Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS6

The DMC-FS6 features a 33-132mm f/2.8 bright LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. This bright, low-distortion lens results in a compact, easy-to-carry camera that delivers beautiful pictures. Equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens (35mm film camera equivalent: 33-132mm) that captures beautiful shots of people or landscapes with 8.1-megapixel full resolution.

Every Photographer Can Be a Good Photographer Thanks to Intelligent Auto

Panasonic incorporated Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. Comprising of four major functions (MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector) that work together to provide the best possible shooting results everytime. The two most advanced countermeasures against blurring – MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabiliser) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and suppress motion blur – are built into the FS6. The MEGA O/I/S conventionally has mode 1 and mode 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. Both image stabilising technologies have been further advanced in detection accuracy and correction effect thanks to the new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV.

In addition to these two paramount anti-blurring technologies, the Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize human faces and to focus and set the exposure automatically. Up to 15 faces can be recognized simultaneously. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. Not only that, the unwanted red-eye effect caused by the use of flash can be digitally corrected.

The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene you're going to take from among the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before pressing the shutter.

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient functions by simply pressing an independent iA button on the top of the camera, which is newly equipped for direct activation of the mode.

Zoom in

The 8.1-megapixel DMC-FS6 packages a bright F2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 4x optical zoom into a slim, compact body. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 4 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 6.4x (211mm * , FS6) in 3megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. By using the central part of the CCD, this powerful zooming function allows you to easily capture and magnify distant subjects.

The Power of the Venus Engine IV

The image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features advanced signal processing technology for rendering high quality images. Featured in the DMC-FS6, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.006 second and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the DMC-FS6 can snap 3 shots per second at full resolution * * . In High-Speed Burst shooting mode, * * * it fires off an incredible 5.5 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting * * * * , which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-FS6 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. * * *

As Easy as LCD

The DMC-FS7 incorporates an easy-to-see, large, 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD for comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by a maximum of 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd.

View your Photos with Pleasure

To increase your enjoyment when playing back your images, the FS6 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments to the newly added speaker.

Additionally, all Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel high-definition quality photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Panasonic has long focused on making photography more enjoyable, such as by letting people view their images easily on a Panasonic Viera TV with Viera Image Viewer (internal SD card slot).

Not forgetting motion pictures * * * * * , the FS6 can record WVGA * * * * * * (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA 640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen (16:9) TY perfectly to offer impressive viewing.

The Fun of Photography

Technically specified, yet remaining easy to use – the new models feature of variety of features to expand the fun and convenience for users. For example, the user can select from among several icons for the camera to use for indicating when the subject is in focus. In addition to the conventional dot, a flower, car and several other new shapes are available. The FS6 also adds a new “Photo Frame” mode that lets the user put attractive borders around the photo. When printed, the photos look like postcards in picture frames, making them ideal as presents. With the My Scene setting, the user can assign up to two specific scene modes, which you use most often, and switch instantly to those modes when desired.

Included software

The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 comes bundled with the DMC-FS6. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 allows the user to edit or organize a collection of photos with more ease and fun. It features Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture stored in your PC to sort the photos by faces. Conventionally, you had to pick up one by one out of hundreds of photos when you only want the picture of a specific person. But with the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0, the software automatically does it once the face is registered regardless of the camera type you used – perfect for digging out all photos of Aunt Mary for her birthday surprise for example! On the sophisticated interface, you can also enjoy emotional slideshow with a variety of effects. Motion pictures (MOV or MPEG2) can also be upload directly to YouTube. * * * * * * *

* 35mm film equivalent.
** Max.7(FS6) images in standard mode, 4(FS6) images in fine mode.
* * * In 3-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording
* * * * The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
* * * * * Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes in some countries
* * * * * * When you set the picture quality to WVGA or VGA, we recommend using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package. SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
* * * * * * * YouTube is the registered trademark of Google Inc. All other company and product
names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

More external Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS6 reviews!

