Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS7 and DMC-FS15

Panasonic has announced two latest additions into the LUMIX FS-Series of digital cameras, the DMC-FS7 and the DMC-FS15. The FS7 features a 10.1 megapixel sensor and 4x optical zoom.  The FS15 has a 12.1 megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom. They are priced at $159.95 and $199.95, respectively.

These cameras incorporate an advanced Venus Engine IV processor, 2.7-inch intelligent LCD screen and enhanced Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode that adds AF tracking and Intelligent Exposure functions in addition to Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection technologies, aiming to enhance your photography experience.

The 12.1 megapixel DMC-FS15 features a 29mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 5x optical zoom. 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.

DMC-FS7 Features

• F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 4x optical zoom
• 2.7-inch intelligent LCD screen that can detect light conditions and automatically adjusts the brightness levels for viewing in sunlight and helps to preserve battery life
• New Photo Frame mode allows the users to put attractive borders around photos
• New My Scene setting enables the users to assign their most frequently used Scene modes to the setting
• Available in silver, black, blue, pink and green colors

Both models will be available in late March 2009.  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.

Technical Specifications

(3 Aspherical lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT6 elements in 5 groups

(3 Aspherical lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)Optical
Image StabilizerMEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)Zoom

Optical: 4x

Extra Optical :

Digital: 4x

(Max. 16.0x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom) (Max. 28.4x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)

Optical: 4x

Extra Optical :

Digital: 4x

(Max. 16.0x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom)

(Max. 25.6x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)

Focal
Distancef = 5.5 – 22.0 mm (35 mm Equivalent: 33 – 132 mm)f = 5.5 – 22.0 mm (35 mm Equivalent: 33 – 132 mm)Focusing
AreaNormal: Wide 50 cm (1.64 feet) – infinityMacro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 5 cm (0.16 feet) / Tele 50 cm (1.64 feet) – infinityNormal: Wide 50 cm (1.64 feet) – infinity
Macro / Intelligent AUTO: Wide 5 cm (0.16 feet) / Tele 50 cm (1.64 feet) – infinityFocus Range DisplayYesYesAF
MeteringFace / Multi (9-area) / 1-areaFace / Multi (9-area) / 1-areaAF
Assist LampYesYesCamera
Effective Pixels10.1 Megapixels8.1 MegapixelsImage
Sensor1/2.5″, 10.35 Mega Total Pixels CCD, Primary Color Filter1/2.5″, 8.32 Mega Total Pixels CCD, Primary Color FilterFocusNormal / Macro, Quick AF (Always On)Normal / Macro, Quick AF (Always On)Focus Icon SelectYesYesISO
SensitivityAuto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600(High Sensitivity Mode: Auto (1600 – 6400))Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600(High Sensitivity Mode: Auto (1600 – 6400))White BalanceAuto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set
(Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Hi-speed Burst, Photo Frame Modes)Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set(Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Hi-speed Burst, Photo Frame Modes)ExposureProgram AEProgram AEExposure
Compensation1/3 EV step, -2 – +2 EV1/3 EV step, -2 – +2 EVBacklight
CompensationYes (only in Intelligent AUTO Mode)Yes (only in Intelligent AUTO Mode)Auto (AE) Bracketing±1/3 EV – 1 EV step, 3 frames±1/3 EV – 1 EV step, 3 framesLight
MeteringIntelligent MultipleIntelligent MultipleMode Switch[Recording] / [Playback][Recording] / [Playback]Rec Mode (Mode Button)Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, My Scene Mode, Scene Mode, Motion PictureIntelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, My Scene Mode, Scene Mode, Motion PictureScene
ModePortrait, 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 Grain, Photo FramePortrait, 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 Grain, Photo FrameShutter
Speed8 – 1/2,000 secStarry Sky Mode: 15, 30, 60 sec8 – 1/2,000 sec
Starry Sky Mode: 15, 30, 60 secApertureF2.8 – 5.9 / 2-Step(F2.8 – 8.0 (W) / F5.9 – 16.0 (T))F2.8 – 5.9 / 2-Step
(F2.8 – 8.0 (W) / F5.9 – 16.0 (T))Self
Timer2 sec / 10 sec2 sec / 10 secAuto
Review1 sec / 2 sec / Hold / Zoom1 sec / 2 sec / Hold / ZoomQuick MenuYesYesColor ModeStandard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, WarmStandard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, WarmRecording
FormatStill Image: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), DPOF correspondingMotion Images: QuickTime Motion JPEGStill Image: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), DPOF correspondingMotion Images: QuickTime Motion JPEGAspect Ratio4:3 / 3:2 / 16:94:3 / 3:2 / 16:9Recording
Image SizeStill Image

2,048 x 1,536 pixels (3M EZ),

1,600 x 1,200 pixels (2M EZ),

640 x 480 pixels (0.3M EZ)3:2
Aspect Ratio:3,648 x 2,432 pixels (9M),3,072 x 2,048 pixels (6M EZ),

2,560 x 1,712 pixels (4.5M EZ),

2,048 x 1,360 pixels (2.5M EZ)16:9
Aspect Ratio:3,648 x 2,056 pixels (7.5M),3,072 x 1,728 pixels (5.5M EZ),

2,560 x 1,440 pixels (3.5M EZ),

1,920 x 1,080 pixels (2M EZ)Still Image

1,600 x 1,200 pixels (2M EZ),

640 x 480 pixels (0.3M EZ)3:2
Aspect Ratio:3,264 x 2,176 pixels (7M),
2,560 x 1,712 pixels (4.5M EZ),2,048 x 1,360 pixels (2.5M EZ)16:9
Aspect Ratio:3,264 x 1,840 pixels (6M),2,560 x 1,440 pixels (3.5M EZ),
1,920 x 1,080 pixels (2M EZ)Image
QualityFine / StandardFine / StandardMotion Picture*(QuickTime Motion JPEG)

(Max. recording time depends on Memory Card Capacity, Max. 2 GB for a motion picture)

(Max. recording time depends on Memory Card Capacity, Max. 2 GB for a motion picture)

Continuous
Shooting ModeFull-Resolution Image, 2.3 frames / secMax. 5 images (Standard Mode), Max. 3 images (Fine Mode)

Hi-speed Burst Mode: approx. 6 frames / sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)

Approx. 10 shots when using the built-in memory.
Approx. 10-100 shots when using an SD/SDHC Memory Card.

