LUMIX DMC-FS3

The 33mm wide-angle lens with 3x optical zoom takes wider shots than an ordinary 35mm lens. This is helpful in small rooms or crowded places, for example, letting you fit more people into a group photo. There's also an Easy Zoom button on the camera top – just press it, and the optical zoom and Extra Optical Zoom instantly extend to full telescopic position. This quick zooming lets you catch even fleeting opportunities.

The new DMC-FS3 features the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which comprises 5 shooting-assist functions; Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. The Face Detection system detects a human face to set the focus and appropriate exposure for it automatically. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting 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-FS3 features a newly developed CCD. Slightly larger than previous types, this 1/2.33-inch CCD fully supports the camera's 8.1-megapixel resolution.

The LCD's brightness adjusts automatically in 11 steps as ambient light conditions change, so images are clear, bright and easy to see day or night, indoors or outdoors.

Panasonic's new image-processing engine, Venus Engine IV, uses advanced signal processing to give you even higher-quality images. The new engine also offers a number of other improvements, including more accurate detection and better correction for its MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control functions. Venus Engine IV responds quickly and saves power even with full 8.1-megapixel resolution. The new engine strongly supports today's new camera and imaging technologies, and works with the large, 1/2.5-inch high-resolution CCD to open up possibilities for even better photos.

The DMC-FS3 also features slideshows with music. Choose from four types of music: Natural, Slow, Swing and Urban. Using a transition effect, the slideshow function changes pictures to the music.