REVIEWS / POINT AND SHOOT / PANASONIC INDIA PVT LTD

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2

01 Oct, 2010, 12:30 pm IST | by Sandeep Balachandran | Point and Shoot

Point and Shoot


PRICE IN INDIA

25,990

TECH2 RATING

8.0

AVERAGE USER RATING

8.0

How we test

CONTACT

Panasonic India Pvt Ltd

 prdesk@npi.panasonic.co.in

 +91 124 4596 600

 www.panasonic.co.in

When it comes to all weather cameras there aren’t too many to choose from but there are some pretty good and swanky models. For instance the recently reviewed Olympus Tough-3000 proved to be a versatile little camera and the Panasonic DMC-FT2 promises to be even better.

 


The Lumix DMC-FT2 is a 14.1 MP camera and is probably one of the toughest looking cameras around with rivets on all four corners (front and back). However they are mere showpieces that add to the overall look of the camera. But that shouldn’t make the DMC-FT2 any weaker in its overall build. The camera features a brushed metal finish (front/back) that is far more appealing than the glossy body that some feature. In fact the rivets and the metal finish give the FT2 a very retro look. Just like any other all weather camera the DMC-FT2 is a chunky device that measures in at 3.91 x 2.48 x 0.96 inches. However don’t be fooled by its size – the camera can withstand a fall from a height of 2 meters and can be submerged to a depth of approximately 10 meters. In addition to this the FT2 is also built to survive sub zero temperatures. However it does have limitations of up to -10 degrees C. In terms of weight the camera is a little heavy at 190 g but can be overlooked for its sheer ruggedness.


The boxy look that it sports doesn’t quite make it a stunner but the features should be enough to satisfy adventurists. Moreover to improve the durability of the camera the FT2 comes with a rubber sleeve that fits tight when worn. So you can be rest assured that your camera will survive the harshest of falls unless you really chuck it against something hard. Pictures and videos can be viewed via the 2.7-inch screen and the overall screen performance is good allowing you to view images even on a bright sunny day. Buttons on the FT2 are well placed and come slightly raised from its base, allowing you to navigate with ease. Towards the top you will find the zoom and shutter release buttons.

 

Apart from its 14 MP CCD sensor the FT2 also features a 28 mm wide angle lens that allows you to capture a wider aspect than traditional 32 mm lenses. There are around 26 different scene modes to choose from apart from the dedicated Beach and Surf, Snow and Surf modes. And just like most Panasonic camera the FT2 comes with a quick menu mode which allows you to configure settings such as Auto Focus, Picture size, Video/Record quality and a few more. However the settings that are available are dependent on the shooting mode that the camera is set to. Camera interface remains the same as most other Panasonic models. Nevertheless navigating between menus is easy and the large sized and protruding keys add to the overall responsiveness.

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Tags:

FT2 , Panasonic FT2

Would you buy it?




 


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Features
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Performance
The performance score is derived from the benchmarks and tests run on the product. In case of the subjective scores, an average of the scores given by the group of reviewers is considered.

Build Quality
The build quality of a product is important so that it doesn’t fall apart after some use. The build quality scores from the way the product is designed and the kind of materials used in the product.

Value
Value for money comes from the fact that a cheap product is able to provide most of the performance of a higher priced product. Once again, value for money is judged by comparing pricing and performance of products in a particular price range or category. 

There are many other aspects of the product that are looked at such as the bundled software and accessories. All of these scores are aggregated together to form the final score.

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1 - 3

The product is bad in almost every aspect. We strongly advise against purchasing this product.

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An average product that isn't the best you can buy, but isn't the worst either.

7 - 8

Product with this rating is highly recommended because it's priced sensibly, has a good set of features and performs well.

9 - 10

Exceptionally excellent product with features and performance unlike any we've seen in the past. A must-have for everyone!

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