Panasonic's midrange FS compacts

New to the company's midrange FS-series compacts is the 10.1MP DMC-FS20.

(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic offers a wide range of compact cameras and it's FS-series sits square in the middle of its range, offering small size and interesting features. This year, Panasonic is announcing three new FS models at the PMA trade show-- the Lumix DMC-FS20, Lumix DMC-FS5, and Lumix DMC-FS3.

At the top of the three models are the FS20 and FS5, which both offer 10.1-megapixel CCD sensors, 4X optical 30-120mm f/3.3-5.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom lenses, and sensitivity of up to ISO 1,600 at full resolution. The main difference between the two models is their LCD screens. The FS20 includes a 3-inch LCD, while the FS5 includes a 2.5-inch LCD. Both cameras offer Panasonic's suite of automatic options, including Mega OIS optical image stabilization, face detection, Intelligent ISO to keep shutter speeds high when light levels are low, and Intelligent Scene Selector, which analyzes the scene and chooses the preset scene mode the camera thinks applies. Both cameras are expected to be available in February. The DMC-FS20 is expected to sell, in a choice of pink, black, and silver colors, for about $300, while the DMC-FS5 is expected to carry a price tag of about $250 and will be offered in a choice of red, black, and silver colors.

The Lumix DMC-FS3 steps down to an 8.1-megapixel CCD, 3X optical 33-100mm f/2.8-5.1 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens, and 2.5-inch LCD. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 1,600 at full resolution and the FS3 also includes the same array of automatic features as the FS 20 and FS5. Panasonic will offer the FS3 in a choice of blue, pink, green, silver, and black models when it hits stores this February for about $200.