Optics

Camera Effective Pixels 8.1 Megapixels

Sensor Size / Total Pixels / Filter 1/2.5-inch / 8.32 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter

Aperture F2.8 - 5.9 / 2-Step (F2.8 - 8 (W) / F5.9 - 14 (T))

Optical Zoom 4x

Focal Length f=5.5-22.0mm (33-132mm in 35mm equiv.)

Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) 5.1x (4:3 / 5M), 6.4x (under 3M)

Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT / 6 elements in 5 groups / (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)

Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)

Digital Zoom 4x / ( Max. 16.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom ) / (Max.25.6x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)

Focusing Area Normal: Wide 50cm - infinity / Macro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 5cm / Tele 50cm - infinity

Focus Range Display Yes

AF Assist Lamp Yes

Focus Normal / Macro, Quick AF (Always On)

AF Metering Face / Multi (9pt) / 1pt

Shutter Speed 8-1/2000 sec / Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec.

Recording

Optical Image Stabilizer Yes

Intelligent ISO Control Yes

Face Detection Yes

Intelligent Scene Selector Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro

Digital Red Eye Correction Yes

iA Direct Button Yes

File Format Still Image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) / Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG

Mode Switch [Recording] / [Playback]

Mode Button Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, MySCN, SCN, Motion Picture

Continuous Shooting Mode Full-Resolution Image, 3.0 frames/sec Max. 7 images (Standard mode), Max 4 images (Fine Mode) / High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 5.5 frames/sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)

Unlimited consecutive shooting 2.0 frames/sec

Motion Picture Recording [4:3] VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, 30fps (Motion JPEG) QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) / [16:9] WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG)

Exposure Program AE

Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV

Backlight Compensation Yes (only in Intelligent AUTO mode)

Auto (AE) Bracketing '+/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames

Light Metering Intelligent Multiple

ISO Sensitivity Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400)

Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9

Still Picture Recording [4:3] 3264 x 2448 (8M) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) / 2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 (0.3M EZ) / [3:2] 3264 x 2176 (7M) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) / 2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ) / [16:9] 3264 x 1840 (6M) / 2560 x 1440 (3.5M EZ) / 1920 x 1080 (2M EZ)

Image Quality Fine / Standard

White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set / (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Highspeed Burst, Photo Frame mode）

Quick Menu Yes

Colour Mode Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm

Composition Guide line Yes (1 pattern)

Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Zoom, Hold

Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume No / No

Zoom Macro Yes

Orientation Detector Yes

Scene Mode Help Screen Yes

Self Timer 2sec / 10sec

Focus Icon Select Yes

Playback

Playback Mode Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favourites Playback

Thumbnails / Zoomed Playback 12,30-thumbnails / Max 16x

Calender Display / Dual-Image Playback Yes / No

Set Favorites / Rotate Image Yes / No

Playback Motion Picture Yes (Motion JPEG)

Slideshow Mode All Still Images / Favourites / Category / BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF)

Delete Image Single / Multi / All / All except Favourites

DPOF Print Setting / Set Protection Yes / Yes

Resize / Trim / Aspect Conv. / Leveling Yes / Yes / No / No

PictBridge Support Single / Multi / All / Favourites / DPOF

Setup

OSD language Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Travel Date / World Time Yes / Yes

Others

LCD Monitor 2.5" TFT Screen LCD Display (230K dots) / Field of View : approx. 100% / AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High-Angle LCD

Built-in-Flash Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off 0.3 - 6.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.5 - 3.0m (Tele/ISO Auto)

Recording Media Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only)

Built-in-Memory approx. 50MB

Microphone / Speaker Mono / Yes

Interface AV Output (NTSC/PAL, NTSC only in N.America) / USB2.0 Full speed, DC Input (requires optional DC Coupler)

General

Power ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (Included) / AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional)

Battery life (approx.) 400 pictures (CIPA Standard)

Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 / ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker) / USB Driver, QuickTime

Standard Accessories Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery carrying case / AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable / Hand Strap, CD-ROM

Dimensions(W x H x D) 97.0 x 54.4 x 21.2 mm (3.82 x 2.14 x 0.84 in)

Weight Approx. 115g (0.25 lb) Approx. 137g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.3 lb)