Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 User manual

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Panasonic Corporation
Digital Still Camera
DMC-FS15
12.1-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FS15
with 29mm Wide-Angle 5x Optical Zoom Leica DC Lens*
Combines Simple Operation and Slim, Stylish Profile
Featuring Advanced Intelligent Auto Mode
*35mm film camera equivalent: 29-145mm
Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new 12.1-megapixel DMC-FS15 camera of 29mm wide angle
Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 29mm to 145 mm on a 35mm film camera) as a member of
Lumix new FS series. The new FS series, a sister line of the world-acclaimed FX series, pursues easy and
simple operation with its high-grade profile for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures.
Panasonic's iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos by
detecting the scene and optimizing the settings, has been further enhanced for new FS15 to comprehend AF
tracking and Intelligent Exposure functions. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the
subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp,
well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking,
true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights. Also, the FS15 continually monitors
the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light
source is behind the subject. 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 the flash can be digitally corrected. The newly added independent iA button on top of the
camera lets the iA mode enters directly. Once you enter iA mode, this multi-capable function activates
automatically so you can shoot without bothering to adjust the 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 DMC-FS15 pursues further compactness with a 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000-dot high resolution and
Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11
fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Other various upgrades make
FS15 enhance the fun of taking pictures. The startup time is dramatically shortened to 1.2 sec, letting you to
capture the spur-of-the-moment.

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Panasonic Corporation
Dressed in the metal-finished panel, the slim and sleek DMC-FS15 offers an enjoyment of taking great
snapshots casually with committed ease of operation even for beginners. The DMC-FS15 in silver, black and
blue* *Availability of models and colors may vary depending on the sales area.
1. Evolution of iA(Intelligent Auto) mode never stop any 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. This mode is further advanced with the inclusion of the AF tracking, Intelligent Exposure
feature for DMC-FS15. Furthermore, digital red-eye correction is also integrated in the Face Detection. In iA
mode the camera does all the work, activating AF tracking*, Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent
ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to
simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful
and properly exposed.
With the new AF Tracking function, the user can "lock" the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then
automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter
button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when
shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.
Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look
natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever
the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject.
Face detection accuracy has been increased in the FS15 to now provide continuous adjustment of the
focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face
Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active
children. Plus, with the FS15, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to
the use of flash.
Intelligent Scene Selector, automatically selects any 5 scene modes -- Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night
Portrait, and Night Scenery - that best suits the shooting situation. The Quick AF system allows the camera to
“lock” the focus on a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves,
keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter button halfway down. In addition to the advanced
functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still
camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, an Intelligent ISO Control,
which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The
MEGA O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable mode
according to the zoom ratio being used.
The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply pressing a
newly- added independent iA button on top of the camera that lets the user enter directly into the mode without
going into the menu. All these make the FS15 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing
clear, beautiful, perfect pictures with ease.

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Panasonic Corporation
2. 29mm Wide Angle 5x Optical Zoom (29-145mm*) Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens, 12.1-megapixel High
Resolution CCD and High Performance Venus Engine IV
The 12.1-megapixel DMC- FS15 packages a 29mm wide-angle* Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 5x
optical zoom into a slim, compact body. Comprising 7 elements in 6 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. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution
mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to
9.8x(294mm*) by using the centre part of the CCD.
The image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features advanced signal processing technology for
rendering high quality images.
Featured in the DMC- FS15, 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. And in High-Speed
Burst shooting mode,*** it fires off an incredible 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-FS15 record at a setting of up to
ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.***
*35mm film camera equivalent.
**Max. 5 images in standard mode/ 3 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.
3. Advanced 2.7-inch Large Intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot High Resolution for Easy Shooting and
Playback
The DMC-FS15 incorporates an easy-to-see, large, 2.7-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 max. 40% when shooting
outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations. This is 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.
4. Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography
The Lumix camera further offers wide variety of options to expand fun of photography.
The DMC-FS15 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.

