Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 Digital Camera

[Edmund]

The first waterproof model from Panasonic, the FT1 is a digital camera enhanced resistance to impact and immersion up to three meters deep. Very sturdy and good video capabilities, this device indicates the arrival strengthened Panasonic brilliant in this segment.

While prices of consumer electronics devices fall, manufacturers are looking for niche markets, less volume but more in terms of profit margin. Until then preserve Olympus and Pentax, the market for compact reinforced saw new players ready to submit their babies to the worst torture. Or tap on compact cameras (or something), we love. So when Panasonic has announced the launch segment, we put our boxing gloves, prepared a bath of acid and sharpened our axes: the FT1 should do suffer.

The DMC-FT1 is like a robot sandwich: a layer of brushed steel, a lining of electronic and optical equipment and even a slice of steel. With small rivets in the corners to give perfume. A camera that the military could probably appreciate for its robustness and its square design. But as it targets the young, the Panasonic offers in original colors. Understand that with our device on fluorescent orange is not really gone unnoticed.

[Edmund]

Wide-angle and x4.6 zoom: beautiful work of integration

Waterproof to three meters, cashing falling a meter and a half, the camera does not really interest to let her drag the optical is why it is integrated. The wide angle is assessed in two ways: from the viewpoint of the photographer who loves the wide focal lengths, but also that of the technical prowess.
Same for the zoom, if far from the x12's TZ7 nevertheless appreciable. Especially as the stabilization is anything but whimsical: indoor dark enough you can succeed net zooms. Good work.

Takes it in the teeth

We dropped camera hoping to see them break, but it didn't. So when we are told that a device resistant to a fall of 1.5 m, did not make the drop of the appropriate height to see die. And then, a cruel drop disappointed even with three falls on a line without hurting it. After giving two punched with the foam, we determined its strength. It is small but strong. So without any apprehension that he was thrown to the bottom of a bag to go into the test situation.

A submarine, but without ballast

Could not test it in the pool, we have undergone a shift in public fountains, shower and sink. Each time he emerged as a flower. So this proves that it is waterproof to three meters (and probably a little more), it does not float: swimmers, windsurfers and other water sports fans will be well advised to use the strap, or better, to attach a small float, because sharks do not make it if they see it going down.

[Edmund]

Image quality suitable

The pictures are absolutely correct, even under good weather conditions: if it does not too much details in high light, it still produces some artifacts in low light, a "leg" of the Panasonic Venus Engine. His mind is clearly lacking in sharpness but the defect is easily understandable: difficult to make a very precise in such a short space and with such specifications.

Impressive video quality

Who is the big brother technology of FT1? The TZ7 you put in the miles. The video of this DMC-FT1: it is excellent. No, his microphone is not as sharp, is certainly less efficient optical zoom and smaller, but what quality video! It just humiliates all other compact cameras today, except of course TZ7. The image in compressed HD AVCHD is fluid, clear and without smudging. Height of refinement, the camera can zoom when filming. A true small handheld HD camera!

Small defects

No manual mode, not RAW files, and especially a burst mode just softies: Here are the main shortcomings of the device. If the first two are lower, a bit more aggressive in firing was significant, especially for fans of skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing and other riders of all kinds, one of the core target of this device. Because if the video quality will please them no doubt, no doubt they were expecting more speed photo in high resolution. A small defect, but it should not be silenced.

Another negative point, the pressure required to trigger a little too strong in our view. It is because the Japanese brand wants to prevent unwanted tripping. And in the same vein, the device does not turn on a simple button ignition: it must maintain pressure for 2 seconds. We prefer to prevent hard not patience.

[Edmund]

Specifications

• Sensor: 12.1 Mpixels CCD
• Max wide-angle: 3.30
• Optical Zoom: 4.6x
• Digital Zoom: 4x
• Screen: 6.70cm with 230000 pixels
• Internal Memory: 40 MB
• Memory card: SD Card and SDHC Card
• Video mode: 1280 x 720 pixels
• Number of images per second: 60
• Weight without battery: 147g
• Dimensions (cm): 94.90 x 57.10 x 21.90

[Edmund]

Conclusion

Its shortcomings we believe? It does not float and lack of sharpness. Its strengths? Everything else! Robust, well done, making good photos and good videos (in HD!), Waterproof and resistant to dust, it is a true fighters and equipment for extreme sports. All this explains a high price and the choice of writing that we award.

Pros

• Tough
• Waterproof
• Wide-angle
• HD video in AVCHD

Cons

• Price