Panasonic Lumix FT2 - Waterproof & Drop Proof

The Panasonic Lumix FT2 is digital compact camera with 14.1 megapixel uses folded optics to prevent its lens unit from taking damage when dropped during operation. The Panasonic FT2 even more extreme and rugged than before, and compatible with Windows 7.

The Panasonic Lumix FT2 is equipped with a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD. The Panasonic lumix camera features Face Recognition.

Featuring the AVCHD Lite HD movie recording capability, the new 14.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix FT2 further strengthen its toughness to be waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof.The Panasonic FT2 is also empowered internally by the newly developed Venus Engine HD II integrating "Intelligent Resolution" technology. The new image processing technology "Intelligent Resolution" is incorporated in the Venus Engine HD II for Panasonic.

The Panasonic FT2 is waterproof to a depth of 10m and dustproof equivalent to the “IPX8” and “IP6X” standard. Thanks to rubber padding and reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the Panasonic FT2 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.Panasonic FT2 digital camera's cover panel of the LCD is thickened by 1.3x compared to the predecessor FT1 to withstand pressure in underwater as deep as 10m. The Panasonic FT2 is drop proof from a height up to 2.0m in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” test standard. In addition to reinforcing the exterior of the camera with shock-resistant material, the Panasonic DMC-FT2 uses folded optics to prevent its lens unit from taking damage when dropped during operation. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. All components including the lens unit are reexamined to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the Panasonic FT2 freezeproof.

The DMC-FT2 features a high-quality Leica DC Vario Elmar 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom. The folded optics of shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit.Comprising 10 elements and a prism unit in 8 groups, including 1 ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces passing the Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance to the edges. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the Panasonic FT2 which extends the zoom ratio by approx.1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining the digital zoom. This means the 4.6x optical can virtually extend to 6x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 9.8x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the 14.1-megapixel high resolution CCD to bring subjects even closer.

The FT2 resembles a standard slimline point-and-shooter - although it looks and feels much tougher and more substantial. Rubber padding plus reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera ensure the body is airtight so water, dust and sand are kept out.

Both accessory ports (see below) are lockable and have thin rubber seals around the covers, which work like o-rings. A brush is provided for removing dust and grit from these seals. The camera comes with a 12-month warranty that should cover these seals. Extended warranties are available.

Design and Ergonomics

Superficially, the new model resembles its predecessor, except for a shallow indented channel that crosses the front panel. The control buttons are as petite as they were on the FT1 - and difficult to operate with gloved fingers. However, the shutter button remains relatively large and is textured for easy recognition by touch.

The Panasonic DMC-FT2 SPECIFICICATIONS

Image sensor: 6.23 x 4.64 mm CCD with 14.5 million photosites (14.1 megapixels effective)

Lens:  4.9-22.8mm f/3.5-5.9 zoom lens (28-128mm in 35mm format)

Zoom ratio: 4.6x optical, up to 4x digital

Image formats: Stills- JPEG; Movies - AVCHD Lite/Quicktime Motion JPEG

Image Sizes: Stills- 4:3 aspect ratio: 4320 x 3240, 3648 x 2736, 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480; 3:2 aspect ratio: 4320 x 2880, 3648 x 2432, 3072 x2048, 2560 x  1712, 2048 x 1360, 640 x 42; 16:9 aspect ratio: 4320 x 2432, 3648 x 2056, 3072 x 1728, 2560 x 1440, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 360; Movies - 1280x720 pixels at 30fps; 848 x480 at 30 fps, VGA/QVGA at 30 fps

Shutter speed range: Normal - 8 to 1/2000 second (in Starry Sky mode: 15/30/60 sec.)

Self-timer: 2 or 10 seconds delay

Image Stabilisation: Power O.I.S. (Auto / Mode 1 / Mode 2)

Exposure Compensation: +/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps

Focus system/range: Contrast-based TTL AF; range 30 cm to infinity; macro to 5 cm

AF modes: Normal/Macro, Continuous AF On/Off, Quick AF On/Off (on in Intelligent Auto)/Continuous AF On/Off, AF Tracking, Zoom Macro

Exposure metering/control: Intelligent Multiple metering; Program AE

Shooting modes: Normal Picture, Sports, Snow mode, Beach & Surf, Clipboard, Intelligent Auto  plus 26 Scene pre-sets

ISO range: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, (In High Sensitivity mode: 1600-6400)

White balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set

Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced On/Off; range - 30 cm to 3.4 metres

Sequence shooting:  Approx. 1.8 frames/second; max 5 frames (Standard), 3 frames (Fine); hi-speed burst - max. 10 fps at 3M size

Storage Media: Approx. 40MB built-in memory plus SD/SDHC expansion slot

Viewfinder:  No

LCD monitor: 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230,000 dots; 100% field of view

Power supply:  DMW-BCF10PP rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack; CIPA rated for Approx. 360 shots/charge)

Dimensions (wxhxd): Approx. 99.3 x 63.1 x 24.3 mm

Weight: Approx. 167 grams (without battery and card)