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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-08-25


Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1: Review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 Review:

If you tend to be a little rough with your cameras and you need something that can withstand the abuse, then you may want to check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. With a market full of a variety of different point and shoot cameras, the DMC-TS1 stands out from the rest because it can withstand submersion as well as the occasional drop. This makes it safe enough to let the kids use, or a perfect work camera for those whose jobs may require them to spend much of their time in the outdoors. Regardless of where your life may take you, the DMC-TS1 can take the bumps that come along while providing quality image performance when you need it most.

Weighing 5.76 ounces, and measuring 2.49" x 3.87" x 0.89" the DMC-TS1 is a 12.1 megapixel digital point and shoot cameras that is equipped with a 4.6x optical zoom. The lens in this rugged point and shoot can handle anywhere from a 28mm wide angle to a 128mm telephoto shot, allowing photographers of any skill level the ability to capture a wide range of photos regardless of the environment the camera is placed in. The DMC-TS1 also comes equipped with a 2.7" TFT LCD display that allows you to preview your shot before you press the button to take the picture. Combine this with fact that this handy little camera is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, and you have a portable point and shoot camera that can take whatever life throws at it and still come back for more.


Rating:  4.6 out of 5

Features

If you have never been able to take the perfect shot, simply because you could not figure out the right settings for the situation, then the DMC-TS1 has you covered. With the Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) you can take the perfect shot each and every time, simply by pressing a button. Similar to the automatic image features that can be found on competitors models, the DMC-TS1 offers users Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Scene Selector, which allows the camera to do all the work for you. Face Recognition and Face Detection work to recognize the faces in your shot and will optimize the focus and exposure settings for the best shot. The MEGA O.I.S is Panasonics version of a shake detection system. This feature eliminates the blurry images that can occur due to a shaky hand, making each image look as good as the last. The Intelligent Scene Selector helps take the guesswork out of selecting the best scene setting for your shot. The DMC-TS1 will choose from Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Macro allowing the camera to deliver the best possible image each and every time. The DMC-TS1 also gives you the ability to capture HD motion images for a longer time frame than some of its competitors. With the ability to capture images with a 1280 x 720 resolution, while zooming in and out. The DMC-TS1 utilizes AVCHD Light which allows you to capture higher quality motion shots that will take up less space than a standard motion JPEG. The best feature of the DMC-TS1 is its ability to stand up to a variety of different conditions without failure. If you like to spend most of your time in the outdoors, or even underwater, this handy point and shoot offers the features that allow you to take it nearly anywhere without the fear that your camera will get damaged. Since it is waterproof, shockproof and even dustproof, submersion in up to 10 feet of water, or a drop from 5 feet will not prevent it from functioning. Combine this with the dustproof feature, and it is the perfect camera to take with you to the beach for capturing those great family moments you may have otherwise not been able to capture.

Performance

The DMC-TS1 does quite well for a ruggedized point and shoot camera. Images are sharp, detailed and full of color, but performance may not be the best in low light underwater conditions. As for the toughness factor, the DMC-TS1 can stand up to the occasional drop, but like any electronic device may start to show wear if it is consistently dropped on hard surfaces so like any other camera, utilize some form of restraint to keep the camera securely in your possession when using.

Summary

In conclusion, the Panasonic DMC-TS1 may just be the perfect point-and-shoot camera that can go anywhere the photographer does. While it is more rugged than other models on the market, you should still take care in this point and shoot as it can still be susceptible to damage after an excessive amount of drops. If you are looking for an easy to use, ruggedized point and shoot then the Panasonic DMC-TS1 may be the way to go.

Pros

  • Waterproof, shockproof and even dustproof
  • 4.6x optical zoom
  • 28mm wide angle to a 128mm telephoto shot
  • 2.7 in LCD Screen

Cons

  • no aperture or shutter priority

Related Links

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ2:
6.0 megapixel, 10x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen, Mega optical image stabilizer

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28:
10.1 mega pixels, 18x optical zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD

Olympus SP-590 UZ:
12 megapixel, 26x wide angle zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD screen

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