Well, the TZ series is dead, but Panasonic is succeeding its popular entry-level line with the 10-megapixel ZS series. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 will pioneer a new line of basic compacts with advanced features that will welcome beginners near and far. At an event in Miami today, Panasonic also introduced new FX and FS Series cameras.
The most notable upgrades consist of a generous 12x optical zoom lens with 25mm wide-angle capability and the addition of Face Recognition to the Intelligent Auto mode, which "remembers" faces from previous shots. Intelligent Auto is not confined to still images for 2009, as it will also be available in Movie mode, applying the correct Scene mode, compensating for handshake and dealing with focus and brightness issues.
AVCHD Lite to the masses
  The new ZS series will feature standard OIS and a new Lumix Venus Engine HD to support the Lumix DMC-ZS3's AVCHD Lite capability. Furthermore, both cameras feature an HDMI output for playback on an HDTV. If the new additions to Panasonic's entry-level cameras don't do it for you yet, how about 26 different Scene modes in Still and Motion Image recording (including Film Grain and Pinhole) and a new Panorama Assist function that helps stitch together legit panorama shots?
AVCHD Lite is still a mystery to us. All we know at the moment is that it offers twice the video recording time of Motion-JPEG, so we're hoping to be further elucidated regarding this new video format at Panasonic's official unveiling in Miami later today. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 has an ample 3-inch LCD screen while the Lumix DMC-ZS1 has a 2.7-inch LCD.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 comes in silver, black, blue or red and will retail for $400. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 will come in black or silver and retail for $300. Both cameras are set to ship this April.
New rugged camera
 Panasonic is also attacking Olympus' Tough Series with the introduction of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, the company's new waterproof, shockproof and dustproof warrior. The "World's First" claim has to do with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1's AVCHD Lite capability, making the camera the World's First waterproof, shockproof and dustproof camera with AVCHD Lite capability. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 will feature a rugged design, geared toward the shooter who is prepared to give their camera a good walloping out in the field.
Waterproof up to 10 feet and shockproof up to 5 feet, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 models one of Olympus' early Stylus SW models, for instance the Stylus 770 SW. While the new Olympus Tough 8000 can withstand a 33-foot plummet and 7 foot drop, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 should ante up within a few generations. We'd still like to give this 12-megapixel titan a fair chance, so expect a full review in a month or two. Perks include a 28mm wide-angle lens, Intelligent Auto Mode with Face Recognition and the new Venus Engine HD. Shooters can also take advantage of the Panasonic Lumix DMC- TS1's HDMI playback via an HDTV.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange for $400 this April.
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