January 15, 2009 - Panasonic today announced three sub-$200 cameras. The priciest of the three, at $199.95, is the DMC-FS15, a 12.1-megapixel model with a 5x zoom lens ranging from 5.2mm-26mm (equivalent to a 29mm-145mm on a 35mm camera). The camera features extensive automation capabilities, adding auto focus tracking and a dynamic range optimization feature called Intelligent Exposure to the Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection found in previous FS-series models. The FS15 will be available in silver, black and blue.
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The other addition to the FS line is the DMC-FS7, a 10.1-megapixel camera with 4x zoom, equivalent to 33mm-132mm. Both FS cameras feature optical image stabilization and a dedicated Intelligent Auto button that lets users hand over control of the camera to the automated system without a trip through the menus. The FS7 will be available in silver, black, blue, pink and green, priced at $159.95. Both FS-series models will ship in March.
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Finally, the DMC-LS85 is an 8.1-megapixel, 4x zoom (33-132 equivalent) priced at $119.95. Despite its low price, the LS85 includes optical image stabilization, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and face detection. The LS85 is powered by two AA batteries; Panasonic says to expect over 270 shots on a set of alkalines. Available in silver, black and the ever-popular pink, the DMC-LS85 is scheduled to ship in April.
