From the Manufacturer
Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-TS1 is 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.
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.
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. A Wind 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 approximately 10 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.
Product Description
The camera body is waterproof to 3m. It’s dustproof too, so you don’t have to worry about dust or sand getting inside. And it has passed drop tests at a height of about 1.5m. This is one tough little camera that you can take wherever action takes you.The TS1 records HD motion images with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. It uses the AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format, via AVCHD Lite which stores less data than other formats and thus lets you shoot more minutes of HD motion images before running out of memory.Just set the camera to iA mode, aim and shoot. The camera does the rest for you. It automatically sets the optimal mode for the shooting situation, and helps correct blurring, focus, and brightness problems. It also activates the Face Recognition function, which finds familiar faces in a group of people and captures them in a clear focus and with proper exposure.A retracting lens with folding optics is used in this 4.6x zoom lens system, which lets you take shots from the 28mm wide-angle to 129mm telephoto. This gives you the flexibility for virtually any shooting situation – even underwater shots, where the angle of view is naturally narrowed, or when you just want to fill the frame with your subject.
July 14th, 2009 on 5:56 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Great value, This camera does for the waterproof/shockproof camera market what ipod does for the mp3 player scene. Head and shoulders above the rest.
July 14th, 2009 on 10:54 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
To Boldly Go Where No Camera Has Gone Before
Though it has a couple of annoyances which are the awkward Zoom button and no lens cap, it is a Magnificent camera. Image Quality is great, thanks to the Leica lens.
July 14th, 2009 on 11:53 pm
I was very excited to learn of this camera. It promised to be everything I wanted in a camera of this style, and it has delivered.
For specific image quality information, I suggest you look to the professional review sites. This is the best image quality on the market at this time for a waterproof and shockproof camera … good enough to say you aren’t making an image quality sacrifice by choosing this over less rugged pocket cameras of this size and style. I chose this camera with the belief that the pictures taken from this will be much, much better than the pictures from the camera that is left in its pouch for fear of damage and better than the ones taken by a non-functional camera damaged by sand, dirt, and water. With most cameras you get zero chances to drop it. I hope never to test the feature, but this camera is designed to survive a drop from normal holding height.
I chose “Sea Green” color. It is a pleasant, muted color. No reason to fear this color.
No lens cap or cover! I think this is great because the built in ones seem as delicate as the lens. Here there is no slot for crud to get into. However, your lens is exposed at all times. Even though Panasonic claims to have a tough, strong lens, I would take extra care to protect it during storage. Since it is waterproof, there is no excuse for not have grit rinsed or blown away before gently cleaning. My bigger concern from no lens cap is in the choice of case, which I will describe later.
Interface and display. There is no optical viewfinder and that is fine with me. The LCD is useable outdoors. If necessary in direct sun, both the lens and LCD can be shielded by your other hand when taking a picture since the camera is thin and doesn’t have a protruding lens. The user interface on screen is good. The Intelligent Auto setting gives just the necessary options and is good for people who don’t want to mess with many options. This is true for both movie mode and picture mode. There is a Quick Menu button which lets you quickly change most shooting related options without going into a setup mode. With a dedicated movie button, there are no dials or menus needed to switch between movies and still shots. This is good because the dial is not easy to turn. You also don’t need to turn the dial to playback. The movie button location is a little awkward, but at least there is not confusion. The power button, picture button, and movie button are all separate in position and feel so I won’t push the wrong one like I have on other cameras. The zoom switch, just in front of the shutter button, gets the job done but does not have great control. It might just take some getting used to. For those who will try to use this camera with an insulated glove … forget it. Once you get it on, you will be able to push shutter with a gloved hand, but that is about it. I did not find much need to turn the dial in normal usage, which is great. I do like that it has settings for sports, beach, and snow, plus a user defined scene, which is a great way to get to these commonly used presets.
Battery. If you are going to take a lot of video, then a second battery will be necessary. I think this is true of all small cameras. The battery is model number: DMW-BCF10. It has a separate wall charger with flip out AC prongs. You have to remove the battery to charge. Some people don’t like this, but the charger is small and convenient to travel with, and it is more convenient to charge outside the camera when you have a second battery.
Low Light. Not going to win any awards here … but not horrible. My other pocket HD video capable camera is a Kodak V1073 which has a large image sensor and does really well in low light for a pocket camera. But, it isn’t waterproof, the screen is unreadable outside, and has less zoom so I would happily used the TS1 instead in almost all cases.
Video. AVCHD Lite is a key feature here. AVCHD is compatible with Blu-ray players so this is the way to go for the future. You can always choose MJPEG if you want, but I see little reason to. I was able to play and edit without any trouble using Nero 9 on a several year old laptop. Still not a good distribution format as friends and family may not have the technology to view it, but you can always author and burn a DVD with your favorite video editing tool. Inside video with good (but nothing done special)light was very watchable, but I could find some noise if I looked for it. Outside in daylight is great.
Software. Does it come with any? I didn’t bother looking or even reading the manual.
