Photo Review: Panasonic LUMIX DMC FT3 Waterproof Outdoor Camera

24 June 2011, Singapore – The Panasonic LUMIX DMC FT3 is build to be a survivor digital camera. It is geared for active outdoor use and packed with features in a the compact & rugged design. Here’s a summary of its features:

• 12.1 megapixels Hi-Speed CCD sensor
• 28mm wide angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens
• 4.6x optical zoom, 6x with Intelligent Zoom
• 1920 x 1080 Full HD Movie Recording in AVCHD
• 3D Photo Mode
• 2.7″ TFT Display
• Built-in GPS
• Water-proof, up to 12 meter of water pressure
• Freeze-proof, as low as 10 Degrees Celsius
• Dust-proof, against dust and sand
• Drop-proof, from a height of up to 2 meters
• Size: 103.5 x 64 x 26.5 mm
• Weight 197g
• Its now selling at all major electronic stores in Singapore at $649, available in Orange, Red, Silver and Blue.

Since this is a water-proof camera, what better way to test this camera that to use it for our snorkeling trip at Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. The water in Perhentian is very clear but because of the floating particles in the water it will reflect the flash burst from your camera, making the pictures look a little grainy. Flash is essential for underwater photography, even though it may seem bright from the naked eye, but it is still too dark for the camera sensors to take quality pictures. For the quality of the underwater shots, it also pretty much depends on the clarity of the water, or I should say “ACT OF GOD”.  If the water is murky, it will be harder to take clear and colourful pictures of the fishes or corals.  Don’t be disappointed by all these!  Always take as many photos as possible. Photoshop and other free editing software such as Picasa can enhance the photos.  Let me show you the before and after, and some simple tips below, to view larger image click on them.

Below, you will see some more pictures taken underwater after some digital imaging, to view larger image click on them.

So your next question is “how about the picture taken out of water?”

The colours from the pictures are natural, so not much post editing was required. See the pictures below, to view larger image click on them (they are not edited or processed).

We were not given many days to test  the camera and with the limited time to charge the camera during the stay in Perhentian Islands, we were not able to test its night & low light and the AVCHD video recording features.

Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC FT3 takes decent quality pictures for an All-Weather, Outdoor Sports, Adventure point & shoot Camera. I will recommend it to anyone who’s into extreme & water sports and those resort hoppers.  You will not miss any moment during your stay, and you can bring this camera with you wherever you go. Remember to view the full gallery of pictures at the end of this post.

Also check out globosurfer.com for snow, land and water sports reviews.

 

 

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