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Technical Details
- 28mm Wide-angle LEICA DC Lens with 4.6x Optical Zoom
- Tough design: 12m Waterproof, Freeze-proof to -10°C, Shockproof (2.0m) and Dust-proof
- Intelligent Resolution Technology with 6x Intelligent Zoom
- Full HD Movie recording in AVCHD and HDMI Compatibility
- Display Altitude, Barometric pressure and Direction using the built-in Altimeter, Barometer and Compass
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Product Description
Manufacturer's Description
The FT3 features Full-HD Movie Recording and Advanced GPS Function for all-round outdoor excitement
Lumix DMC-FT3
The new LUMIX DMC-FT3 is a camera designed and especially geared for active outdoor use with superb photo and video recording in an extremely tough body with rugged design. Featuring AVCHD Full HD movie recording capability, the new 12.1-megapixel FT3 further strengthens its toughness appeal being waterproof to 12m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof.
The FT3 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom. A folded optics 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 Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance right to the edge of the frame. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FT3 which extends the zoom ratio by approx.1.3x maintaining the picture quality even when combining this digital zoom process. This means the 4.6x optical zoom can virtually extend to 6x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function extends zoom power to 9.1x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the centre part of the 12.1-megapixel high resolution CCD to bring subjects even closer.
Tough for the Great Outdors
Thanks to rubber padding and reinforced glass the FT3 features an airtight body that lets intrepid photographers operate the rugged camera underwater to a depth of up to 12 meters.
The FT3 is drop proof from a height of up to 2 meters and in addition to reinforcing the exterior of the camera with shock-resistant material, the FT3 uses folded optics to help prevent its lens unit from being damaged when dropped during operation. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. Combined with its dustproof, waterproof and freezeproof performance, this makes it the ideal camera for use outdoors, in active situations, and for casual everyday shooting.
GPS function shows the name of the location and landmark
Perfect companion for all seasons and all sports
The DMC-FT3 newly integrates a GPS function, which has proven to be popular previously in the LUMIX TZ series. It shows the name of the location and Landmark using the internal data to give real-time information on the area of shooting and adds reference and fun during active travel. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global use, plus more than 1,000,000 landmarks (information covers 78 countries or regions).Amongst an array of exciting features included in the new FT camera are a compass, altimeter and even barometer to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The barometer also works as an indicator for depth underwater. The rugged design, GPS and the advanced measuring equipments offers a variety shooting options in wide-ranging situations - Whether it is fishing or camping in the springtime, to diving, snorkelling and surfing in summer, or mountain climbing in autumn and skiing snowboarding in winter – The DMC-FT3 is suitable all-year-round to record stunning memories in both beautiful photo and movie.
Enable beautiful image recording with higher quality signal processing
Advanced Signal Processing, high performance Venus Engine FHD
Empowered by a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine FHD, the DMC-FT3 processes a large amount of signals at high speed, making it possible to record 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD movie recording and high resolution consecutive shots at 3.7 fps in 12.1-megapixel full resolution and max.10 fps at 3-megapixel recording.
With Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas –outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clarity while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas that look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, the superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied making it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative Intelligent Resolution technology precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel, in the most effective way, as a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.
Intelligent Resolution technology also facilitates Intelligent Zoom, which virtually extends the optical zoom ratio to its 1.3x equivalent maintaining the picture quality even combined with the digital zoom. Details of an image in high sensitivity recording tend to be lost in the noise reduction process; however, Intelligent Resolution works to keep them.
At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine HD FHD supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.005 seconds and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) which boasts approx.28% faster speed compared with the earlier released DMC-FT2. The Venus Engine FHD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-FT3 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.