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Panasonic Corporation
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).
For the motion picture, the DMC-FS15 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) TV
perfectly, to offer extremely impressive viewing.
*When you set the picture quality to HD, 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.
*Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes in some countries.
*Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the
screen.
5. Other Features
The new DMC-FS15 features a variety of functionalities to expand fun and convenience for users at
every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures.
The user can select several other icons such as a flower, car and several other new shapes besides the
conventional dot for the camera to use for indicating when the subject is in focus. Newly added Photo Frame
mode 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, which is also new on DMC-FS15, the user can assign specific Scene modes
to the setting, and switch instantly to the mode when desired. The minimum shooting distance has been
shortened to 3 cm in the DMC-FS15. Using the digital Zoom Macro function, the user can pull subjects even
closer than the closest point possible with the wide-angle setting, and capture dramatic close-ups.
About Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0
The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 comes bundled with DMC-FS15. 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. 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.
*Dynamic tracking function may fail to lock, lose the subject in AF Tracking, or track different subject depending on the recording conditions.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been
certified by Leica Camera AG based on the companyʼs quality standards.
*YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

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Panasonic Corporation
*This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory cards. You can only use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are
compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory cards. (When using a SDHC
Memory card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
*Some accessories are not available in some countries.
*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would
infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Panasonic Corporation
DMC-FS15 Specifications
S-Silver, K-Black, A-Blue : Actual Selling Price at RM 899.00
Dimensions (W
x H x D)

97.0 x 54.4 x 21.7 mm (3.82 x 2.14 x 0.85 in)
Weight

Approx. 116g (0.26 lb)
Metrics


Approx. 138g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.3 lb)
Optics
Pixels
Camera
Effective Pixels

12.1 Megapixels
CCD
Sensor Size /
Total Pixels /
Filter

1/2.33-inch / 12.7 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter
Lens
Aperture

F3.3 - 5.9 / Iris Diaphragm (F3.3 - 8 (W) / F5.9 - 8 (T))
Optical Zoom

5x
Focal Length

f=5.2-26.0mm (29-145mm in 35mm equiv.)
Extra Optical
Zoom (EZ)

6.1x (4:3 / 8M), 7.8x (4:3 / 5M), 9.8x (under 3M)
Lens

LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR


7 elements in 6 groups


(3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)
2-Speed Zoom

-
Optical Image
Stabilizer

MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)
Conversion
lens
Compatibility

-
Digital Zoom

4x


( Max. 20.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom )


(Max.39.1x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)
Focus
Focusing Area

Normal: Wide 50cm/ Tele 100cm - infinity


Macro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 5cm / Tele 100cm - infinity

Focus Range
Display

Yes
AF Assist Lamp

Yes
Focus

Normal / Macro, AF Tracking (On / Off), Quick AF (Always On)

AF Metering

Face / AF Tracking / Multi (11pt) / 1pt
Shutter
Shutter Speed

8-1/2000 sec
Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec.

Finder
Viewfinder

-
Recording
iA
Optical Image
Stabilizer

Yes
Intelligent ISO
Control

Yes
Face Detection

Yes
Intelligent
Scene Selector

Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro
Intelligent
Exposure

Yes
AF Tracking

Yes
Digital Red Eye
Correction

Yes
iA Direct Button

Yes

File Format

Still Image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21)
File


Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG



Interface
Mode Switch

[Recording] / [Playback]
Recording
Modes
Mode Button

Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, MySCN, SCN, Motion Picture

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Panasonic Corporation

Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night
Portrait,

Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset,
High sensitivity,

Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow,
Scene Mode

Aerial photo, Pinhole, Film Grain, Photo Frame
Continuous
Shooting Mode

Full-Resolution Image, 1.8 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard mode),
Max 3 images (Fine Mode)


High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 5 frames/sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3,
2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)
Unlimited
consecutive
shooting

1.7 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
Parameters
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
Multi-Aspect

-
Light Metering

Intelligent Multiple
ISO Sensitivity

Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600
High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400)
Max Auto ISO
Setting

