Panasonic takes a sledgehammer to a rainbow and out pops three new Lumix models. Read about the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15, DMC-FS7 and DMC-LS85 here.
Panasonic tacked two more models onto its mid-level Lumix roster today. Say hello to the sleek Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and the vivacious Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7. We strained to find any groundbreaking enhancements or features on either of these cameras. In our minds, the only mega-achievement Panasonic succeeded in was bringing a toxic waste-inspired neon green color to the world of compacts. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 also comes in a radioactive pink, subdued royal blue and traditional black and silver. As with camcorders, it appears that digital camera manufacturers are hedging their bets on bolder colors to draw in a wider consumer pool. For the megapixel-hungry, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 packs in 12 and features a 29mm wide-angle lens. Wide-angle is a pretty liberal term for a 29mm lens, but we'll let Panasonic slide, given the Lumix DMC-FS15's generous 5x optical zoom.
  Imaging is gearing up to be fairly entry-level, as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 has a standard 1/2.3" chip while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 sports an even smaller 1/2.5" 10-megapixel imager. Hopefully the new Venus Engine IV processing will assuage our sensor woes, but the true test will be undertaken when we get our hands on a Lumix DMC-FS15 or DMC-FS7. Panasonic prominently features an Intelligent Auto button along the top of both models, another surefire sign that these cameras are destined for soccer mom hands. AF tracking has been migrated into Intelligent Auto mode too, allowing shooters to track moving subjects with minimal blur. Both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Lumix DMC-FS7 will feature Mega OIS, Face Detection, Intelligent ISO and Intelligent Scene Selector.
Panasonic also included a new "My Scene" setting, which enables shooters to save a particular setting and access it instantly. Both cameras offer widescreen standard-definition video (848 x 480) and feature a new Photo Frame mode, which places a border around an image for a postcard look. We can't wait to see what nifty borders Panasonic has in store for us! The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 will run for $200 while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 will retail for $160. Both cameras are set to ship in late March.
 Panasonic also announced the bare bones AA battery-wielding Lumix DMC-LS85, which is a total budget cam if we've ever seen one. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 looks like a top-of-the-line compact from the mid nineties with its 2.5" LCD, boxy architecture and minimal amount of external controls. This is an 8-megapixel camera with an entry-level sensor, but it manages to cram in a 4x optical zoom and flaunts an F2.8 Lumix DC Vario lens. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 shares a few commonalities with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7, including Intelligent Auto mode, widescreen standard-definition video recording and Mega OIS. If you're looking for a compact on the cheap, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 will treat your wallet nicely this April with a debut price of $120.
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