Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1

False marketing not waterproof. Shockproof yes - I got the shock when it drowned first time – and the 2nd shock was with panasonic when i was charged $88 for them to tell me that "yes water was in fact in it" (genius), and it was $ 875 to repair it !! what the.? so it certainly isnt shock proof and beware of any other panasonic product you own and god help you if you have to contact Panasonic!!! that will be the big shock. As helpful as a box of tissues in a swimming pool. quality of pics --when it worked! It's dead!

The waterproof camera that isn't waterproof – Had this camera for about a year and a half and it has been OK, but has just decided to become non-waterproof, despite following the manual. Panasonic couldn't care less. Not the quickest to focus and shoot, but not the slowest I have used either. No lens cover and the LCD protrudes from the casing, so can be scratched easily Worked well… Read more

for 1.5 years (I expected longer for a $500 camera though!) Panasonic are terrible to deal with, not waterproof as advertised (False advertising)

It's cool that it goes underwater but apart from that – I love the fact you can take it under water or to the beach. Photo's are generally good outside but leave something to be desired inside. Video is good however - sound ok. Medium price Inside photo's

Totally disappointed – Failed first time used in 1 foot of water 1st week of our holiday.All prodedures and instructions as per manual were folowed prior to taken in water.Sent for repair. Approx six weeks later after having to follow up on numerous occasions recieved a letter stating that camera had past test and was user error but in a act of good faith they supplied… Read more

a new camera. This camera had upgraded seals fitted to compartment doors and functioned well although I was very reluctant to use in water. On only the third occasion it was used in water it malfunctioned. Again all procedures had been followed. Posted letter to head of warranty and recieved no reply. Finally contacted Panasonic by phone and was instructed to send camera to repair company. Recieved a e-mail giving me a complaint number. Once again I had to follow up after approx 5 weeks of no response. Recieved call next day telling me camera had past test and was again my error. They would accept no responsability and it was know my responsibility to contact repairer. Once again I am on holidays without a camera. I brought this camera based on their advertisments extolling the robust nature and underwater capabillities. This was not a cheap camera. I difinetly could not recomend this camera or the company and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had similar experience.

Not capable of water immersion.

Terrible – I would not buy another Panasonic camera. The FT-1 was product advertised to be capable of being used at the beach coming into contact with water, and it failed to live up to the claim. Panasonic refuses to take responsibility for their failure of design. The photos were ok, the interface was fine, and it has funky coloured cases. It leaked the… Read more

first time ever going in the ocean, despite a great deal of care being taken to clean the battery cover using the supplied brush, and it was not treated roughly either. It stopped working, and apparently water ingress was not covered under warranty.

Excellent – The Pros easily outweigh the Cons. The Cons are relatively easy to overcome are are only a consideration until you get used to the camera. Has some nice features. The cycle between pics is a little slow. There is a rattle in the camera from the lens in the off mode, that disappears when turned on. I thought it was a warranty issue until I… Read more

check a shop display unit. AVCHD Lite not commonly supported, but once your setup with applicable conversion software that eases that issue. A huge let down was the complete lack of Mac support. Mac users are left in the cold with no packaged software. SD card folders and files, especially for video, a little confusing for the 'manually' forced Mac user.

I generally use a Canon 40D and HD digital video. I bought the FT1 as a cheap little pocket camera with a water proof feature just to throw in the car play around on the beach with the kids. I just came back from a holiday where it was the only camera I used, and it did it all, including underwater in the surf.

I love it For the size of the camera it gives Good quality pics, Great quality video, Good optical zoom, Massive array of features and settings that all seem to work (ie arent gimmicks) Compact, Light weight, Easy to block lens with finger, Zoom button bit fiddly and jerky, No lens cover, AVCHD Lite video format. Zero Mac support

Good – I bought this camera mainly for the sole purpose to use it underwater and on road trips where there is the chance the camera might be bumped around, dropped in sand or splashed with rain. I have tested it underwater numerous times now (even dunking it into the aquarium) and it takes fantastic underwater photos. I do have problems actually seeing… Read more

the display screen when in sunny conditions so it's difficult to tell if you have actually taken a (good) photo or not. When snorkelling I have to just point and shoot and hope for the best. I still have to play around with all the different settings but it does take great night photos as well. I would highly recommend this camera - it's looking to be a really good investment! It has no protruding lens, durable and hard-wearing body, great colours, lightweight, waterproof! The screen is very difficult to see (if at all) when you're out in the sun taking photos.

Good – It is very robust, takes easy photo's and with a little time to work out it's on board programs you can take some great photo's. I have had no problem with the screen or the reliabilty and we ahve had the camera 7 months and taken over 2000 photo's, new grandson and a trip away :) We have a pool and a spa and we have used it in both as well as… Read more

down the beach and so far it has performed well up to my expectations. The only time the camera has failed to take a good photo is when we have not reset the function dial to the right setting. It take good pics, the onboard programs seem eays to use and the Ai function makes it easy to take quick snaps. The individual programs make such a difference to the pic given special cercumstances, i.e. sunsets, baby photo's, fireworks, etc So afr the only problem I have found is the size, it is a bit bigger than your average pocket digetal and I haven't been able to get a wet suit type pouch for it, if that is it's only problem, well?

Excellent – I just love this camera. We bought it before the birth of our first child as wanted a reliable camera for those first special moments and it didn't disappoint. We use it almost everyday and it's compact, easy to use, and more importantly, takes such good quality photos and videos. The video function is wonderful and much better than that on… Read more

previous cameras I have had (esp. the canon IXUS ones). I am very happy with this camera and would highly recommend it. Easy to use, looks snazzy and takes great photos Nothing at all (so far at least)

Bad – Like many consumer electronic devices these days: Great design, Great features, Poor build quality! It was very disappointing for a camera that is marketed as tough and robust to fail so quickly and without any rough treatment at all. It would be a great camera if it was reliable. Terrific design and great software on board. Takes excellent… Read more

quality videos for short pictures of the kids. Poor build quality (CCD failed after 6 weeks) and warranty repairs take eons (10 weeks and counting). I also tended to put my finger over the lens when taking shots in a hurry but maybe that's just me.