Panasonic Europe: Three new Lumix compacts
By
Mike Tomkins
(Monday, April 20, 2009 - 22:58 EDT)
Panasonic has announced three closely related new Lumix FS-series compact digital cameras for the European market.
The Panasonic Lumix FS12, FS42 and FS62 designs are all based around 4x optical zoom lenses with actual focal lengths ranging from 5.5 - 22mm, focusing to 5cm in Macro mode, and two-step apertures (f2.8 / f/8 at wide angle, f5.9 / f16 at telephoto). The Panasonic FS42 differs from the majority of Lumix cameras in that it doesn't offer mechanical image stabilization. The Panasonic FS12 and FS62 both have stabilized lenses. The Lumix DMC-FS12 yields equivalent focal lengths of 31 - 124mm, and its lens is Lumix DC Vario branded. Thanks to a slightly smaller image sensor size, the Lumix DMC-FS42 and FS62 both offer a slightly tighter 33 - 132mm equivalent focal range. While the FS42 has Lumix DC Vario branding, the Panasonic FS62 has Leica DC Vario-Elmarit branding for its lens. The FS12 has the highest resolution of the group, with 12.1 megapixels from a 1/2.33" CCD sensor. The Panasonic Lumix FS42 and FS62 both share a 1/2.5" CCD with 10.1 megapixel resolution, and likely thanks to the reduced resolution they are both rather faster than the FS12 (2.3 frames per second for three frames at full res, versus 1.8fps) . The FS12 bests its siblings in another area beyond sensor resolution though - where the FS42 and FS62 both have 2.5" LCD displays, the FS12 has a 2.7" type. Finally, as well as lacking image stabilization, the FS42 drops a few features that are present in both the FS12 and FS62. Features removed from the FS42 include the orientation sensor, Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode, Digital Red-Eye Correction, auto exposure bracketing, three of the scene modes (transform, film grain, and photo frame), and in-camera image trimming. The FS42 also limits its ISO sensitivity to a maximum of ISO 1000 equivalent, where the FS12 and FS62 both have a maximum of ISO 1600 equivalent. All three cameras store images in 50MB of built-in memory or on SD / SDHC cards. They all draw power from proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery packs, and offer both USB 2.0 and standard-def video output connectivity. The Panasonic DMC-FS62 will ship in the UK from May 2009. Pricing for all three cameras, and availability for the DMC-FS12 and FS42 have not been announced at this time. Further details can be found in the product specifications and press release below. | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 | | General | | Camera Type | Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | DMC-FS12 | | Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.9"
97.0 x 54.4 x 21.7mm | | Weight | 117.0 g
4.1 oz | | Image Capture | | Sensor Type | 1/2.33" CCD
12.70 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective) | | Filter Type | RGBG | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | | Image Dimensions | 4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2672 (10.7 megapixels)
4000 x 2248 (9.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels)
3264 x 1840 (6.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2560 x 1712 (4.4 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| | Image Quality | 2 levels | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 2.7", 230,000 pixels | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | Leica DC Vario, 6 elements in 5 groups
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 5.5 - 22.2mm (actual)
31 - 124mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - f/8 | | Focusing System | 9-point or 1-point with face detection with AF assist lamp | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, High Sensitivity (1600 - 6400) | | Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/2000 second | | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, Manual | | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: ISO Auto: 0.3 - 6.3m (Wide), 0.5 - 3.0m (Tele) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Intelligent Auto Portrait, Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Film Grain, Photo Frame | | Digital Zoom | 4x | | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | | Movie Format | QuickTime MotionJPEG with audio | | Storage | | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | | Connectivity | | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | | Other | DC Input | | Power | | Battery Type | Lithium-ion rechargeable | | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | | Product Bundle | | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 | | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | | Flash Memory | 50.0MB Internal | | Other | | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | | Internal Microphone | Yes | | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Tripod Mount | Yes | | Remote Control | No | | |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 | | General | | Camera Type | Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | DMC-FS42 | | Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.9"
97.6 x 54.4 x 22.3mm | | Weight | 112.0 g
3.9 oz | | Image Capture | | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD
10.35 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective) | | Filter Type | RGBG | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | | Image Dimensions | 3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
3072 x 1728 (5.3 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2560 x 1712 (4.4 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| | Image Quality | 2 levels | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 2.5", 230,000 pixels | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmar, 6 elements in 5 groups
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | No | | Focal Length | 5.5 - 22.0mm (actual)
