By combining intuitive, advanced technologies with a compact design and an affordable price, the DMC-LS85 is ideal for a consumer at any level. From beginner to the advanced photographer, this portable and inexpensive camera can take high-quality photos,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The wide array of easy-to-use features and the powerful LUMIX lens make the DMC-LS85 an impressive entry-level camera and further reinforces Panasonic’s goal to make digital photography a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for consumers at all levels.”
The DMC-LS85 records video in WVGA (848 x 480) format at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture fits a wide-screen (16:9) TV perfectly. Furthermore, a 2.5-inch large LCD features 230,000-dot high resolution and Intelligent LCD function, which detects lighting conditions and controls the brightness level of the LCD to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Slideshows can be accompanied by music, courtesy of the newly added speaker, so users can view or show their photos with greater impact.
The DMC-LS85’s internal memory has doubled in capacity, when compared to its predecessor the DMC-LS80, up to approximately 50MB. Due to the low energy consumption of the camera’s Venus Engine IV processor, battery life has also been extended to shoot more than 270 photos (CIPA) with two AA batteries.
The DMC-LS85 will be available in silver, black and pink at a suggested retail price of $119.95 starting in April 2009.