Enjoy 1920 x 1080 Full-HD Movie Recording
Enjoy 1920 x 1080 Full-HD Movie Recording in AVCHD
With the ever growing popularity of capturing movies with digital cameras, the DMC-FT3 features an excellent recording capability of AVCHD movie in 1920 x 1080 full-HD. The AVCHD format allows almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG and the picture quality is greatly enhanced thanks to Intelligent Resolution technology. The rugged camera also boasts a number of options to enhance personal movies such as Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio, 4.6x optical zoom and a Wind Cut function to block out most of the noise from background wind. These choices of settings enhance the usability and fun of recording high quality full-HD movie.In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.1 HD Lite Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.
New Motion Deblur mode achieves the maximum effective shutter speed possible
Evolving iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode Makes Every Photo and Movie More Beautiful
Panasonic’s well renowned iA (Intelligent Auto) mode has also evolved within the FT3. For more correction effect in movie recording, Active Mode is added to the conventional POWER O.I.S. It excels in suppressing blur when recording wide angle movies while walking. Together with the POWER O.I.S., the DMC-FT3 powerfully prevents blur in both photo and movie recording. Motion Deblur mode* is also available by updating the motion detection (Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) to gain as high a shutter speed as possible. Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure work appropriately just by entering the iA mode for any photographer to take beautiful photos with maximum ease.Exciting Features for More Fun Photography
Thanks to the newly integrated LUMIX Image Uploader you can instantly share your images via Facebook or video to YouTube (movie) with any PC on the spot with the FT3. All you have to do is checkmark the photos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the simple instructions, allowing you to add a comment and notify your friends via e-mail. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for movies.The FT3 is equipped with a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with wide viewing angle and AR(Anti-Reflection) coating. The screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The large screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting.
3D Photo mode produces a realistic 3D image out of 20 consecutive images shot
All new memories in 3D
The newly added 3D Photo mode produces a realistic 3D image out of 20 consecutive images shot whilst panning left to right. The 3D image can be viewed on VIERA 3D HDTV or other MPO-compatible 3D equipment such as TV, Digital Photo Frame or Printing.
Take the DMC-FT3 out for any outdoor adventures in any season – diving, snorkelling, surfing, climbing, skiing or camping - and bring back some tremendous records of memories in stunning photos or in full-HD. Available in two bold colours, Blue and Red, from March 2011. An optional marine case (DMW-MCFT3) is available for underwater photography to 40m.
Product Description
Compact Digital Camera FT3 - Ultimate Rugged Camera Featuring Full HD Movie Recording and Various Function for Outdoor Use. The DMC-FT3 is designed for active use, that is waterproof to a depth of 12 meters, freeze-proof of down to -10?, shockproof for falls from up to 2.0 meters, and dust-proof. In movie recording, the LED light turns on for beautiful movies in dusky underwater environments or at a nighttime camp. The DMC-FT3 can record full HD 1920x1080 movies in AVCHD format with Dolby Digital Creator. A dedicated button lets you instantly start recording movies without any having to make any extra settings. The iA Mode is available in movie recording. The POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode comes in handy when shooting while walking or playing with children. Both photos and movies in AVCHD format recorded on SD Memory Card are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Colour Name:Red
I bought this camera because I wanted an all-round camera that I could take anywhere and would take good pictures and HD video. While I don't expect to test the rugged features to the extreme, I need something that I can take on the beach without worrying about sand and water, etc, but that also fits in my pocket and doesn't look out of place at parties and school plays, etc. Having found that I never liked carrying separate stills and video cameras, hence I never took video, I also wanted something that could do both of those. Based on features, reviews and styling I rapidly came to a shortlist of the Panasonic FT3 or the Sony DSC TX-10. The Sony seems to do some things better, e.g. a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor that takes pictures at least as well as the Panasonic and superior panoramic functionality. However, for me there were too many negative reviews of the Sony's touch screen, sliding cover and of it being hard to grip. Conversely, I heard very little negative about the Panasonic so while the Sony may be better in some areas it seemed a bigger risk and the Panasonic looks like the best all-rounder.
