The Panasonic DMC-FS18 and DMC-FS16 are two new ultra-compact cameras. The 16.1-megapixel FS18 (also known as the FH5) and 14.1-megapixel FS16 (also known as the FH2) both feature a 4x, 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens, ISO 6400, and 720p HD movie recording. The Panasonic FH5 will cost $149.99 and the Panasonic FH2 will cost $139.99.

Panasonic Press Release

28mm Wide Angle High Quality LEICA DC Lens in a Slim Compact Body

LUMIX 16.1-Megapixel DMC-FS18 and 14.1-Megapixel DMC-FS16 Featuring Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

*35mm camera equivalent: 28-112mm

Panasonic is pleased to introduce new 16.1-megapixel DMC-FS18 and 14.1-megapixel DMC-FS16 with even slimmer, more compact stylish profile. Both models feature newly developed retractable-type high quality LEICA DC lens with 28mm wide-angle and 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 112mm on a 35mm camera), that achieves ultra compactness to fit in a super-thin body profile.

The newly incorporated Venus Engine VI in the DMC-FS18/FS16 elevates the performance of the camera in many aspects. The Intelligent Resolution technology realizes the optimum signal processing depending on the part of a picture to give a whole image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. Taking advantage of this feature, the 4x optical zoom power is increased to 5x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function yet the picture quality is maintained even digital zoom is combined. Also, the speed of auto focusing and start-up are outstandingly fast. Linking smoothly with the high resolution sensor, the Venus Engine VI assures beautiful, high quality image recording in spur-of-the-moment.

The iA(Intelligent Auto) mode is advanced with addition of AF Tracking and Intelligent Exposure to the conventional MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) for preventing hand-shake, Intelligent ISO Control for stopping subject’s movement, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector. Once you enter the iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically, so that you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

The high quality 720p HD movie can be recorded. Together with the photos, users can enjoy their communication with the newly added LUMIX Image Uploader, which realizes instant image sharing via Facebook(photo) or YouTube(movie) with any PC on the spot.

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

•YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
•Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.

1. The New 28mm Wide-Angle High Quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens with 4x Optical Zoom
The 16.1-megapixel DMC-FS18 and 14.1-megapixel DMC-FS16 package a newly developed retractable-type 28mm wide-angle high quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 4x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-112mm) into a super slim body. The lens unit comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces is minimized 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. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-FS18/FS16 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even using a digital zoom. This means the 4x optical can virtually extend to 5x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 9.0x (FS18 / 8.4x (FS16)  in 3-megapixel recording by using the center part of the high resolution CCD to bring subjects even closer.

*Based on a CIPA standard.

2. New 16.1-Megapixel (FS18) / 14.1-Megapixel (FS16) High Resolution CCD and High Performance Venus Engine VI
The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine VI is newly incorporated in the FS18/FS16 to enable the beautiful image recording with higher quality signal processing including the Intelligent Resolution technology.

With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction process of the Venus Engine VI is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology, Intelligent Resolution, precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in photo recording .

The multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine VI supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.007 (FS18) / 0.006 (FS16) second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) that lets you lock on the subject.

The Venus Engine VI also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the FS18/FS16 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.*

*In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.

3. The iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Every Photographer to Be a Good Photographer
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. Two functions are added for the new FS18/FS16 – AF Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. With AF Tracking, the FS18/FS16 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves - making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. The Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. The automatic backlight compensation function activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight.

The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene Modes—Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset—that best suits the shooting situation. The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) suppresses hand-shake and the Intelligent ISO control prevents moving subject to be blurred by optimizing the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity setting, to render sharp, clear images whatever the shooting situation is. Human faces are captured in focus and appropriate exposure with the Face Detection and it also corrects unwanted red-eye digitally. 

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by just activating an iA mode. All these make the FS18/FS16 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

4. Enjoy Instant Image Sharing with Family and Friends - LUMIX Image Uploader
The DMC- FS18/FS16 features a new way of communication by sharing photo or movies taken by users. 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 guidance. You can add comment and let your friends know the update of your album via e-mail consequently. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for movies. Users can join these social networking service without installation of special software. It is easy to share photo and movies on the spot, which means that your friends do not have to wait for you to come back home.

•Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
•YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

5. Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography in the High-Definition Era
The new FS18/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. The recorded movies can be directly uploaded to YouTube. Or you can enjoy high quality image playback that perfectly fit a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing together with HD (High Definition) photos taken in 16:9 aspects.

Both FS18 and FS16 feature Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times.

A total of 28 scene modes such as popular Baby or Pet, set most appropriate parameter in wide-ranging situations. The built-in memory is increased to 70MB.

*YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

•Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 6” or higher when recording motion pictures.
*SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
•For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes.
•SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats.
•If the computer being used does not support SDXC Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If the card is not recognized, please refer to the below support site.
http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html

About the bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO Ver.6.0
The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 makes it possible to sort and organize thousands of photos and movies practically with quick start-up and fast read-in allowing quick access to the image you want.

For the portraits, the Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture automatically sorts the photos by the registered faces. A Panorama Stitch lets you make a panoramic composite in MOV file by synthesizing photos taken in Panorama Assist mode of the camera. It is also possible to make a slideshow with the selected photos adding music file on.

In addition to the LUMIX Image Uploader (a direct uploading function of the camera), you can upload photos to Facebook and movies to YouTube via this software, too.

•Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.

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