We were lucky enough to test it in two extremely apt conditions – kayaking and coasteering, and it seems to have survived both of these tests completely unscathed (you should give the camera a wash in clean water after you’ve taken it in the sea to protect against salt damage). The first rather conspicuous way in which the TS7 is a notch below our higher-rated rugged point and shoots is that it's larger and heavier, which in our streamlined, pared-down world is an important factor. Press the Playback Button while pressing and holding the Shutter button. It sells for about $450, which is a considerable amount of money. You can display a grid, which helps somewhat, but an electronic level would have been very handy for getting pictures straight when you’re bobbing about in the sea, or in a kayak, and are almost shooting blind. Polar FT7 is a high-end heart rate monitor and one of the best. Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom. Panasonic FZ2000 review Build Quality & Handling The Panasonic FT7 features a solid set of rugged credentials, which as a result makes the camera feel very sturdy in the hand – arguably it looks a little blocky and utilitarian, but for a camera you’re more concerned with surviving than being stylish, you probably don’t care. Is … The FT7 / TS7 was set to its best quality JPEG mode and mounted on a tripod with stabilisation disabled. Therefore, it should be noted that it may not be up to the final, finished quality in some respects – which includes image performance. The zoom is operated by a rocker switch on the back of the camera. Not all options will be available in all shooting modes, with fewer options in the fully automatic mode, for example. Insert the SD Memory Card prepared in Step 3 into the DC-FT7/TS7. A slightly quirky function is the ability to use the Panasonic FT7 as a torchlight without activating the camera. … Panasonic’s latest compact camera, the Lumix DC-FT7 (also know as the DC-TS7), is a new “rugged” camera. Test score Show Context. our bi-weekly newsletter for tips & tricks. Panasonic says this might come in handy for things like cave walking and nighttime hikes – but it’s probably also useful for finding the toilets at a campsite at 3am, too. 1.18 µm 1.31 µm Pixel pitch tells you the distance from the center of one pixel (photosite) to the center of the next. This should come in handy for composing in bright sunlight (which, if you think of the FT7 as a holiday camera, will hopefully be a pretty common occurrence). There’s one area of the compact camera market that seems to be good at defending its position from the rise of smartphones – ironically enough, that’s “tough” cameras. There's lots to like about the Lumix TS7 / FT7, including its excellent tough credentials and a decent built-in electronic viewfinder. In time I expect you’d get used to naturally placing your hand in the appropriate way, so as to ensure this doesn’t happen, though. Representing the tough muse it brings, Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 has solid design with strong cut and typical tough camera look. The Panasonic measures 4.6 x 3.0 x 1.5 inches, making it bulkier than the Nikon Coolpix W300 (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.2 inches) and the Olympus Tough TG-5 (4.5 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches). Pixel pitch. © Copyright 2003-2021 Photo 360 Ltd. Other features of the Panasonic FT7 include a 20.4-megapixel high-sensitivity sensor, which is joined by a 28mm 4.6x optical zoom (giving you a 28-128mm equivalent focal length). If you want to know why, see sensor sizes. Almost a year to the day since the introduction of the hugely popular FZ5 (and 4MP sibling the FZ4) - itself an upgrade to the FZ3 - Panasonic has announced its successor, the 6 megapixel DMC-FZ7. The Panasonic Lumix FT7 (or TS7 as it’s known in North America) is the company’s latest rugged waterproof compact. The Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 (called Panasonic TS7 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 (labelled Panasonic FT7 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public in May 2018. Hey Team! In good light and good conditions, JPEGs straight from the camera (it doesn’t shoot raw) display a pleasing tone, with a good amount of detail. That is, it has a number of tough credentials, which make it ideal for shooting in a wide variety of different conditions. I have not reviewed a camera like this in a long time. All rights reserved. Panasonic Lumix FT7 / TS7 review. Reviewed Aug 2018. £399.00 Typical price. To open the door you’ll need to first slide open a lock switch, and then release the catch for the door, which should ensure you don’t accidentally open it underwater or in sandy/dusty conditions. Join fellow photographers and receive The diagonal of Lumix DC-FT7 sensor is not 1/2.3 or 0.43" (11 mm) as you might expect, but approximately two thirds of that value - 7.7 mm. I’m not entirely sure if this is due to the challenges of using the camera while attempting to swim or kayak in choppy waters (so not entirely the camera’s fault), or an issue with the camera being an early sample – it’ll be interesting to see how the finished product compares. A decent array of buttons adorns the Panasonic FT7, which are pronounced enough from the body of the camera to be easy to operate in difficult conditions, such as in the cold, underwater or while wearing gloves (or some unlucky combination of all three). Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 diagonal. Panasonic FT7 Comparison Review The Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 (called Panasonic TS7 in some regions) is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in May 2018 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The Panasonic FT7 that we have been shooting with is an early pre-production version of the final model. There’s also the option to geotag your images via your smartphone – a good way to make sure you know exactly where you were when you took a shot. For jobs like that, you might want to take a closer look at the new Panasonic Lumix FT7 compact camera. A fairly small, but significant, criticism of the FT7 is that it doesn’t have an option to switch on a level while shooting. Both the FT7 and the TS7 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The camera is waterproof to 31m/102ft, shockproof to 2m/6.6ft, pressure resistant to 100kgf/220lbf and freezeproof to 10°C/-14°F. But can it do it well? Occasionally, the FT7 struggled to find focus even with quite a distinctive subject. The Lumix FT7 /TS7 isn’t a massive departure from the FT5 in terms of design, but it is a little bigger and weightier. Panasonic FT7 early verdict I had a lot of fun with the FT7 and it survived a real challenging few days out at sea. The newly released FT7 is the latest in a long line of underwater tough cams, and boasts a 20.4MP 1/2.3in sensor and a 35mm equivalent 28-128mm f/3.3-5.9 lens. At 11.3 ounces, it's also heavier than the W300 and … It’s a major upgrade to the five year old (and now discontinued) Lumix FT5 / TS5 with an updated 20.4 Megapixel sensor and a stabilised 4.6x zoom with a range of 28-128mm. There is a 5 year gap between Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 (2018) and Panasonic FT5 (2013). Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 review: ... Panasonic is a little heavy on the noise reduction at higher ISO settings and by shooting in raw you can control the balance between detail and noise. It’s easily withstood several intense activities, including extended dunking in sea water. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Cinema5D tested the new Panasonic FT7: The Panasonic LUMIX FT7 is certainly a rugged outdoor travel companion that can do it all, whether you take it to the mountain, a sandy beach or underwater. And dirty. The screen is a 3.0-inch, 1,040k-dot device, which is fixed and not touch sensitive – touch sensitivity doesn’t tend to work too well underwater, so it’s not a huge surprise that the FT7 relies on button presses instead. The tough camera is packed with many new features, so let's take a closer look at what Panasonic has on offer with the TS7. To examine noise levels under real-life conditions, I shot this scene with the Panasonic Lumix FT7 / TS7 at each of its ISO settings. Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 review. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Below is a small selection of sample photos shot with the Panasonic FT7 on a kayaking and coasteering trip along England’s south coast. 3.0-inch 1,040k-dot Rear Monitor The Panasonic FT7 (announcement here) (in the US it’s called LUMIX TS7) is the latest member in Panasonic’s arsenal of photo cameras that can shoot video. With a super rugged body, 4K video capability, 4.6x optical zoom lens and optical stabilization system, EVF and rear LCD screen, there was a lot to look forward to. Its brawn certainly isn't in question, but I was hoping for a touch better image quality (pre-production allowances aside) and a larger sensor to help it … The quick menu is where you can find the majority of basic settings that you’ll want to change regularly, such as Photo Style, video record quality, AF mode and so on. Jabber Digital Media Ltd. - 4 Beau Street, Bath, BA1 1QY. The Lumix DC-FT7 is one of Panasonic’s tough range. Intro. It should be noted that the LVF doesn’t automatically activate when you lift the camera to the eye – that can seem a little unnatural, but the LVF is only really there to assist on really bright days, and is unlikely to be something you’ll want to use for all of your shots. Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 (Panasonic Lumix FT7 outside the US) is the camera I review here. New for this model, when compared to its predecessor, is the introduction of a 0.2-inch, 1170k-dot equivalent electronic viewfinder. Panasonic Lumix FT7 Tough Compact Camera. – Full Disclosure, this is on loan for review purposes This time we’re looking at the Panasonic LUMIX FT7 – The whole point of this camera seems to be that its quality captures in a rugged and take … As you’d expect from a waterproof camera, the Panasonic FT7 has a sturdy and tight door which conceals the charging port and the memory card slot (the FT7 takes SD/HC/XC cards). Sometimes you can’t treat your gear the way it’s supposed to be treated. As another preventative measure, if the lock is open, you’ll see a small red strip behind the lock switch to alert you that it needs to be locked. Compare. This is positioned just underneath the small thumb rest, which makes it ever so slightly precariously positioned for accidental zooming, especially when you’re using the camera underwater or anywhere that you can’t concentrate wholly on what you’re doing. Panasonic has offered 4K video and 4K photo support on the Lumix FT7 … The chunky handgrip is a big improvement and you can turn on the AF assist LED and use it as a torch. Panasonic Lumix FT7 Full Review We publish our review of the new Panasonic Lumix FT7, the camera is waterproof to 31m and has a built-in EVF. Panasonic Lumix FT7 has been unveiled as the newest rugged camera in the Lumix family. It