Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 (DMC-FT3) Rugged Review by CNET UK With Rating 4/5

On January 25 2011, Panasonic announced the LUMIX DMC-TS3 (aka DMC-FT3), a rugged camera supporting 1920 x 1080 full-High Definition videos. The 12.1 Megapixels DMC-FT3 is waterproof to 40 feet (12m), shockproof to 6.6 feet (2m), freezeproof to 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C) and dustproof. It also comes with a 4.6x, 28mm wide-angle zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD at 230,000 dots with wide-viewing angle and Anti-Reflection coating, 1920 x 1080 full-HD movie recording, 3D photo Mode, GPS functionality, a compass, altimeter and even a barometer. 

The DMC-TS3 is listed for retail at $399.99 and is available in red, orange, silver, and blue. Here is the summary of review by CNET UK, giving the camera a rating of 4 out of 5:

"The cheaper a rugged camera is, the more likely it is that it will compromise on picture quality and features in favour of rubberised seals and so on. That's clearly not what's going on with the FT3, however. It offers a surprisingly generous array of features. Among the more typical functions is a 1080p high-definition video mode, which records in the AVCHD format. You can start filming in a flash using the camera's dedicated movie button. The picture quality is certainly a cut above average, although, unfortunately, only mono audio capture is possible. As mentioned, the FT3 includes a built-in GPS system, but it also has a compass, altimeter and barometer. The positioning tools can be used to provide real-time information about your location and add valuable metadata to your photos. The barometer also works as a depth indicator when you're underwater, which is useful for knowing when you're close to reaching the unit's 12m limit.

When it comes to actually taking a photo, the FT3 uses a combination of a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a Leica DC Vario-Elmar 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens to produce some highly commendable shots. The 4.6x optical zoom isn't hugely powerful by current standards but it's still above average. At the highest resolution, the camera typically captures natural colours and plenty of detail in outdoor situations, although there's a tendency towards softness. Purple fringing around the edges of high-contrast areas is kept largely at bay, but our test shots did display a slightly higher than average amount of grain, even at lower ISO settings. That said, the FT3 bravely resists any further increase in the picture-noise department until about ISO 800, which means blur-free interior shots are possible without having to engage the built-in flash. Even if you put all the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3's extra features to one side, it's still a great camera. Assuming you'll take full advantage of its rugged build quality and geo-positioning tools, we'd say this robust and versatile little camera is easily worth its otherwise hard-to-swallow asking price."

Best Underwater Camera Out There!, Jenn Novesky - May 12 2013
We bought this camera in 2011 after a cruise. We knew we would take one a year, at least, and we would be heavy into underwater activities - snorkeling mostly. It worked like a dream in 2011. Last cruise, we forgot to pack it. HUGE mistake. We had to buy one on the ship and the thing got waterlogged and broke in less than 6 months. We're very careful with our camer...

Perfect Fit, Gam3rHav3n - May 07 2013
I wanted a camera that could go surfing with me. I wanted a camera to go snowboarding with me. I needed a camera I did not have to worry about breaking or drowning. This is the perfect fit. It has been 2 years and it still works great with no issues. It takes amazing pictures and I find that I have my camera more often then my Wife with her big ole professional one becau...

AVOID THIS CAMERA !!!! IT DOES LEAK !!!, igotthelife!!! - Apr 30 2013
This camera takes great pictures until you get it wet. I bought this camera a little over 13 months ago. I went on my first snorkel trip last week and the camera display started flickering. It now will take pictures out of the water but cannot play back the pictures or changing any of the settings is impossible due to the flickering display. I contacted Panasonic and i...

good camera, Denise M Harwood - Apr 25 2013
We purchased this for underwater pictures on our vacation. You have to be VERY still (which is difficult when water is splashing against you) but the camera performed beautifully. We followed all the guidelines for rinsing after using in saltwater and pool water and haven't had any problems. I don't find it quite as easy to use as our other camera, but my husband like...