advantages
- Robust credentials, quad display performance, manual mode expansion
disadvantage
- General lack of updates for the previous iteration, poor LCD screen, rather high price
Panasonic Lumix FT4 review – features and design
It’s a difficult trick to balance robust credentials with a level of usability you’d expect from a regular compact camera. It is not uncommon for manufacturers to achieve the former at the expense of the latter, or even at the expense of image quality. A line of life-safe compact cameras that has recently managed to combine a life-safe specification and good image quality while maintaining a level of usability that is similar to a standard compact camera is Panasonic’s FT series.
The FT4 is the latest model at the top of this range and features characteristic robustness. The compact one can withstand water to a depth of 12 m, survive a fall of up to 2 m, works in temperatures as low as -10 °C and is also dustproof.
It’s not just the tough credentials that will appeal to the active photographer, as the FT4 also features a range of indicators aimed at aiding budding explorers. The FT4 features a “quad display” that combines GPS tagging, compass, altimeter and barometer, the data of which can be displayed on the model’s LCD screen for reference. GPS functionality has been improved over previous models and now not only labels latitude and longitude but also provides landmark information from over a million locations for easy labeling.
The good news is that the stringent specification and various features tailored to the outdoor photographer are accompanied by an image specification that rivals many conventional compact cameras. The model features a 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with an effective resolution of 12.1 MP, accompanied by Panasonic’s Power OIS stabilization technology. As is often the case with Panasonic compact cameras, the FT4 features a Leica-developed lens with a 4.6x optical zoom, covering a focal range of 28-128mm in equivalent terms. A disappointing feature of previous FT models, although likely a compromise given the compacts’ life-safe attributes, was the 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD screen – this is on the lower end of the LCD quality scale and unfortunately remains.
The FT4 offers HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080p resolution, recording movies in either AVCHD or MP4 format. One feature that will be welcome for those looking to capture video in potentially difficult conditions is that the FT4 has a dedicated video capture button on the camera’s top plate.
The FT4 has a variety of shooting modes. An intelligent automatic settings function that selects from a range of scene modes to suit the subject, while allowing photographers to choose from these scene modes themselves when required. A welcome introduction to the FT Series with the FT4 are the new Program and Manual shooting modes, giving the photographer greater control over camera settings. Another new capture mode is a time-lapse capture – the setting allows the photographer to capture images automatically and in a timed sequence to combine them in the future. This time-lapse mode, while good in theory, is limited to a maximum duration of just 60 shots at a minimum one-minute interval.
If you’re familiar with the design of previous models in Panasonic’s FT series, the design of the FT4 will surprise you in a few ways. In fact, there is very little evidence that the FT4 differs in any way from the previous model in the range, the FT3 – the model bears exactly the same dimensions as its predecessor and accordingly shares the same styling. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: as mentioned, one of the key aspects of designing a rugged compact is that it remains operational in tough conditions, and that’s something the FT4 achieves. The function keys on the back of the camera are all comfortably raised and are easy to use even with cold or wet hands. The same goes for the shutter button on the camera’s top plate, although unfortunately the power and dedicated video capture buttons are built into the camera to most likely prevent accidental actuation.
The body isn’t the lightest of compacts, although that weight definitely gives the FT4 a solid and reliable feel that will no doubt stand up to a decent brawl. A raised section on the right side of the camera body helps provide a sure grip, although the body’s smooth stainless steel finish could benefit from some sort of contouring to provide a more secure grip.
The model’s menu system is kept rather simple, although again this is no doubt intentional to allow for easy operation in difficult conditions. Basic shooting functions are easy to adjust, advanced settings are easy to find.
Performance, Image Quality and Judgment
Panasonic Lumix FT4 review – performance and picture quality
As with previous models in the FT range, the FT4 performs well in the field without reporting any real problems or performance issues. The compact benefits from two of Panasonic’s leading high-end performance tools – the Venus Engine and Sonic Speed AF. The latter of these technologies offers excellent focus speeds that also have a dependable level of accuracy.
As already mentioned, cameras with robust characteristics often have to make compromises in other areas, which in turn can lead to problems with image quality. However, the FT4 largely avoids most of these problems and the camera is capable of taking some good pictures. The first thing to notice is the overall tonal range – images show great balance between shadows and highlights, with exposure generally being even. While exposure is consistent, the camera’s dynamic range has difficulty managing highlight detail, and a tendency for highlights to blow out is evident.
Another problem with image quality is lens flare, which can blur image details in difficult lighting conditions. Lens flare issues aside, the Leica optics do a good job, with no general distortion in most shots and maintaining sharpness even towards the edges of the frame. Colors, while generally a pleasing neutral palette, can appear oversaturated in bright lighting.
Image quality at high ISO settings is also pleasing – noise is treated fairly aggressively by the camera’s in-camera noise reduction, albeit not at the expense of fine detail, with images up to ISO 800 being usable without too much loss in quality.
Panasonic Lumix FT4 review – conclusion
The world of rugged compact cameras has changed from where it once was and as such the consumer has the right to demand far more performance, both in harsh conditions and in general use. Panasonic’s FT series was one of the first to really manage to combine ease of use with a robust specification, and the same goes for the FT4.
That’s not to say the FT4 is flawless though – improvements over the previous model in the range, the FT3, are conspicuous by their lack. As a result, you must really want the changes to justify paying the premium for the new FT4 as opposed to the FT3. All in all, however, it remains a worthy showcase for Panasonic’s impressive FT series and one of the best life-safe cameras on the market.
points in detail
value 9
draft 9
functions 9
picture quality 9
performance 9