Panasonic FS15, FS7 and FS6

PANASONIC INTRODUCES THREE NEW FS-SERIES CAMERAS TO POPULAR LUMIX DIGITAL STILL CAMERA LINE

LUMIX DMC-FS15, DMC-FS7 and DMC-FS6 Feature Enhanced Intelligent Auto Technologies to Combine Simple Operation with Slim, Stylish Design

MISSISSAUGA, ON (January 19, 2009) – Panasonic Canada today announced three new additions to its LUMIX FS-Series of digital cameras, the DMC-FS15, DMC-FS7 and the DMCFS6. 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 DMCFS15 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 and the 8.1 megapixel DMC-FS6 feature 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 and the DMC-FS6 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 Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Panasonic Imaging Group. “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, highquality photos on the go.”

Other features of these 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 black and blue at a manufacturer’s suggested price (MSP) of $299.99. The DMC-FS7 will be available in black, blue, pink and green at an MSP of $269.99 and the DMC-FS6 will be available in black, blue, pink and red at an MSP of $229.99. All models will be available in late March 2009. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.ca.

Panasonic imaging products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI). PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.ca.

All prices are in Canadian dollars. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Panasonic and Lumix are registered trademarks of Panasonic Corporation.