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Average rating:
3.94
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User reviews
(9)
3.94
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 rugged compact (FT2 outside the US) is the successor to last year's DMC-TS1. The TS2 features a tougher body that is dustproof, waterproof to 10m, shockproof against a drop of up to 2m, and freezeproof down to -10°C. It uses a 14MP sensor, 2.7 inch LCD, and 28 - 128mm equivalent lens with Power O.I.S optical stabilization. It also features AVCHD Lite HD movie recording and a faster Venus Engine HD II processor, plus SDXC support and the company's curiously-named 'Happy Mode'.
| Quick links: | Announcement | Forum |
| Announced: | Jan 26, 2010 |
| Price range: | $186 |
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Average rating:
3.94
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Opinion: The Lumix dmc-TS2 can go where most cameras come to a full stop: underwater.It is designed to face the elements because it is ruggedized from shock, water(33ft.),snow and rain. It is designed for travel, sports as well as ordinary activities when the moment needs to be immortalized in picture. It has the 'iA' setting where the camera automatically calculates the right scene, stabilizer,ISO, face detection,quick auto focus, exposure, digital red-eye correction, backlight compensation and resolution. It also has the 'normal picture' setting where some of the parameters can be assigned like ISO max, metering,min.shutter speed etc. Good thing is you can turn these automatic modes to 'off' if you think you are smarter than the camera or a fifth grade student. The LED light helps in centering and illuminating the subject you are taking and also works during underwater photography. In performance and IQ, I think it is identical to the TS1 but much better equipped in the waterproof department because the doors have locks and with sealers. It also accepts the newer SD cards like the Class 10 and SDXC variety. It can take HD video which is quite smooth and has a 'wind cut' feature to reduce wind noise which becomes annoying during playback. Why not spend more time enjoying the view during travel instead of too much time spent on tinkering with your camera. My review is based on 1 week of owning the camera so unwanted things might still show up later.
Problems: A rattling or knocking noise is present (when the camera is off) when shaken. The noise sounds like a plastic material not metallic. It could be a plastic dumper to avoid the lens from getting misaligned when dropped(acc. to one of the reviews). You forget about it after a while.
The lens is way on the left side so the forefinger can sometimes touch the lens inadvertently. Needs cleaning at the end of the day.
Opinion: The Panasonic DMC-TS camera has been great so far, the camera feels solid in your hand. The image quality is very good and excellent when taking pictures in the dark (night scenery).
I wanted a camera where I could take HD videos as well and I was really please by the quality and specially the image stabilizer. I tried many cameras and this one is the best so far for videos without shakeups. I also like the silicon case that comes with it that protects the camera from a drop (Anti-shock 2 meters drop). I like also like the option where you can take pictures, videos underwater (Waterproof), again the quality of pictures and video are amazing. The operating time of the battery is remarkable (Approx 360 pictures per charge). I really recommend this camera.
Problems: You need to remove the silicon case every time you want to take out the memory card or put it with a tripod.
LCD image is not so good but you forget about it when you see the output of images.
Opinion: Bought for honeymoon in the Maldives, great performance in all situations - underwater, in rain, on the beach, in the evenings etc... We were blown away by its performance. We took four cameras, including two DSLRs and this camera got the most use.. by far. The video is incredible for the spec of camera rivelling many stand alone video cameras. Would highly recommend, its not perfect - but its the best all round compact I've used. Without the waterproof/shockproof/freezeproof etc... other cameras may have equal performance for less money but we found it very useful to not have to worry.
Didn't do anything special for underwater use, just checked no sand etc.. on seals after any memory card/battery change.
Problems: Battery chipped so camera won't work with third party batteries... found a genuine Panasonic for £35 but still v excessive. Having said that very good battery life. 10 days abroad taking over 1000 photos and approx 20-30 mins video and needed three full charges, which with two batteries was nice and easy. (Did spend a lot of time looking through photos as well!)
Quite expensive for a compact (worth it in my opinion however!) RRP £350 in UK but could buy for £300 within a few days of launch.
Opinion: I was looking for a replacement to my old Pentax Optio WP which has been a very usefull and fun supplement to my heavy DSLR-gear.
The Lumix DMC-FT2 (TS2) is very well build and easy to setup and use. The start-up time, AF and shutter lag is very short which where important features for me, together with a decent picture quality.
The zoom range is very nice starting with 4.9 mm (28 mm) and up to 22.8 (128 mm) which together with the optical image stabilizer makes the camera very versatile.
Problems: The position of the lens to the upper right corner can be a problem when holding the camera with both hands - it is easy to get one of your fingers in some of your pictures.
The zoom and shutter release button is placed very close and because the shutter release button is very soft you will sometimes get unwanted shots.
The camera is a bit pricey but that comes together with a well thought design and good overall quality. If you don't need to use the camera anywhere there is cheaper alternatives.
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
