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.