* Maximum is 100 shots.
･The recording resolution is selected from 3 megapixels (4:3), 2.5 megapixels (3:2), or 2 megapixels (16:9).

･The number of consecutive shots is limited by the shooting conditions, card type, and card condition.

･The number of consecutive shots may increase immediately after the card is formatted.Full-Resolution Image, 3.0 frames / sec
Max. 7 images (Standard Mode), Max. 4 images (Fine Mode)Hi-speed Burst Mode: approx. 5.5 frames / sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)

Approx. 10 shots when using the built-in memory.

Approx. 10-100 shots when using an SD/SDHC Memory Card.

* Maximum is 100 shots.
•The recording resolution is selected from 3 megapixels (4:3), 2.5 megapixels (3:2), or 2 megapixels (16:9).

•The number of consecutive shots is limited by the shooting conditions, card type, and card condition.

•The number of consecutive shots may increase immediately after the card is formattedUnlimited Consecutive ShootingYes (1.7 frames / sec)Yes (2.0 frames / sec)Intelligent ISO ControlYesYesFace DetectionYesYesIntelligent Scene SelectorPortrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, MacroPortrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, MacroDigital Red Eye CorrectionYesYesiA Direct ButtonYesYesMacro ZoomYesYesComposition Guide LinesYes (1 pattern)Yes (1 pattern)Built-in-Memoryapprox. 50MBapprox. 50 MBScene Mode Help ScreenYesYesOrientation DetectorYesYesTravel Date /World TimeYes /YesYes /
YesCopy /Title Edit /

Text StampYes /
Yes /YesYes /Yes /

YesBuilt-in-FlashAuto, Auto / Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off0.3 – 6.3 m (Wide / ISO Auto), 0.5 – 3.0 m (Tele / ISO Auto)Auto, Auto / Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off0.3 – 6.3 m (Wide / ISO Auto), 0.5 – 3.0 m (Tele/ ISO Auto)LCD2.7″ TFT LCD (230,000 dots)Field of View : approx. 100%

AUTO Power LCD Mode, Power LCD Mode, High-angle Mode2.5″ TFT LCD (230,000 dots)
Field of View : approx. 100%AUTO Power LCD Mode, Power LCD Mode, High-angle ModePlayback
ModeNormal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites PlaybackNormal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites PlaybackThumbnails /Zoomed Playback12, 30-thumbnails /Max. 16×12, 30-thumbnails /
Max. 16xCalendar DisplayYesYesSet FavoritesYesYesPlayback Motion PictureYes (Motion JPEG)Yes (Motion JPEG)Slideshow ModeAll Still Images / Favorites / CategoryBGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF)All Still Images / Favorites / CategoryBGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF)Delete ImageSingle / Multi / All / All except FavoritesSingle / Multi / All / All except FavoritesDPOF Print Setting /Set ProtectionYes /YesYes /
YesResize / TrimmingYes / YesYes / YesOSD
LanguageEnglish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Netherlandic, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, Danish, Finnish*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the OSD languages on the products that are available in your market.English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Netherlandic, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, Danish, Finnish*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the OSD languages on the products that are available in your market.Recording
MediaBuilt-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only)Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only)MicrophoneYes (Mono)Yes (Mono)SpeakerYesYesInterfaceAV Output (NTSC / PAL, NTSC only for N. America)*, USB2.0 Full Speed, DC Input (requires optional DC Coupler)*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the AV Output on the products that are available in your market.AV Output (NTSC / PAL, NTSC only for N. America)*, USB2.0 Full Speed, DC Input (requires optional DC Coupler)
*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the AV Output on the products that are available in your market.PictBridge SupportSingle / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOFSingle / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOFPowerID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack(3.6 V, Typical: 1,000 mAh / Minimum: 940 mAh) (Included)

AC Adaptor (Input: 110 – 240 V AC) (Optional)ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack
(3.6 V, Typical: 1,000 mAh / Minimum: 940 mAh) (Included)AC Adaptor (Input: 110 – 240 V AC) (Optional)Startup Time (Approx.)1.6 sec1.6 secRelease Time Lag (Approx.)0.007 sec0.006 secShutter Interval (Approx.)0.9 sec (minimum) *Not including the time for AF.0.8 sec (minimum) *Not including the time for AF.Battery
Life(Approx.)360 pictures(CIPA standard**)400 pictures(CIPA standard**)Included SoftwarePHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0, ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker), USB Driver, QuickTimePHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0, ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker), USB Driver, QuickTimeDimensions (Approx.)(W x H x D)97.0 x 54.4 x 21.7 mm (3.82 x 2.14 x 0.85 inch)97.0 x 54.4 x 21.2 mm (3.82 x 2.14 x 0.84 inch)Weight
(Approx.)117 g (0.26 lb)
139 g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.31 lb)115 g (0.25 Ib)137 g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.3 lb)