33 - 132mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - f/8 (wide) / f/16 (tele) | | Focusing System | 9-point or 1-point with face detection with AF assist lamp | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, High Sensitivity (1600 - 6400) | | Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/2000 second | | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, Manual | | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: ISO Auto: 0.3 - 6.3m (Wide), 0.5 - 3.0m (Tele/) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Intelligent Auto, Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Film Grain, Photo Frame | | Digital Zoom | 4x | | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | | Movie Format | QuickTime MotionJPEG with audio | | Storage | | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | | Connectivity | | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | | Other | DC Input | | Power | | Battery Type | Lithium-ion rechargeable | | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | | Product Bundle | | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 | | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | | Flash Memory | 50.0MB Internal | | Other | | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | | Internal Microphone | Yes | | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Tripod Mount | Yes | | Remote Control | No | | |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS62 |  | | General | | Camera Type | Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | DMC-FS62 | | Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.8"
97.0 x 54.4 x 21.2mm | | Weight | 115.0 g
4.0 oz | | Image Capture | | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD
10.35 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective) | | Filter Type | RGBG | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | | Image Dimensions | 3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
3072 x 1728 (5.3 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2560 x 1712 (4.4 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| | Image Quality | 2 levels | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 2.5", 230,000 pixels | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmar, 6 elements in 5 groups
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 5.5 - 22.0mm (actual)
33 - 132mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - f/8 (wide) / f/16 (tele) | | Focusing System | 9-point or 1-point with face detection with AF assist lamp | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, High Sensitivity (1600 - 6400) | | Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/2000 second | | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, Manual | | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: ISO Auto: 0.3 - 6.3m (Wide), 0.5 - 3.0m (Tele/) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Intelligent Auto, Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Film Grain, Photo Frame | | Digital Zoom | 4x | | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | | Movie Format | QuickTime MotionJPEG with audio | | Storage | | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | | Connectivity | | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | | Other | DC Input | | Power | | Battery Type | Lithium-ion rechargeable | | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | | Product Bundle | | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 | | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | | Flash Memory | 50.0MB Internal | | Other | | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | | PictBrid ge Compliant | Yes | | Internal Microphone | Yes | | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Tripod Mount | Yes | | Remote Control | No | | More Photos |  |  |  | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
| Panasonic Digital Camera LUMIX FS Series Expands Its Line-up for More Variety of Choice Panasonic is pleased to announce that the simple and stylish LUMIX FS series expands its line-up by adding new DMC-FS12, FS62 and FS42 responding to the market demand. DMC-FS12 - 12.1-megapixel high resolution imaging and extended battery life of 330 pictures. (CIPA)
- 4x optical zoom (Max 7.8x in 3-megapixel recording using Extra Optical Zoom) F2.8 LUMIX DC VARIO lens.
- iA (Intelligent Auto) mode including MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection with Digital Red-eye Correction.
- 2.7-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD.
- WVGA (848x480), VGA (640x480), QVGA (320x240) at 30 fps movie recording.
- Photo editing and organizing software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 featuring Face Recognition bundled.
DMC-FS62 - 10.1-megapixel high resolution imaging and extended battery life of 370 pictures. (CIPA)
- 4x optical zoom (Max 7.1x in 3-megapixel recording using Extra Optical Zoom) F2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens.
- iA (Intelligent Auto) mode including MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection with Digital Red-eye Correction.
- 2.5-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD.
- WVGA (848x480), VGA (640x480), QVGA (320x240) at 30 fps movie recording.
- Photo editing and organizing software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 featuring Face Recognition bundled.
DMC-FS42 - 10.1-megapixel high resolution imaging and extended battery life of 390 pictures. (CIPA)
- 4x optical zoom (Max 7.1x in 3-megapixel recording using Extra Optical Zoom) F2.8 LUMIX DC VARIO lens.
- Auto Scene mode including Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection.
- 2.5-inch 230,000-dot clear LCD.
- WVGA (848x480), VGA (640x480), QVGA (320x240) at 30 fps movie recording.
- Photo editing and organizing software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 featuring Face Recognition bundled.
DMC-FS12: S-Silver, K-Black, A-Blue, P-Pink, G-Green
DMC-FS62: S-Silver, K-Black, R-Red, A-Blue, P-Pink
DMC-FS42: S-Silver, K-Black, P-Pink
*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the LUMIX colors that are available in your market.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.
*YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
*This unit is compatible with both SD Memory Cards and SDHC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using a SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. *Based on the CIPA standard. Shooting conditions: 23°C with 50% humidity; LCD on**; using SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature).
**For the DMC-FS12 and DMC-FS62, the number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto Power LCD mode or Power LCD mode. |
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