-
Image
Parameters
Aspect Ratio

4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9
Still Picture
Recording
4:3
4000 x 3000(12M)/ 3264 x 2448 (8M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) /
2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 (0.3M EZ)

3:2
4000 x 2672(10.5M) / 3264 x 2176 (7M EZ) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) /
2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ)

16:9
4000 x 2248(9M) / 3264 x 1840 (6M EZ) / 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, Pinhole, Photo
Frame mode）
Quick Menu

Yes
Color Mode

Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm
Still Image with
Audio
Recording

-
Others
Audio Dubbing

-
Flip Animation

-
Real-time
histogram

-
Composition
Guide line

Yes (1 pattern)
Auto Review

1sec, 2sec, Hold, Zoom
Review

-
Easy Zoom /
Zoom Resume

No / No

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Panasonic Corporation
Optical Zoom in
Motion Picture

-
Macro Zoom

Yes
Orientation
Detector

Yes
Scene Mode
Help Screen

Yes
Self Timer

2sec / 10sec
Focus Icon
Select

Yes


Playback Mode

Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites Playback
Playback
Display
Easy
Organization

-

Touch Zoom

-

Thumbnails /
Zoomed
Playback

12,30-thumbnails / Max 16x

Calender
Display /
Dual-Image
Playback

Yes / No

Set Favorites /
Rotate Image

Yes / No

Playback Still
Images with
Audio

-

Playback
Motion Picture

Yes (Motion JPEG)

Slideshow
Mode

All Still Images / Favorites / Category
BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF)

Show
Histogram

-

Show
Highlights

-
Delete Image

Single / Multi / All / All except Favorites
Delete
DPOF Print
Setting / Set
Protection

Yes / Yes
Edit
Resize / Trim /
Aspect Conv. /
Leveling

Yes / Yes / No / No
Copy / Title Edit
/ Text Stamp

Yes / Yes / Yes

Cut Animation

-
PictBridge
Support

Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF


OSD language

English,German,French,Italian,Spanish,Polish,Czech,Hungarian,Russian,
Chinese(Traditional),Chinese(Simplified), Netherlandic,Thai,Korean,
Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, Danish,
Finnish
*Varies depending on the sales area.
Setup

Travel Date /
World Time

Yes / Yes
Others
Monitor
LCD Monitor

2.7" TFT Screen LCD Display (230K dots)


Field of View : approx. 100%


AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High-Angle LCD
Flash
Built-in-Flash

Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off


0.3 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.0m (Tele/ISO Auto)
External Flash

-
Media
Recording
Media

Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard
(Still image only)

Built-in-Memory

approx. 50MB
Audio
Microphone /
Speaker

Mono / Yes

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Panasonic Corporation
Interface
Interface

AV Output (NTSC/PAL, NTSC only for N. America) / USB2.0 High speed,
DC Input (requires optional DC Coupler)
Power
Power

ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (Included)


AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional)
Battery life
(approx.)

330 pictures (CIPA Standard)*
Standard
Package
Included
Software

PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0


ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker)


USB Driver, QuickTime
Standard
Accessories

Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery Case


AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable




Hand Strap, CD-ROM
*Varies depending on the sales area.
*Based on the CIPA standard. Shooting conditions: 23°C with 50% humidity; LCD on; using SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after
turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from
telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery
temperature).
*The number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto Power LCD mode or Power LCD mode.
About Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand of electrical and
electronic products ranging from audio visuals, home appliances, air conditioners, digital and video cameras,
professional broadcasting equipment, business systems, telecommunications, health and beauty care to batteries
and lightings. All Panasonic products are available through our authorized dealers nationwide. For more
information on Panasonic brand and products, visit our website at www.panasonic.com.my or call our Customer
Care Center at 03-03-5543 7600.
For press members, download press release and photos at www.pmpressroom.com
Media Contact: Azizah Wahid
Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications & Branding
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Mobile: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Product Contact: Patricia Yaw Bee Lei
Product Executive (Lumix)
Digital Imaging Panasonic Malaysia
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Mobile : [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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