Waterproof and Shockproof. Test on your own camera. I will trust Panasonic on this for now.
Cases. Since the camera has an exposed lens, I am more concerned about the case than with others. I worry about a soft floppy case constantly rubbing against the lens as the camera is carried, wearing off any optical coatings and/or scratching. My thought is that a case with a stiff backing should be less likely to do this if facing the lens towards the stiff backing when placing into the case. The Rezo models have a stiff backing, the Tasca don’t.
Here is the list of what I looked at or tried.
All Lowepro models:
Tasca 20: Tried it. Too small even if forcing it.
Tasca 30: Should fit, but probably will be a little big around.
Rezo 15: Fits pretty good. Sticks out of top about 3/8″ (1cm) but flap still fold over and can velcro (about 3/4 of velcro contacts). Will hold extra battery and still close. (Many complain that the battery can slip out when getting the camera. Get a small rubber band and put around the battery and it won’t slip out). Has a stiff backing.
Rezo 20: Slightly different design than the Rezo 15. I haven’t tried it, but it should fit. Will be a little thicker than the Rezo 15. The main case is zippered, and extra area has a flap. Has a stiff backing. This will close much safer than the Rezo 15. Update: Bought one from Amazon. Exactly as I described. Same outline as the Rezo 15 but slightly thicker … but plenty of room in the outer pouch for battery and memory. Since that pouch can stay closed when pulling out camera, and since camera is completely zipped (no velcro) everything is much more secure than the Rezo 15, but generally seems very bulky after putting the nicely sized camera in it, even though the camera fits as perfect as you could expect. This is the case I will use for now and recommend to those who want something that will really protect and encase the camera.
Overall, after owning for just one weekend, this camera is exactly what I expected and what I was looking for … a camera I don’t have to worry about. Update: After much more usage I am still very happy with the performance of this camera. I am getting great video from such a small camera and pictures have been better than I expected from a camera of this style.
July 15th, 2009 on 4:25 am
Pros:
1.) Very easy to use and navigate the menus etc.
2.) Takes great HD videos
3.) Works great underwater
4.) Olympus Floating Strap works great with this camera
5.) Easy to upload any video to youtube
6.) Photo Quality is excellent for a small Point and Shoot
7.) 4.6x zoom and large LCD
8.) Takes SD memory cards
9.) small battery last a long time (at least when new)
Cons:
1.) Software currently doesn’t work with 64 bit Vista – this is a huge issue for me
2.) It’s not easy to convert the AVCHD video format to something usable on the computer so I have to keep this setting on Motion JPEG format for computer use.
3.) Battery must be charged outside of the camera (not a big issue for me) I would like to get a spare though.
5.) A little expensive but overall I feel it’s a good value due to all the features
6.) Zoom button located too close to shutter button
7.) Waterproof seals recommended to be replaced yearly
Overall I love this camera and would defiantly buy it again. It’s the best underwater video / photo camera you can buy. Video quality is excellent, so much better than most from a digital camera. I found it very easy to use and set all the settings. The camera is heavy but is easily kept afloat with the Olympus Camera float strap in saltwater at least. I tried it in my fish tank and it works great. So far I find the quality in auto mode much better than my Canon S3 IS digital camera. In closing I can’t wait for more electronics to become waterproof. As of right now this is one of the best waterproof digital cameras. I would pick this over any model of the Olympus and Canon. I usually favor Canon cameras but this Panasonic is really testing me.
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July 15th, 2009 on 5:37 am
1.0 out of 5 stars
TS1 is not waterproof!
I recently bought the new Lumix TS1 for a snorkeling trip to Hawaii. I carefully read the underwater directions to make sure I was using it properly.
July 15th, 2009 on 7:51 am
This camera has continued to delight me for the past few weeks since I received it. It is small and tough enough to carry anywhere, and the pictures it takes in good light are just unbelievable; no distortion, low to no noise, and super sharpness and near HDR looking range. It boggles my mind that a camera with folded optics can work this well. But there are two bonuses I couldn’t have expected
One, it has a phenomenal macro mode. It takes just lovely pictures of objects as small as 1cm in size, and viewing the pictures on a large screen shows near-microscopic details. Plus, the lens position allows for ant’s eye view pictures by just holding the camera upside down and using the in camera photo editing (!) to rotate the resulting picture.
Then, there is the HD video. . .on the sharpest AVCHD mode, the video is just unbelievable. Many full sized camcorders from just a few years ago are no match for this tiny marvel. Further, unlike the TZ5 the continuous auto focus actually works, and is not distracting or headache inducing on play back. It does produce a tiny bit of servo noise, so if you want the best audio it’s still best to turn CAF off. On my sample the audio is good, not great; it would be nice if it had a microphone port, but you can’t have everything. It even takes -macro video-, a unique feature. I have a video up on Vimeo of a test of the macro video capabilities; it might be worth taking a look at if you are interested in the video capabilities of this camera.
http://vimeo.com/4366768 ;
Overall recommendation; buy it! You will not regret your purchase. As solid feeling as this camera is, I’m sure it will serve me for years.