Panasonic Offers Two New Budget Lumix Cams

The DMC-FS7 and DMC-FS15 both bring high-end features downmarket to the sub-$200 price point.

The style-oriented FS arm of Panasonic’s Lumix brand got a little longer on Friday with the release of the DMC-FS7 and DMC-FS15. The colorful point-and-shoots both offer feature lists derived from the FX series, a range of different finishes, and prices under $200.

The FS15 gets a 12.1-megapixel sensor behind 29mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR glass, and a 5x optical zoom. Digital features include Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode, autofocus tracking that lets users “lock on” to a moving target and snap focused pics, and intelligent exposure to help fight blown white highlights and black shadows, along with backlight compensation.

The less fully featured FS7 has a 10.1-megapixel sensor coupled with a F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and 4x zoom. It offers Intelligent Auto mode, but no AF tracking or intelligent exposure.

Both cameras use the same Venus Engine IV image processor, and offer an intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts for different light levels, such as lowering brightness in dim situations to help preserve battery life. They can also capture video up to WVGA resoltuon (848 x 480) at 30 fps.

The FS15, available in silver, black and blue, will retail for $199.95, while the FS7, available in silver, black, blue, pink and green, will go for $159.95.