LUMIX DMC-FT4 outdoor camera

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 digital camera - On land, on water, and even underwater. He films everywhere!

I bought a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT4 digital camera in October 2012. I specifically chose a camera for recreation, so that I could film in the water and not be afraid of falls, and this did not require additional expenses for the purchase of a box. The cost, which sometimes exceeds the cost of the camera itself. After a little searching among manufacturers of rugged cameras such as Olympus, Fujifilm, Nikon and Panasonic, I decided to stick with the latter. Moreover, the DMC-FT4 model is recognized as the best in its class in terms of such characteristics as strength and immersion depth, and I already had experience using LUMIX.

The camera package is quite standard. It includes a charger, a USB cable and a video cable, with an HDMI connector, a short paper user manual, by the way, a detailed manual is present on the software disk. Something unusual is a double-sided brush designed for cleaning the camera.

On the front panel, in addition to the lens itself, there is also the flash itself, as well as a powerful LED lamp, which is necessary for autofocus to work, but can also serve as a flashlight. The controls located on the back and top are familiar and intuitive.

The case does a good job of protecting the internal parts of the camera during dives and falls, although in this case it is not immune to scratches and dents. It is also quite practical; fingerprints are not visible on it, as on glossy models.

On the front side, the inscription “Quad indicator” stands out, which means that the camera is equipped with a bunch of sensors: such as a compass, altimeter, barometer and, of course, GPS. It's certainly great to know that your camera won't let you get lost, but they don't bring any real benefit. But the GPS receiver can add information to the photo about the place where it was taken, which is then reflected when viewed.

The camera has many shooting modes - in addition to fourteen preset scene modes, there is also automatic and manual mode, a mode for snorkeling and for shooting underwater, up to 40 meters deep, there are miniature effects and the ability to shoot in 3-D mode

The display with a small diagonal and low resolution is the weak point of the camera. But if you can put up with the size of the display, the resolution, which is almost half that of competitors, is frankly disappointing. The picture on the display looks dim, the color reproduction is also not very natural and graininess is noticeable. So it’s quite difficult to assess the quality of a photo or make adjustments to the white balance. But there are also advantages to it: wide viewing angles horizontally and vertically, so shooting from uncomfortable positions or at an angle is not as difficult as in other cameras. Another positive point is that the display brightness automatically adjusts, depending on the ambient light.

The Panasonic Lumix FT4 certainly cannot be called a perfect camera, but it doesn’t have many competitors to which it is in any way inferior. Once you understand all the functions and learn how to use them, the choice when buying a reliable compact for outdoor activities will be obvious.

He passed his first water test in Egypt. And he handled it perfectly.

LUMIX DMC-FT4 outdoor camera

All news / Die Hard! Panasonic's Latest Outdoor Camera Lumix DMC FT4

Toughie! Panasonic's Latest Outdoor Camera Lumix DMC FT4

Panasonic introduces the latest camera that doesn't care! The Panasonic Lumix DMC FT4 has been specially designed to perform flawlessly in extreme conditions and is capable of withstanding the same tests as its owners.

The durable case is 100% protected from dust and even allows you to dive into water up to 12 meters and calmly remove it even without an underwater aquabox case (and with it even up to 40). It also has good shock protection - international certifications confirm that it can be dropped from a height of two meters without worry. Try this with your mirror! Not only the body will remain intact, but also, of course, all the insides, which are protected from shocks by special shock absorbers.

Since this camera is primarily intended for active travelers and extreme sports enthusiasts, it not only has a built-in GPS module, with which you can geo-tag photos and an extensive database of 230 countries. Panasonic Lumix DMC FT4 also serves as a compass, altimeter (altimeter) and barometer!

And yet, in addition to the fact that this camera is durable and has functions indispensable for travelers, its main purpose is photography. And from this point of view, it is a full-fledged, modern compact that demonstrates high quality images and has all the necessary options.

The quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens has 6x optical zoom with up to 12x digital amplification and optical image stabilization. The optical group consists of 11 elements in 8 groups, made to the strictest Leica quality standards. The 12-megapixel CCD matrix has excellent light sensitivity, and the Venus Engine processor provides high speed, focusing and burst shooting (3.7 fps). Video is recorded in Full HD resolution (AVCHD format). The bright 2.7-inch display with anti-glare coating allows you to frame your shot and use settings even in bright daylight.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FT4 has a full range of shooting modes: from full automatic to creative. Among the most interesting: panoramas with a wide viewing angle, 3D photos, miniatures with a blurred background. In addition, it is possible to manually set the shutter speed and aperture.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FT4, thanks to its outstanding characteristics, will become an indispensable companion for tourists and athletes of all stripes and will be able to forever preserve the most vivid impressions from the most distant places on our planet.

LUMIX DMC-FT4 cameras for outdoor enthusiasts

LUMIX DMC-FT4 cameras for outdoor enthusiasts: waterproof and shockproof housing, GPS module, excellent quality of photos and videos!

Panasonic is proud to introduce the latest addition to its FT line, the LUMIX DMC-FT4, designed specifically for those who lead an active lifestyle. These cameras are not only excellently protected: waterproof to 12 meters, shockproof to 2 meters, frost-resistant to -10˚C and dustproof - they are equipped with a GPS module, compass, altimeter, barometer and a database of points of interest. Fans of active recreation will appreciate these opportunities.

The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 6x optical zoom, 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor and Venus Engine image processor ensure superb image quality. At the same time, the DMC-FT4 camera supports video recording in 1920×1080 resolution and AVCHD format.

Panasonic has also provided the possibility of manual control; you can set the shutter speed and aperture, realizing your creative ideas without any restrictions. Special modes and image effects, such as Slow Motion, Miniature and Panorama, can also help you express yourself artistically.

iA (Intelligent Auto) mode takes full control of the camera. After turning on this mode, all auxiliary functions will be automatically activated - you just have to enjoy the incredible simplicity of the shooting process, without being distracted by changing settings. In addition, the PC application LUMIX Image Uploader allows you to instantly publish photos and videos to social networks Facebook and YouTube.

The DMC-FT4 camera will be an ideal partner for those who are interested in extreme sports: diving, surfing, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding.

1. Reliable case protection

The DMC-FT4 camera body is excellently dust-resistant and can be submerged to a depth of up to 12 meters (in accordance with IPX8 and IPX6 standards). This was achieved through the minimal size of the front lens element and the use of rubber gaskets, fiberglass and carbon composites.

Also, these cameras are protected from shock; in accordance with the MIL-STD 810F Method516.5-Shock standard, they can withstand drops from a height of up to 2 meters. To achieve such impressive results, the camera body is equipped with shockproof material, and the folding lens mechanism and special shock absorbers protect fragile lenses in the event of a fall.

All camera components, including the lens, are designed to operate at low temperatures, down to -10˚C.

2. GPS module and map data

The DMC-FT4 has a built-in GPS module that detects your location and adds this information to your photos to make your travels even more fun. The database includes information on more than 203 countries and regions, as well as one million points of interest located in 82 countries and regions. Photos and videos that have location information added are automatically sorted by country in a virtual folder for easy searching. In addition, the shooting location can be set using the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.1 Advanced Edition application supplied with the camera, which also allows you to sort and find photos by shooting location. Moreover, the camera clock automatically detects the time zone, so you no longer have to manually set the time.

The FT series of cameras is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, so the DMC-FT4 is equipped with a compass, altimeter and barometer, allowing you to determine direction, altitude and barometric pressure at any time.

• NAVTEQ, 2011. All rights reserved.
• MAPPLE is a trademark of Shobunsha Publications, Inc.
• The GPS module may not work in China or regions bordering China.
• In some cases, depending on your location, there may be no GPS satellite signal.
Positioning may not work or may be in error. • Measurement accuracy is approximate, do not use for technical purposes.
• When climbing, hiking or diving, do not rely on the device to determine altitude, direction, depth, or barometric pressure. Always carry a map and specialized tools with you.

3. LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens

The DMC-FT4 is equipped with a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR wide-angle lens with 6x optical zoom (28-128mm focal length for 35mm camera equivalent). Featuring 11 elements and a prism arranged in 8 groups, plus an extra-low dispersion lens and 5 aspherical elements with 6 aspherical surfaces, the lens is designed to meet Leica's highest standards. At the same time, the iA Zoom (Intelligent Zoom) function allows you to increase the zoom range up to 12x.

4. 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor

The 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor with dual-channel output delivers exceptional data transfer rates for demanding applications such as high-speed burst photography and 1920 x 1080 video. The size of the sensor's microlenses has been increased, increasing light sensitivity and minimizing noise levels.

5. Venus Engine Image Processor

The Venus Engine image processor implements technologies that allow achieving the highest quality signal processing, including the Intelligent Noise Reduction system. Due to the fact that the Venus Engine processor processes large amounts of data coming from the CCD sensor at high speed, video shooting at a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and continuous photography at a speed of 3.7 fps (12.1 megapixels) or 10 k /s (3 megapixels).

Plus, the Venus Engine image processor delivers incredibly fast response times and Sonic Speed autofocus achieves focus almost instantly, so you never miss a shot.

6. Video recording at 1920×1080 pixels

The compact camera DMC-FT4 is capable of recording video in 1920×1080 resolution in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264)* formats at a frame rate of 50i (PAL). The AVCHD format provides excellent compatibility with AV equipment such as HDTVs and Blu-Ray Disc players. However, if you want greater PC compatibility, you can use the MP4 format and 25p frame rate (PAL).

In addition, there is a separate button on the camera body that allows you to instantly start shooting video directly from photo mode. And to counteract image blur when shooting video, the DMC-FT4 camera features the POWER OIS active mode of the optical image stabilization system. It is especially effective when shooting while walking and at a wide-angle lens position. And you can, of course, use the 6x optical zoom and iA mode while shooting video.

Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator technology is used to record sound during video recording for realistic sound.

*Output from sensor in 25p (PAL).
[For European countries using the PAL system]
• In countries using the PAL system, the recording time for movies is 29 minutes 59 seconds. When shooting in MP4 format, the size of one file cannot exceed 4 GB.

7. Image Effects

The DMC-FT4 camera received 3 new shooting modes: Slow Motion, Miniature and Panorama. In Slow Motion mode, the camera automatically takes the required number of frames at specified intervals. With its help, you can film how a flower gradually blooms or clouds fly by. Miniature mode blurs the background and increases the contrast and saturation of the photo, creating a “toy world” effect. And if you shoot a video in this mode*, it will play back 10 times faster, allowing you to achieve comic effect. Panorama mode allows you to effortlessly create horizontal and vertical panoramic photos - you just need to take a series of photos, each of which partially overlaps the previous one.

*When shooting a video in Miniature mode, no sound will be recorded and the length of the video will be shortened by ten times (10 minutes of video recording will be reduced to 1 minute).

8. Other functions

— Intelligent LCD screen with a diagonal of 2.7 inches and anti-glare coating;
- manual control;
— 3D photography mode;
- LUMIX Image Uploader;
— optional aquabox (DMW-MCFT3), waterproof up to 40 meters.

Waterproof/Dustproof
The cameras are waterproof and dustproof to IPX8 and IP6X standards. Provided that the rules described in this document are strictly followed, the cameras can operate underwater at a depth of up to 12 meters for 60 minutes (*1).

Shock Resistance
These cameras comply with MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock. They have been tested to withstand a 2 meter drop onto a 3cm thick sheet of plywood. In most cases, cameras will not be damaged if dropped from a height of less than 2 meters (*2).

This does not guarantee that there will be no damage, breakage or leakage.

