Panasonic DMC-FS15

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 is a new release that falls within Panasonic’s new digital Lumix range. It packs a 12.1 Megapixel sensor inside its well-proportioned body and looks extremely desirable in its brushed silver metal finish. If silver isn’t the choice for you, this model is also available in Black or Blue.

The DMC-FS15 comes with a 5X optical zoom lens that gives you a focal length range of 29-145mm and also includes Mega O.I.S, an optical image stabiliser that’s designed to combat handshake and keep your shots sharp. If you’re looking for a compact with a wide range of shooting modes to cover every occasion, the DMC-FS15 comes with 26 to choose from and an ISO range that stretches from 80-1600, so if you’re shooting in dark conditions you’ll still get a result.

On the back of this compact there’s a clear 230-dot, 2.7 LCD screen to help you compose and view your images and nine functional buttons placed to the right. The buttons on the rear are relatively small but responsive to use. Four further buttons can be found on the camera’s top-plate, including the on/off, zoom, shutter and intelligent photo buttons.

The menu system of the DMC-FS15 may look simple but it’s undeniably quick, clear, and easy to use. The quick menu button that’s found beneath the navigational buttons on the back is a handy feature and gives speedy access to the shooting menu at your fingertips; we were able to change many settings, like white balance, within 4 seconds – very impressive.

With the battery and an SD memory card neatly fitted inside, it’s surprising how lightweight the DMC-FS15 feels, weighing just 138kg but still feeling comfortable and well-balanced in the hand. And it won’t weigh you down as you slip it into a trouser pocket.

The ISO range of the DMC-FS15 is 80-1600 but if you’re looking for maximum image quality, don’t push it beyond ISO 400. Testing the camera at ISO 800 and 1600 showed significant digital Noise in our test images so these higher ISOs should only be used occasionally, when the lighting conditions are extremely dark.

If you’re looking for a slim-line compact that shouts style and class, the DMC-FS15 does just that and even better, it’s a solid and capable performer. The £199 price tag doesn’t make it cheap, but if you’re willing to throw in a few extra pounds towards a stylish compact, then it’s an excellent choice.

Photoanswers Rating: 4*