Panansonic Lumix FT1 miles ahead…

Category: Review on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 Digital Camera

Posted by: 30-Jun

Strengths: Robustness, waterproof, AHVCD support

Weaknesses: Hard press buttons, insufficient zoom

Panasonic has been experimenting with a new marketing concept with its electronics with the “ToughBook” series of drop proof notebooks. It now looks to extend it to its digital camera segment with the Lumix DMC-FT1.

The FT-1 has been built with toughness as its core ideology. Its military inspired design of brushed steel body complete with rivets at the corners convinces even the casual onlooker of its ruggedness.

Panasonic’s claim of the camera being waterproof stands good with problem free operation of up to a depth of 3 metres. Its slim body is dustproof and shockproof up to 1.5 metres. The camera scores in the technological department too, offering a 12.1 mega pixel high resolution CCD and 28 mm wide angle lens. In addition to Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. image stabilisation system for minimising camera shake, the FT1 also includes the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for both still and video capture. In combination with Panasonic’s Venus engine, this makes for amazing pictures even in low light.

However, the 4.6x optical zoom is hardly sufficient and the power button requires two seconds of hard pressure before the camera springs to life.

Another surprising feature in the FT1 is its ability to record high-definition videos in the AVCHD format which allows for twice the filming time. Bright fluorescent colours and minimalist design are targeted at the youth who enjoy the great outdoors.