*1 This means that the camera can be used underwater for a certain time at a certain pressure.
According to Panasonic testing methodology. *2 MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock is a US Department of Defense standard. The devices must withstand a drop from a height of 122 cm. 26 drops are performed (on 8 corners, 12 edges and 6 sides). For testing, a set of 5 devices is used, each of which must withstand 26 drops (if one of the devices breaks during the test, a new set of 5 devices is used for a new test). Panasonic's testing methodology is based on the MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock standard. However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm to 200 cm. The cameras were dropped onto a 3 cm thick sheet of plywood. This test was passed successfully (external data, such as scratches and dents, are not taken into account).

How to use the camera
• Waterproof performance is not guaranteed if the device has been dropped.
If there is a shock to the device, the tightness of the camera must be checked (for a fee) at a Panasonic service center. • If any cleaner, soap, gel, suntan oil, sunscreen, chemicals, etc. come into contact with the camera, wipe it off immediately.
• The sealing of the chamber is guaranteed only in salt and fresh water.
• Any damage caused by improper use is not covered by the warranty.
• The internal elements of the device are not protected from water.
Failure to seal the housing will damage the camera. • Accessories are not waterproof.
• The memory card and battery are not waterproof.
Do not touch with wet hands. Do not insert a wet memory card or battery into the camera. • Do not leave the camera for a long time in places where the temperatures are too cold (ski resorts, high altitudes, etc.) or where the temperatures are too high (over 40˚C), for example, in a car in the sun, near a heater, on the beach, etc. This may cause the seal to fail.

LUMIX DMC-FT4 outdoor camera

In the LUMIX DMC-FT4 model, Panasonic did not reinvent the wheel, but slightly “finished” the DMC-FT3 camera. Externally, the new product looks like a complete copy of its predecessor, but a lot of work has been done to correct the errors - the rugged camera definitely deserves the attention of outdoor enthusiasts

A secure camera is a very unusual, rather expensive, but indispensable gadget for an outdoor enthusiast. This type of camera is resistant to shock, sand, dirt, immersion under water and low temperatures. Of course, many manufacturers have similar models - Pentax, Canon, Nikon and Casio, but still the main piece of the pie belongs to Olympus and Panasonic. This time we tested the DMC-FT4 model, the next update to the FT series. All previous cameras in this line have also been in our laboratory, and each was noticeably different from the previous one, but the DMC-FT4 seems to be an exact copy of the FT3. You can only notice slight differences in the inscriptions on the front and back panels.

It happens that compact manufacturers release “new products” simply in new cases, although the “gibles” remain the same, but leaving the case the same is nonsense! Outwardly, the only thing that gives itself away is a more capacious battery. In general, we will look for differences, because the initial examination did not reveal anything globally new.

Technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT4
Image sensor	1/2.33" RGB CCD, 12.5 total megapixels
Effective number of points, MP	12,1
Image saving format	Still image: JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF), 3D photo MPO Video: MPEG-4, AVCHD
Frame size in pixels	Photo frame: 4000×3000, 4000×2672, 4000×2248, 2992×2992, 2816×2112, 2816×1880, 2816×1584, 2112×2112, 2048×1536, 2048×1360, 1920×1080, 1600×1200, 1600×1064, 1600×904, 1504×1504 Video: 1920x1080 60/30 fps, 1280x720 60/30 fps, 640x480 30 fps,
Sensitivity, units in ISO equivalent	100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 High sensitivity mode (ISO 1600-6400)
Shutter speed range, s	60—1/1300
Exposure metering	Intelligent exposure
Exposure compensation	+/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments
Range of built-in flash, m	SHU: 0.3—5.6 Tele: 0.3—3.1
Self-timer	2/10 s
Storage device	SD, SDHC, SDXC
LCD display	6.7 cm (2.8″), resolution 230 thousand dots
Interfaces	HDMI, USB, AV-out
Nutrition	Li-ion battery DMW-BCF10E, 3.4 Wh (310 frames)
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	103.5×64.0x26.5
Weight, g	197 (incl. battery/accumulators and memory card)

Scope of delivery and additional accessories

A pre-production, but still “boxed” sample with a complete set of delivery, which included the camera itself, a charger, USB and video cables, a small user manual, a disk with additional software and a full version of the manual, as well as a double-sided hard brush, was provided for testing. designed for cleaning the camera. There are few optional accessories: a couple of cases and a mounting strap. The only option worthy of attention is the housing for underwater photography, which allows you to dive to a depth of up to 40 m, while the camera body without it can withstand immersion no deeper than 12 m.