I have now owned the Panasonic for 6 weeks and it has been used in a wide variety of circumstances. It has been thoroughly easy to use and takes very good pictures and video. Despite being "rugged" it is slim enough to slip in to pockets and can be carried everywhere. That means I am now taking more pictures and video, which is the whole point. I use Intelligent Auto mode almost all the time and the picture quality is very good. The camera is also quick to turn on, focus and save pictures to the memory card so you aren't waiting for the camera to catch up. There isn't much manual control of pictures but that's the nature of the camera and not a criticism; if you want to be able to manually adjust aperture and shutter speed, etc, then this isn't the right camera.
The GPS functionality is for me a novelty and I don't really have a use for it but its nice that the picture location is now being recorded. I read another Amazon review which said the GPS is slow to capture an updated position and that you have to manually tell the camera to do this. I haven't experienced anything like this. If the camera has been turned off during a long journey then it takes 1-2 minutes for the camera to work out your new position. It does this automatically. When it has reasonably fresh position information it quickly updates your position whenever it changes, i.e. within a few seconds. As long as you wait for the 1-2 minutes on a "cold start" then the GPS captures the position accurately and this wait isn't an issue because it is a one-off after long journeys. The altitude functionality doesn't work for me because it is calculated on air pressure rather than using GPS and it is invariably wrong and varies significantly as weather systems pass through!
I tested the underwater function and found the camera very easy to use underwater and it took very good pictures and video. One or two reviewers seem to think the procedure for keeping the camera water tight is onerous. Actually, speaking as a scuba diver who also owns dedicated diving cameras, the FT3 is very simple to use and there is nothing more to do than check the rubber seal is in good condition and not dirty. That is very reasonable and not asking too much; my dive cameras had o-rings that had to be replaced and/or oiled and there is none of that with the FT3.
Overall I find the FT3 does everything that I wanted from it and there are no noteworthy negative points. It would be nice if the altimeter was accurate but I can live without that. I now take far more pictures and video than with our old cameras because this is a truly pocket-size, go-anywhere, do-anything stills and video camera that is rugged enough for the beach and boat but styled so as not to look out of place at, say, a wedding. If that's what you want then I definitely recommend this. The Panasonic case is also worth getting because this fits perfectly and provides protection while still being slim enough to carry easily.
I have now owned the Panasonic for 6 weeks and it has been used in a wide variety of circumstances. It has been thoroughly easy to use and takes very good pictures and video. Despite being "rugged" it is slim enough to slip in to pockets and can be carried everywhere. That means I am now taking more pictures and video, which is the whole point. I use Intelligent Auto mode almost all the time and the picture quality is very good. The camera is also quick to turn on, focus and save pictures to the memory card so you aren't waiting for the camera to catch up. There isn't much manual control of pictures but that's the nature of the camera and not a criticism; if you want to be able to manually adjust aperture and shutter speed, etc, then this isn't the right camera.
The GPS functionality is for me a novelty and I don't really have a use for it but its nice that the picture location is now being recorded. I read another Amazon review which said the GPS is slow to capture an updated position and that you have to manually tell the camera to do this. I haven't experienced anything like this. If the camera has been turned off during a long journey then it takes 1-2 minutes for the camera to work out your new position. It does this automatically. When it has reasonably fresh position information it quickly updates your position whenever it changes, i.e. within a few seconds. As long as you wait for the 1-2 minutes on a "cold start" then the GPS captures the position accurately and this wait isn't an issue because it is a one-off after long journeys. The altitude functionality doesn't work for me because it is calculated on air pressure rather than using GPS and it is invariably wrong and varies significantly as weather systems pass through!
I tested the underwater function and found the camera very easy to use underwater and it took very good pictures and video. One or two reviewers seem to think the procedure for keeping the camera water tight is onerous. Actually, speaking as a scuba diver who also owns dedicated diving cameras, the FT3 is very simple to use and there is nothing more to do than check the rubber seal is in good condition and not dirty. That is very reasonable and not asking too much; my dive cameras had o-rings that had to be replaced and/or oiled and there is none of that with the FT3.
