Panasonic is no stranger to the world of digital cameras, and their Lumix line of point-and-shoot devices have made a pretty strong name for itself, at least where casual photographers are concerned. The trend continues with the Japanese consumer electronics giant expanding their Lumix line of digital cameras with two more models, and this time the DMC-FS7 and DMC-FS15 will fall under the Lumix FS Series. The FS models are actually a sister line of the highly acclaimed Lumix FX Series, and merge a potent combination of slim and sleek looks with advanced features and controls that will cater to both both beginner and advanced users, allowing either one to snap pixel perfect images.

Let’s take a look at the 12.1 megapixel DMC-FS15 first – this model will come with a 29mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 5x optical zoom, and Panasonic has not forgotten to throw in goodies like the newly enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) which boasts AF tracking and Intelligent Exposure functions in addition to Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. For the less technical among us, AF Tracking allows the photographer to “lock” the focus onto a moving subject, making it a snap (pun not intended) to capture a moving target without any motion blur – and this can be done without having to hold the shutter button halfway down. Minor benefit, but it does make the entire experience all the more user friendly, that’s for sure. As for the Intelligent Exposure, blocked shadows and blown highlights are suppressed to capture more natural-looking images.

As for the 10.1 megapixel DMC-FS7, you get a bright F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 4x optical zoom and iA mode, couple with a quartet of functions including Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. Similar in nature to the DMC-FS15, the DMC-FS7 is also equipped with an independent iA button on top of the camera, enabling the user to select that mode directly without having to fumble about a menu.

Panasonic has slapped a $199.95 price tag on the DMC-FS15, and you can choose from silver, black and blue colors. As for theh DMC-FS7, that model will come in silver, black, blue, pink and green colors with a $159.95 price point. You can pick either one up at a retail store near you later this March.

Press Release