Today Panasonic announced two brand spanking new FX series Lumix models, the DMC-FX580 and DMC-FX48. Panasonic also tacked on a flagship FS series model, the DMC-FS25. The most prevalent attribute amongst all three cameras is their 12-megapixel max resolution capabilities, something we're seeing a lot of at Panasonic's unveiling here in Miami. It appears that Panasonic's mission is one fueled by megapixels, as nearly all of the company's newly announced cameras blow beyond the former 10-megapixel watermark characterized by 2008 releases.
Wide-angle lens push
  We're also seeing a profound wide-angle lens push, as both the DMC-FX580 and DMC-FX48 feature 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses. The DMC-FS25 is no slouch either, featuring a 29mm wide-angle lens. Mega OIS, Face Detection and Auto Focus Tracking will be available on all three cameras, as well as Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode. Of course all three models flaunt smaller dimensions and more feathery weights, but that's where the commonalities expire. Let's attack the big cheese first.
The DMC-FX580 is all about touch-screen operation, and the camera rocks a 3-inch touch-screen LCD. However, this is more of a touch-screen interface with training wheels because the camera has a four-way directional pad for "hybrid control." We're also seeing the latest in Panasonic's Venus Engine image processing with the camera's Venus Engine V processing. We're eager to see just what aspects the new processing will tackle, albeit dynamic range, colors or exposure; hopefully all three. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150's performance was hindered by inconsistent exposure levels and featured Venus Engine IV processing, so we'll just have to see.
The camera has a bright f/2.8 aperture base level and a 5x optical zoom. ISO is capped at a ridiculous 6400 level, which is becoming more of a standard these days, and the camera shoots 720P HD video. The DMC-FX580 is available in black or silver and will ship in April for $400. The DMC-FX48 shares many features with the Lumix DMC-FX580, though it has a 2.5-inch LCD screen without touch-screen capability and will retail for $350 in April as a result. Both models are equipped with Panasonic's Film Grain and Pinhole Scene modes, which are two filters we had fun with on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.
New entry-level camera
 If the FX series is out of your wallet's reach, the DMC-FS25 still packs in a significant amount of features, like a 3-inch LCD screen and a wealth of Scene modes. The camera's aperture is a bit tighter than both aforementioned models, offering an f/3.3 base stop. Also, the camera features Panasonic's Venus Engine IV processing rather than the new Venus Engine V. The camera is only capable of standard-definition video recording, but has the ability to reach an ISO level of 6400, like its big brothers. The DMC-FS25 comes in black, silver, and gold and will ship this April for $250.
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