Overall I find the FT3 does everything that I wanted from it and there are no noteworthy negative points. It would be nice if the altimeter was accurate but I can live without that. I now take far more pictures and video than with our old cameras because this is a truly pocket-size, go-anywhere, do-anything stills and video camera that is rugged enough for the beach and boat but styled so as not to look out of place at, say, a wedding. If that's what you want then I definitely recommend this. The Panasonic case is also worth getting because this fits perfectly and provides protection while still being slim enough to carry easily.
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Colour Name:Red
I am a long-time camera user and this is the 3rd or 4th Lumix camera that I have had, and all have been very good. Here I was looking for a camera to replace my ageing Olympus Mju - so the Lumix FT3 appeared to be perfect. It has excellent specification, and a quality presentation and finish.
My "disappointment" came when I used it for the first time - in perfect daytime conditions in good sunlight (with exposure set to "intelligent auto" and image resolution set to 'best'). Of the 50-ish shots that I took that afternoon, almost all that were taken outside in the afternoon sunhine (with the sun in various different positions around me). A few shots were taken inside in ambient light - and came out perfectly.
Later, viewing the results, I found that almost all the outside photos showed significant degrees of overexposure (usually from mid-frame upwards - irrespective of the position of the sun). Even checking the photos in Photoshop it was not possible to recover the image. I also found that the camera is fairly slow to cycle between shots - a frustration when trying to photo fast-changing action.
I am usure whether the camera that I received actually had a real fault causing this 'over exposure', or whether this is a general failing of the camera. I note that the camera has a protective 'window' in front of the lens and wonder if this 'over exposure' is actually a refraction caused by this window in front of the lens. Unfortunately it is just too expensive a camera to persevere and experiment with a unit that has such a level of faults evident at the start.
To be honest - I hope that other owners have perfect results from their FT3s, as it is a lovely camera to hold and use. I just wish that mine had been good!
My "disappointment" came when I used it for the first time - in perfect daytime conditions in good sunlight (with exposure set to "intelligent auto" and image resolution set to 'best'). Of the 50-ish shots that I took that afternoon, almost all that were taken outside in the afternoon sunhine (with the sun in various different positions around me). A few shots were taken inside in ambient light - and came out perfectly.
Later, viewing the results, I found that almost all the outside photos showed significant degrees of overexposure (usually from mid-frame upwards - irrespective of the position of the sun). Even checking the photos in Photoshop it was not possible to recover the image. I also found that the camera is fairly slow to cycle between shots - a frustration when trying to photo fast-changing action.
I am usure whether the camera that I received actually had a real fault causing this 'over exposure', or whether this is a general failing of the camera. I note that the camera has a protective 'window' in front of the lens and wonder if this 'over exposure' is actually a refraction caused by this window in front of the lens. Unfortunately it is just too expensive a camera to persevere and experiment with a unit that has such a level of faults evident at the start.
To be honest - I hope that other owners have perfect results from their FT3s, as it is a lovely camera to hold and use. I just wish that mine had been good!
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Colour Name:Red
OK, so I'll admit that I am a bit of a fan of gadgets and so when looking for a new camera I was always looking for the latest bells and whistles - and this camera definitely has them all. What is rather brilliant though is that while it has a huge range of modes to optimise settings for a ridiculous number of circumstances - including a food mode, no, really! - the intelligent auto function lives up to its name and takes all the hard work over choosing the best combination of settings.
The GPS function is particularly neat, especially when abroad, to work out what exactly you were photographing. Used with Picasa or Panoramio photo management programmes, both free to download, they give an extra aspect to your photos when describing your travels to friends and family. The GPS sometimes takes a little while to catch up and so thinks it was when it last updated but like everything else this can be corrected through the settings menu.
I selected the design as I have had a number of cameras in the past that have had extending lenses that with the slightest knock fail to go in or out. None of that problem here as everything is inside the camera and it is all very rugged - I haven't wanted to test this but it looks pretty solid to me.