Appearance and ease of use

As already mentioned, the body of the new product is exactly the same as that of the previous camera. Moreover, the FT4 body appears to be using old panel shapes. Of course, the build quality is very high - it cannot be otherwise, the camera is protected and waterproof, and water will not forgive assembly flaws. It is quite difficult to scratch the Panasonic FT4, so small abrasions from grains of sand do not threaten the camera. In its predecessor, the chrome coating on the plastic cover around the lens was easily erased, but the new product does not suffer from this.

At the front there is a lens, a flash window and a powerful LED lamp, which is used not only for autofocus illumination, but also as a built-in constant light source.

The controls on the back have not changed at all. At the top there is a pair of zoom control keys, just below there are buttons for switching to viewing mode and calling up the menu for selecting shooting modes, and there is a speaker right there. Even lower, the cross-shaped key has been replaced by a round multifunctional key with an enter button in the center, and at the very edge there are keys for changing the display display mode and calling up the quick menu. The latter is responsible for deleting pictures in playback mode.

The top is also unchanged: a monaural microphone, a GPS receiver antenna, a power key, a shutter button and a video key.

At the bottom there is only a tripod mounting connector.

View left and right

On the left there is a pad with a recess, which makes it more convenient to hold the camera with two hands.

The right side surface is completely covered with a lid with a locking lock—it hides the battery and memory card compartments, as well as the HDMI and USB/AV cable connectors.

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A reliable and stylish camera for everything from casual photography to extreme conditions, with support for slow motion and video editing

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT4 - looking for 10 differences

Sergey Verveyko

April 10, 2012

⇡#Technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT4
Image sensor	1/2.33" RGB CCD, 12.5 total megapixels
Effective number of points, MP	12,1
Image saving format	Still image: JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF), 3D photo MPO Video: MPEG-4, AVCHD
Frame size in pixels	Photo frame: 4000×3000, 4000×2672, 4000×2248, 2992×2992, 2816×2112, 2816×1880, 2816×1584, 2112×2112, 2048×1536, 2048×1360, 1920×1080, 1600×1200, 1600×1064, 1600×904, 1504×1504 Video: 1920x1080 60/30 fps, 1280x720 60/30 fps, 640x480 30 fps,
Sensitivity, units in ISO equivalent	100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 High sensitivity mode (ISO 1600-6400)
Shutter speed range, s	60—1/1300
Exposure metering	Intelligent exposure
Exposure compensation	+/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments
Range of built-in flash, m	SHU: 0.3—5.6 Tele: 0.3—3.1
Self-timer	2/10 s
Storage device	SD, SDHC, SDXC
LCD display	6.7 cm (2.8″), resolution 230 thousand dots
Interfaces	HDMI, USB, AV-out
Nutrition	Li-ion battery DMW-BCF10E, 3.4 Wh (310 frames)
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	103.5×64.0x26.5
Weight, g	197 (incl. battery/accumulators and memory card)

⇡#Supply set and additional accessories

⇡#Appearance and ease of use

At the front there is a lens, a flash window and a powerful LED lamp, which is used not only for autofocus illumination, but also as a built-in constant light source.

The top is also unchanged: a monaural microphone, a GPS receiver antenna, a power key, a shutter button and a video key.

At the bottom there is only a tripod mounting connector.

View left and right

On the left there is a pad with a recess, which makes it more convenient to hold the camera with two hands.

The right side surface is completely covered with a lid with a locking lock—it hides the battery and memory card compartments, as well as the HDMI and USB/AV cable connectors.