offers a resolution of 20.2 megapixel. Here is the review of Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7. And wet. cameras that are robust and waterproof as standard. That said, early impressions are pretty good. The shutter release button, meanwhile, is a large button on the top of the camera, which would seem oddly bulbous on a normal camera, but here works well to help you find it in otherwise fiddly conditions. All things being equal, newer sensor generations generally outperform the older. As we’ve come to expect from Panasonic cameras, the FT7 is also replete with a host of other useful functions including 4K Video and 4K Photo, Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of digital picture effects. If your smartphone isn't quite good enough to take the snaps you really want and you're about to set off on holiday, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 could have caught your eye. There are also other handy tools which are useful for a variety of different activities, which includes a compass and altimeter. Contact Us. The Panasonic Lumix FT7 is built around a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which features a 20.4MP resolution. Another camera review comin’ atcha! Contents show. Sometimes things get rough. Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 Design. I use the word “moderate” because if you drop it from high enough, smash it with a hammer or engage in similar levels of foolishness, it will break. That means it can take a moderate amount of punishment. It covers pretty much all your needs in terms of weather, dirt and water. This is a different chip to the 1/2.3-inch 16.1MP sensor used within the Lumix FT5 and offers a sensitivity range of ISO 80-3200, with the option to extend it as high as ISO 6400 in challenging low-light environments. Other useful buttons on the Panasonic FT7 include a button which directly accesses the 4K Photo modes, a Mode button for choosing the exposure mode, a playback button and a button to switch on the LVF. In my final review, find out if the FT7 / TS7 is the best waterproof rugged camera for you! One particularly handy feature is the ability to charge the camera via USB. Undefeated Toughness Panasonic's new rugged compact camera LUMIX FT7 can capture images anywhere you go. It comes with awesome features such as Energy pointer, exercise guidance, accurate calorie burn and many more. This is super useful if you’re taking the camera on adventure trips where you might not necessarily have access to a wall plug – simply chuck a battery pack in your bag and you’ll be able to charge up the FT7 on the go. Panasonic Lumix FT7 Panasonic has a reputation for excellent compacts, and this extends to its underwater range. This is a different chip to the 1/2.3-inch 16.1MP sensor used within the Lumix FT5 and offers a sensitivity range of ISO 80-3200, with the option to extend it … The Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 (known as the FT7 outside of North America) is the first compact rugged camera to feature an electronic viewfinder (as of May 2018). Although we’ve only been able to use a pre-production sample of the Panasonic FT7, early impressions are very good. The new Panasonic FT7 fits neatly into this category, boasting waterproofing down to a best-in-class 31 metres, shockproofing from a height of 2 metres, freezeproofing down to -10 degrees and crush proofing up to 100kg. You’re never going to get the same kind of detail as you do from your DSLR, but you also aren’t likely to go swimming with your DSLR, either – much less jump off rocks with it. The Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 handled chromatic aberrations pretty well during the review, with limited purple fringing present around the edges of objects in certain high-contrast situations, as shown in the examples below. Tough cameras are models which you can take with you on all of those pursuits that your mobile phone simply wouldn’t be suitable for – so deep underwater, suffering knocks and scrapes, freezing cold conditions, and more. The Panasonic FT7 features a solid set of rugged credentials, which as a result makes the camera feel very sturdy in the hand – arguably it looks a little blocky and utilitarian, but for a camera you’re more concerned with surviving than being stylish, you probably don’t care. The LUMIX FT7’s 0.2-inch 1,170k-dot equivalent high-resolution LVF (Live View Finder) equips you to compose the perfect shot. Finally, something is really happening with outdoor cameras, i.e. A monitor such as FT7 can help you to take your fitness regime to a completely different level. While on the whole compact cameras (with a small sensor) have pretty much died a death thanks to the excellence of modern smartphones like the Huawei P20 Pro, there’s still a niche market for adventurous types who would otherwise not be able to document their endeavours. Watch this space for a full, in-depth review as soon as a full product sample becomes available. The Panasonic Lumix TS7 camera is the latest in Panasonic's rugged TS series and it is aimed squarely at active outdoor photographers who don't want to stop to protect a camera when the action starts, no matter the conditions. Learn how your comment data is processed. Panasonic Lumix FT7 – Features The Panasonic Lumix FT7 is built around a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which features a 20.4MP resolution. It's waterproof to 31 metres and freezeproof to -10ºC, dustproof, shockproof to 2 metres, and pressure resistant to 100 kgf. The following display will be shown on the Monitor (Fig.2).