Picture quality is first class. Enlarged prints or 42" TV display are excellent. HD Video too but note you will need to get a 'micro' not 'mini' HDMI connector as this is not included, bit poor that really. Also note the Panasonic branded item will cost you about £35 while many people on Amazon will sell a perfectly good equivalent for £8. eg 1m v1.4 Micro D HDMI to HDMI Cable - Premium Quality Lead - 24k Gold Plated Plugs - Audio & Video 1080p - Ideal For Connecting HD Devices using the new Micro HDMI connector like a Camcorder to PC or TV
There are a number of cameras of this type and if you don't need GPS or ruggedness then you will find cheaper equivalents in the Panasonic range and elsewhere but for me this camera is hard to beat.
The GPS function is particularly neat, especially when abroad, to work out what exactly you were photographing. Used with Picasa or Panoramio photo management programmes, both free to download, they give an extra aspect to your photos when describing your travels to friends and family. The GPS sometimes takes a little while to catch up and so thinks it was when it last updated but like everything else this can be corrected through the settings menu.
I selected the design as I have had a number of cameras in the past that have had extending lenses that with the slightest knock fail to go in or out. None of that problem here as everything is inside the camera and it is all very rugged - I haven't wanted to test this but it looks pretty solid to me.
Picture quality is first class. Enlarged prints or 42" TV display are excellent. HD Video too but note you will need to get a 'micro' not 'mini' HDMI connector as this is not included, bit poor that really. Also note the Panasonic branded item will cost you about £35 while many people on Amazon will sell a perfectly good equivalent for £8. eg 1m v1.4 Micro D HDMI to HDMI Cable - Premium Quality Lead - 24k Gold Plated Plugs - Audio & Video 1080p - Ideal For Connecting HD Devices using the new Micro HDMI connector like a Camcorder to PC or TV
There are a number of cameras of this type and if you don't need GPS or ruggedness then you will find cheaper equivalents in the Panasonic range and elsewhere but for me this camera is hard to beat.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
flawless
great camera for outdoor... i bought mainly because I've broken 3 camers by just placing them somewhere for self shots and they were dropping all the time... Read more
Published 26 days ago by cat3appr
Camera letdown
Model number FT3 waterproof and shockproof camera.
Hi, I purchased the FT3 underwater camera on 8/01/2012 from Amazon.co.uk. Read more
Hi, I purchased the FT3 underwater camera on 8/01/2012 from Amazon.co.uk. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Hoofhearted
great camera multipurpose
This a great point and shoot camera (requires a bit more with working with the options to get a great pic in a specific setting) but worth it since it is water proof and shock... Read more
Published 2 months ago by F. GERHARD
Great camera
I got this camera approx 2 weeks ago and its seems preety sraight forward to use. image quality is crisp clear. Read more
Published 3 months ago by mr a ralph
Panasonic Lumix FT3
Panasonic Lumix FT3
Excellent wide angle HD camera for use underwater, the beach or the slopes. Read more
Excellent wide angle HD camera for use underwater, the beach or the slopes. Read more
Published 3 months ago by camera
great little camera to use anywhere
hi
I purchased this panasonic ft3 camera after reading lots of reviews of waterproof shockproof cameras.
and the panasonic got very good reviews. Read more
I purchased this panasonic ft3 camera after reading lots of reviews of waterproof shockproof cameras.
and the panasonic got very good reviews. Read more
Published 3 months ago by S. Ward
An excellent choice
After an unfortunate but thankfully short experience with a leaky Fujifilm XP30 I was reluctant to spend twice the (refunded) purchase price on another camera with waterproof in... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Pat
it does what it says, just wish it had better lense.
the only problem I have is taking full picture of a building. it's not a very tall building , but still I have to move so so so further away. Read more
Published 4 months ago by ath
Panasonic Lumix FT3
Great little camera. Good for a just pointing and shooting and both photo and video quality are very good. Works well underwater with clear pictures. Read more
Published 5 months ago by simon
Disappointing
I felt it was only fair to add in this poor review based not on the camera's performance, but it's reliability. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Upside Down
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