Panasonic introduces four new Lumix cameras to the award winning FS series

The 16.1-megapixel FS37 and FS35 package a newly developed 28mm wide-angle high quality Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with powerful 8x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 224mm on a 35mm camera). Comprising 9 elements in 7 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realises an outstandingly slim and compact body yet achieving exceptional optical performance.

In addition, the DMC-FS37 boasts a Smart Touch Screen with 3.0-inch large Intelligent LCD to offer intuitive touch control including Touch AF, Touch Zoom and Touch Shutter (DMC-FS35 is equipped with a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD without touch control).

The zoom ratio can be extended up to 18x at 3 megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. By using the central part of the 16.1-megapixel high resolution 16.1 CCD, this powerful zooming function allows you to easily capture and magnify distant subjects. To help with these technical aspects, the FS37 and FS35 also have an Easy Zoom button to utilise the powerful zoom with ease and comfort. It shifts the lens instantly to full 8x zoom power at a touch. The second touch of the button activates the 18x Extra Optical Zoom Intelligent Zoom to draw even closer into the subject (It shifts the lens instantly to full 10x zoom power at a touch and a second touch of the button activates the 22.5x Extra Optical Zoom when Intelligent Zoom is ON).

The DMC-FS37 adopts full touch-screen operation with new Smart Touch Screen. Auto Focus is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the 3.0-inch large, 230,000-dot, LCD and you can even release the shutter. The 3.0-inch large screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting.

Both FS37 and FS35 feature Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times.

Dressed in a metallic panel with hairline-curved finish with the popular colour of silver, black and red or silver, black, red, blue and violet the DMC-FS37 and DMC-FS35 with a redesigned easy-to-hold grip sustains a slim and stylish profile, offering both convenience and comfort in any daily shooting situations.

FS18 & FS16 cameras

The multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine VI supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.007 of a second for FS18 and slightly shorter for the FS16 at 0.006 seconds and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed Auto Focus (AF) that lets you lock on the subject. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the both models record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.

Both models feature newly developed, retractable-type, high quality LEICA DC lens with 28mm wide-angle and 4x optical zoom (2). Comprising of 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens is minimised in size thanks to the Panasonic’s concurrent development system of lens, mechanism and design of the camera. It results in the dramatic downsizing of the body with approx. 20 % slimmer profile than the predecessor models, while maintaining exceptional optical performance and a host of advanced features.

Technically specified, yet remaining easy to use – the new FS18 and FS16 even record dynamic HD movie in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps (FS18) / 30fps (FS16), in addition to normal VGA (640 x 480) in Motion JPEG. All movies can be directly uploaded to YouTube via the uploaded software or you can enjoy high quality image playback by simply playing connected or loading the memory card into a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing. Another way to easily share your movies, together with photos, is thanks to the integrated LUMIX Image Uploader, which realises instant image sharing via Facebook (photo) or YouTube (movie) with any PC on the spot. All you have to do is checkmark the photos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the simply instructions, allowing you to add comment and notify your friends via e-mail consequently. Face book can be used for photos and YouTube for movies.

Further features to expand the fun and convenience for users include built-in memory of 70MB, an Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times plus a total of 28 scene modes, such as ‘Baby’ or ‘Pet’, set most appropriate parameter in wide-ranging situations.

Packing a host of functions, the new slim and compact DMC-FS18 and DMC-FS16 allow any user to enjoy shooting beautiful images anytime. The metallic panel with noble hairline finish is available in silver, black and violet (FS18) or silver, black, pink, red and blue (FS16) to choose from.