Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new addition of LUMIX DMC-TS4(FT4) to its rugged design TS/FT series specially geared for active outdoor use. Featuring outstanding toughness to be waterproof to 12m with shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof reliability, the DMC-TS4(FT4) is equipped with built-in GPS system with over a million of place name information, compass, altimeter and barometer for users who enjoy active outdoor adventures.
Although the DMC-TS4(FT4) is a tough camera, high picture quality is achieved with the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens in folded optics, 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine. The DMC-TS4(FT4) is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD video recording in AVCHD/MP4. It also contributes to the high speed burst shooting and the Sonic Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities.
DMC-TS4(FT4) newly comply with manual operation, allowing users to set shutter speed and aperture for more creative freedom. A variety of special mode including Time Lapse Shot, Miniature Effect, Panorama Shot add fun to shooting experience with DMC-TS4(FT4). It is also possible to look images nicer even after shooting with new Auto Retouch function.
Also, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode lets users leave everything to the camera to take beautiful photos and videos. Once you enter the iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically, so that you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. Users can enjoy their communication with the LUMIX Image Uploader, which realizes instant image sharing via Facebook or YouTube with any PC on the spot.
Even for those who were disappointed at the picture quality of rugged design cameras once, Panasonic is proud to introduce the new DMC-TS4(FT4) – it will surely be the reliable companion for the recorder of your outdoor adventures either in diving, snorkeling, surfing, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, camping or what so ever.
* 35mm film camera equivalent: 28-128mm.
1. Tough Body with Rugged Design and a Host of Functions to Assist Outdoor Excitement
The DMC-TS4(FT4) is waterproof to a depth of 12m and dustproof equivalent to the "IPX8" and "IP6X" standard. Thanks to rubber padding and reinforced glass inside the camera, the DMC-TS4(FT4) features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. With the minimum apertural area, the DMC-TS4(FT4) boasts even higher tightness of sealing to withstand pressure in underwater as deep as 12m.
The DMC-TS4(FT4) is drop proof from a height up to 2.0m in accordance with the "MIL-STD 810F Method516.5-Shock" test standard. In addition to reinforcing the exterior of the camera with shock-resistant material, the DMC-TS4(FT4) uses folded optics to prevent its lens unit from taking damage when dropped during operation. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. All components including the lens unit are reexamined to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the DMC-TS4(FT4) freezeproof.
Integrating the GPS function, DMC-TS4(FT4) shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark using the internal data to give users real-time information of the place when taking photos to add fun of photo shooting during travel. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global use. Plus, more than 1,000,000 of landmark information covers 82 countries or regions. The photos and videos with the location names are automatically sorted in the virtual folder alphabetically in the camera allowing quick reach. You can also refer to the location names via the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.1 Advanced Edition. It is also easy to sort or search images by the location names. Internal clock of the camera is automatically adjusted to the local time of the place where the camera is, so you do not have to set the clock manually whether you go abroad or come back home.
Not only that, the TS(FT) series is the camera specially designed for active outdoor use adopts compass, altimeter and even barometer to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The barometer also works for indicator for depth underwater. The altitude gains higher accuracy by using GPS data with DMC-TS4(FT4). The barometric trend is available which helps users to forecast the climate and the log of altimeter log tells how high he/she was. The rugged design, GPS and the advanced measuring equipments offers a variety of fun in wide-ranging situations. Take out the camera to fishing or camping in the springtime, to diving, snorkeling, surfing in summer, or mountain climbing in autumn and to skiing or snowboarding in winter – The DMC-TS4(FT4) is an all-year-round active field player to record stunning memories in beautiful photo and video.
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"MAPPLE" is a trademark of Shobunsha Publications,Inc.
• GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring China.
• Depending on the locations, it may not be possible to correctly receive the signals from the GPS satellites. In such cases, positioning may not be possible, or significant positioning discrepancy may occur.
• Information measured on this unit is only a rough indication. Do not use it for technical purposes.
• When using this unit for full-scale mountain climbing, trekking, or underwater, use the measured information (bearing, altitude, depth, atmospheric pressure) only as a rough indication, and always carry a map and purpose-built measurement tools.
2. 28mm Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens, 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD and
High Performance Venus Engine for High Picture Quality
The DMC-TS4(FT4) incorporates a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm). The folded optics of shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 10 elements and a prism unit in 8 groups, including 1 ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces passing the Leica’s stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance to the edges. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-TS4(FT4) which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 2x maintaining the picture quality even combining the digital zoom. This means the 4.6x optical can virtually extend to 9.3x equivalent.
