Looks like Panasonic has entered the waterproof camera market as well.
Here is some information
Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-TS1, 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.
“Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing,
hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of
the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel
confident using in these tough environments,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager,
Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.
“Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family.”
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.
The TS1 records AVCHD Lite HD video, allowing almost double the recording time in HD quality
compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1 also features Dolby Digital
Creator to record high quality audio to match the high-quality motion images.
Also new in 2009, the TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie Mode. For iA in
Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which helps prevent
handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in a
frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on the face.
Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as
conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene
Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light
modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. AWind Cut function is also available
to block out most of the noise from background wind. Optical zoom can be used in motion
image recording. Users can start video recording by simply pressing a dedicated button on the
camera’s back panel.
The TS1’s iA for still image adds Face Recognition – a feature that “remembers” faces from
previous shots. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus
and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded
several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once registered, if the face
appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and
prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.
The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two
CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for Face Recognition, AVCHD
Lite and HDMI output. It integrates the numerous advanced functions with high performance,
and low-power consumption. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, it’s easy to view photos or
movies recorded in AVCHD Lite. Simply insert the SD Memory Card from the camera in the
Panasonic VIERA® HDTV’s Image Viewer SD Memory Card slot to start playback, or connect
the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable to a VIERA Link™-equipped Panasonic VIERA
HDTV and use the TV’s remote control to run slideshows.
This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time. The TS1 starts up
quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately 0.005 seconds, making it
easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes
it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash. The Venus Engine
HD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400, sensitive
enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. Despite its outstanding
performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient, extending the battery
life up to 340 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
Other features of the LUMIX DMC-TS1 include:
New Scene Modes for Still Images: Beach & Surf mode gives users a single mode with
optimized auto white balance for optical shooting on the beach and in shallow water.
New Panorama Assist scene mode allows users to shoot a number of consistent
photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according to a guide that
overlaps the screen. Then using those photos and the bundled PanoramaMaker
software, users can create dramatic panoramic images.
Increased Scene modes for both still and motion image shooting – optimized for a
variety of situations. There are 26 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image
(Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery, Low light, Food, Party, Candle
light, Sunset, High sensitivity, Beach & Surf, Snow, Aerial, Pin hole, Film grain and
Underwater)
LED Illumination is available in motion image recording.
High-Speed Burst (Speed Priority) that fires off approximately10 shots per second.
Menus are clearer and easier to navigate with the Display Size option.
Macro Zoom function lets users pull subjects even closer to capture dramatic close-up
shots by using the 3x digital zoom in the wide-angle.
Bundled Software: The latest version of PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition allows users to
view, edit and archive captured content with greater ease and fun. Still and motion images
can be transferred to the computer via a USB cable for viewing and archiving. Using
PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition, users can edit and remove unwanted portions of video
clips recorded in AVCHD Lite. Contents recorded in AVCHD Lite can be burned directly
onto a DVD disc or converted to MPEG2 format. The software also incorporates the Face
Recognition function, which recognizes registered faces in photos stored on the computer,
making organizing and archiving photos with a specific person much easier. Additionally,
motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange models in April
2009 for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information, please visit
Not to be Outdone Olympus has released its toughest waterproof camera yet.
Here is some detail on that camera
The Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 – main features:
• Shooting in toughest situations – shockproof to 2m**, waterproof to 10m***, crushproof to 100kg**** and freezeproof to -10°C
• Available in Platinum Silver, Midnight Black or Steel Blue
• High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture great scenes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions
• Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
• TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves
• 12 Megapixels to make poster-size prints if you want to
• 6.9cm/2.7″ HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
• Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology, other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Easy checking of air and water pressure thanks to on-screen manometer
• LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
(up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible
Fuji </ST1
