$US400
It’s rated to about three metres and for drops of 1.5 metres, which places it at the lower end of the spectrum of waterproofing. Well, it’s not the lower end, but given the shock and dust proofing and the lens reinforcement system, I’d expect the makers of the Toughbook to best cameras like the fluffy Fuji z33 and the slimmer Pentax w80 waterproofs for depth. Again, I wouldn’t call this a weakness, but if the DMC-TS1 had one, this would be it.
The photos were among the best in low light, high ISO and daylight. There was a simple beach/surf macro mode which worked well enough. Colours were accurate, and I only noticed a slight distortion around the edges while zoomed out. (Many periscoping internal zoom cameras have this issue.) The lens went pretty wide at a 28mm equivalent and the zoom was almost top of the class at 128mm (only the Pentax did better). Images, overall, were second best to the Canon with its traditional lens system, but this camera doesn’t have that problem of a protruding snout which makes it a lot more pocketable. The camera has optical stabilisation, which is pretty kick arse. The uncovered lens caused some photos to look smudged, which is perhaps the rule, not the exception in these cameras. Shots are at 12.1MP, but you can get variations of that in 16:9 mode. (My favourite!) As usual, water photos are generally limited in quality by water clarity and colour, so, well, above the sea shots work fine.
The TS1′s video recording happens at a high res of 720p, stabilised and recordable in motion jpg or AVCHD lite, giving you more recording time and quality. It looks better than good.
I’m into the spartan, square design. And the camera’s responsive shooting, burst modes and menus made it the easiest to use without being overly simple like the Canon D10.
The Lumix is a fantastic all-around camera that is somewhat tough and waterproof. I’d originally gone into this review thinking it would be king, but given the shallow depth rating, I may have to wait ’til I see the new Olympus in action before I give a stronger rating. Especially at $US400. At that price, the smaller Pentax w80 rated to 4.8 metres with decent shots and shitty video looks like a lot better of a deal. And the super cheap and small Fuji z33 does, too. I don’t know. I’m not giving up on this camera yet. Strong video playback is an important thing these days. I guess it’s my camera of choice and should be yours too (for now) if you don’t go beyond three metres down and image quality and relative pocketability is a priority. Until I check out that Olympus Stylus tough 8000 which has some really solid stats all around and cost a bit less.
Great images
Great case design and menus
Great video at 720p
Despite the all-around toughness of the device, only waterproof to a middling (not poor) 10 feet
Cameron
September 4, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I was really looking forward to this review as a part of comparing the other waterproof cameras on offer, and was then sadly let down by the lack of editing, checking and integrity of the overall article.
The second sentence: “And its photos aren’t the best.”
First line of ‘The Visuals’ section: “The photos were among the best in low light, high ISO and daylight.”
Pick one, or the other, but dont throw out the integrity of the entire article by completely contradicting yourself Brian…
Report PermalinkJarrard
September 4, 2009 at 12:15 PM
you mention in the opening paragraph that its photo’s arent the best YET you tag it with having great images?
i’ve read many revues on underwater digital cameras and overall, this does seem to have the superior images compared to competition in its class.
thought that would be worth a mention.
others all greatly decrease the quality as the ISO is raised. some arent even good quality in the first place, yet this is quiet good.
Report PermalinkBart
September 4, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Rugged is great but there’s no rugged camera that will allow a cable release so 1 press will wake the camera, focus and fire.
Been looking for a solution to mounting a camera on a motorbike on an extended trip and taking shots without taking your eyes off the road or hands off the grips.
chdk isn’t giving me reliable results on a Canon s5IS with a Ricoh release (4.5V).
Anyone know of any other options which might suit this problem?
Report PermalinkRyan
September 4, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Yeah, about the review. I’m not convinced that the picture quality is great.
After extensive research on this camera, DMC-FT1 (Aus model), i realised the picture quality is slightly disappointing because it’s quite noisy even in broad day light.
The user interface is relatively slow in comparison with other Point and shoot cameras out there.
I’ll wait until the next iteration when they fix its flaws. Afterall it’s Panasonic’s first rugged camera… i’ll give them a break.
Report PermalinkPeterE
September 4, 2009 at 5:54 PM
This is hands down the best waterproof camera with HD video on the market at present. Unless you intend to go scuba diving there are no issues that aren’t common to other cameras of this form factor.
Oh and this would have to be the worst “review” I’ve seen in a long time. Shoot the author.
Go and have a look at http://www.lumixlife.com.au to see what this camera is capable of (filter on rugged bottom left).
Report PermalinkKim
September 5, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Thank you for a great post. Plenty of information and clear details will sure help with the decision whether to purchase or not. Thank you for sharing. Would like to see the price come down just a little.
Report PermalinkKim
Glenn Fernandes
September 10, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Thanks for the useful information. This waterproof camera has average features, design is good. But I always prefer Canon. You get fantastic design and features. Though a little pricey, they are worth buying because of the amazing features.
Report PermalinkRobert
October 6, 2009 at 12:54 PM
My Lumix died as soon as it got wet under a hose. Panasonic have not been helpful in this matter and i am extremelly dissapointed that my $600 has gone to waste.
Report PermalinkIrvin Valencia
October 23, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Happen the same with me, I am in a vacation, and I was in a water park, the camera Lumix waterproof stop working after a few immersions down the water in less then a meter. I don’t now what to do, if I can ask for warranty to panasonic?
Report PermalinkKenny Slater
September 2, 2011 at 8:06 PM
Had the same problem and had several friends have ruined there cameras they want me to pay for the new seals even tho they admitted to that being the problem at a cost of $186.00 and they won’t cover it as a waterproof camera anymore waste of money Pissed off
Report PermalinkCarla
December 5, 2009 at 1:15 AM
I used my Panasonic Lumix for one month. I washed it in fresh water after every use and looked after it well. It developed rust like divets in the body of the camera and water leaked into the camera. Pansonic are refusing to replace the camera saying that it was human error. Not sure how they think I put the divets in the body of the camera. This camera is not tough and Panasonic are not good to deal with.
Report PermalinkNot happy
September 2, 2011 at 7:55 PM
I have recently had water leak through the seals and ruin the camera. it was only the second time the camera has been in the water. I have several friends that have had the same problem some have had a rebuild and some have been upgraded. My camera was rebuilt but now I am facing a $186.00 bill to change the seals and no guarantee that the camera will be waterproof. Under extended warrantee they will not fix my camera apparently I have to pay for the seals even Tho that is where the water has leaked through. I do not recommend this camera to anyone that wants to use it any near water. I have friends that wont use it near water because of this problem So I ask why buy a water proof camera at all.
Report PermalinkNot happy
September 2, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Poor quality photos not waterproof probably not even splash proof Lumix = rubbish
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