The 12.1-megapixel CCD with 2-channel signal output structure boasts higher signal transfer speed for the operations that require high performance and speed such as 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording and high speed continuous shooting. The picture quality is beyond that of standard rugged design digital compact cameras thanks to the higher sensitivity which is made possible by highly efficient light condensation adoption larger on-chip micro lenses.
For the image processor, the Venus Engine is incorporated that features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities featuring its Intelligent Noise Reduction.
Linking smoothly with the Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the Venus Engine processes a large amount of signals at high speed, making it possible to record 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD video recording and high resolution consecutive shots at 3.7 fps in 12.1-megapixel full resolution and max.10 fps at 3-megapixel recording.
At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine realizes a super-fast response time. The Sonic Speed AF and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.
3. 1,920 x 1,080 Full-HD Video Recording in AVCHD / MP4 Format
Despite its compact profile of body, the DMC-TS4(FT4) is capable of recording full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) videos in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264) format*. The AVCHD format excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players. A special, separate button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. Alternately, user can choose MP4 at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) for video recording, which has higher compatibility with PCs.
For more effective countermeasure against blur, the Active Mode is newly equipped with DMC- TS4(FT4) for an option of image stabilization in video recording. In addition to the POWER O.I.S., the Active Mode encourages active video recording at wide angle such as shooting while walking without deterioration of the image quality. The 4.6x optical zoom is available in video recording. The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording.
The videos also come with the high-quality sound of Dolby® Digital Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the motion images.
* Sensor output is 30p(NTSC) / 25p(PAL).
[For NTSC Areas]
• Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds. (excluding when [GS] or [SH] is set)
• Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
[For European PAL Areas]
• Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in European PAL areas. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
4. A Host of Functions Expands Fun of Photography
DMC-TS4(FT4) feature 3 new shooting modes – Time Lapse Shot, Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. With the Time Lapse Shot, once the start time, the interval and the number of picture to shoot are set, the camera automatically record images. You can leave the camera and get a record of stationary observation for subjects such as flowers coming into bloom, scudding cloud, wild animals in nature.
The Miniature Effect mode in which the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to look the picture like a diorama. The video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch*. Panorama Shot makes it is possible to shoot a maximum 360-degree of horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture.
* Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)
5. Other Options for Upgrading Photographic Enjoyment
- 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with AR Coating
- Manual Control
- 3D Photo Mode
- LUMIX Image Uploader
- Optional Marine Case (DMW-MCFT3) waterproof down to 40m/130ft
Waterproof/Dustproof Performance
This camera’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IPX8” and “IP6X” ratings. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 12 m (40 feet) for a time not exceeding 60 minutes.*1
Anti-shock Performance
This camera also complies with “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock”. The camera has cleared a drop test from a height of 2 m (6.6 feet) onto 3 cm (0.1 feet) thick plywood. In most cases this camera should not sustain any damage if dropped from a height not exceeding 2 m (6.6 feet).*2
This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
*1 This means that the camera can be used underwater for specified time in specified pressure in accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.
*2 “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” is the test method standard of the U.S. Defense Department, which specifies performing drop tests from a height of 122 cm (4 feet), at 26 orientations (8 corners, 12 ridges, 6 faces) using 5 sets of devices, and passing the 26 orientation drops within 5 devices. (If failure occurs during the test, a new set is used to pass the drop orientation test within a total of 5 devices)
Panasonic’s test method is based on the above “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock”.
However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm (4 feet) to 200 cm (6.6 feet) dropping onto 3 cm (0.1 feet) thick plyboard. This drop test was passed. (Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distortion of the part where drop impact is applied.)
Handling of the camera
• Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or dropped etc. If an impact to the camera occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a Panasonic’s Service Centre to verify that the waterproofing is still effective.
• When the camera is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive, sun oil, sun screen, chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately.
• Waterproof function of the camera is for sea water and fresh water only.
• Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will not be covered by the warranty.
• The inside of this unit is not waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
• Supplied accessories are not waterproof (excluding Hand Strap).
• Card and battery are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also, do not insert wet card or battery into the camera.
• Do not leave the camera for a long period of time in places where temperature is very low (at ski resorts or at high altitude etc.) or very high [above 40°C (104 °F)], inside a car under strong sunlight, close to a heater, on the beach, etc. Waterproof performance may be degraded.
• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
• The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.
• The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• The "AVCHD" and the "AVCHD" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
• Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
• Some accessories are not available in some countries.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
