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Waterproof, shockproof and dustproof. Throw in a 12 megapixel sensor and the ability to record HD videos and it’s no wonder the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is winning praise like “best watertight point and shoot we’ve used” from Wired magazine. A quick check on Cnet’s site and I see that Wired is not alone with their summation, with the camera earning an Editors Choice Award (4/5 stars). Cnet’s Joshua Goldman writes, “…You get a reasonably strong and waterproof package with very good photo quality and performance. If I’m going to drop $300 to $400 on a rugged point-and-shoot camera, it should not have a design that looks out of place away from the water.”

If you’ve never owned a waterproof camera, it does take a little time to get to quell your normal aversion to water and electronic. It’s especially great in the pool for those shots where the water level splits the frame and diffraction occurs. I bring it with me when I go fishing to capture those moments on the water. You can just simply wipe off the fish slime and water spray or rinse it off under the tap. Pretty cool!

Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-TS1 is the world’s first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities. The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The Lumix TS1, with a 12.1-megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic’s proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced imaging features.

The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments–especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment’s lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1’s LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.

– from manufacturer

Customer Review From Amazon 5 stars

This camera is great! Here’s why I (filmmaker/parent)bought this one instead of others:
1. Wanted to shoot HD video anywhere, any time, without having to lug around my HVX.
2. Shoots on memory cards, unlike the Sony P.O.S. I bought that shoots HDV and if the camera breaks you’re up a creek. If the camera croaks, at least I can get the footage/pics off of it.
3. I have kids, so I never know when I’m going to want to shoot it, and this camera is easily small enough to fit into a cargo pocket or pants pocket (I’d recommend getting a body glove neoprene cell phone sleeve to put it in – fits perfect).
4. I have kids, so it has to be waterproof/dusproof/indestructable since I want to take it to the pool, camping, hiking, etc.

Pros:
- Shoots video super-instantly and easily, recording with one button push vs. my wife’s olympus which makes you go through menus.
- Video is SUPER-smooth, probably because of the super-wide angle lens. I mean, rediculously smooth.
- Stills look great too.
- Did I mention nearly indestructable.

Cons:
- No lens cap at all – bad design – an indestructable camera where the lens is always exposed? always carry it in something.
- STUPID USB cable that’s proprietary and DOESN’T charge the battery when it’s plugged in.
- AVCHD Lite looks good, will import into Final Cut Pro like it’s a P2 card, but is otherwise kind of a pain to deal with. The Panasonic software blows.
- Expensive battery, but definitely get a spare.
- Took some figuring to get the settings right for shooting with (min. shutter speed, mainly. I’d rather a photo or video be dark than blurry).
- No intervalometer (sp?). That would have been cool.
- Speaker/head phones jack – as a filmmaker, to put videos on this to play back to show people would be cool, but the speaker isn’t great.

– T. Szymanski

Buy Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera (Silver) from Amazon $285

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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