The New Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 Digital Camera

Stylish Rugged Digital Camera FT20 - Featuring HD Video Recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

Featuring a flat and slim profile, the DMC-FT20 is waterproof to 5m (16ft), shockproof to 1.5m (5ft), freezeproof to -10 degrees C (14 degree F) and dustproof. A casual, stylish look with a guaranteed rugged design, the DMC-FT20 broaden your shooting opportunity both for daily scenes in town and for outdoor leisure.

With DMC-FT20, there are two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes - 16.1-megapixel high-resolution photos and HD videos. In still image recording, the Sonic Speed AF helps catching even the most fleeting photo opportunities. In video recording, the DMC-FT20 can record HD (1280 x 720) videos in MP4 format. This format has high compatibility with computers. A separate button lets you instantly start recording video without the need of extra settings. The iA Mode and 4x optical zoom is available in video recording.

The MEGA O.I.S. compensates blurring caused by hand-shake. Even slight hand-shake movement is accurately detected by a sampling frequency of 4,000 times per second, and compensated to produce sharp, clear images. It works for underwater shots, zoom shots and macro shots, and lets you shoot in dimly lit rooms or evening illumination without losing the mood. The Active Mode effectively suppresses blur in video recording especially at wide angle while walking or playing with children.

The DMC-FT20 packages a 25mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-100mm) into a compact body. The 25mm ultra wide-angle lens has about twice the shooting area as a standard 35mm lens. The 4x optical zoom increases its power to 8x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function. This is an extensive zoom function using digital zoom with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology.

In the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, advanced detection functions work automatically and simultaneously to optimize your settings, making it easier than ever to take beautiful photos and videos every time. The Miniature Effect Mode defocuses the surroundings to make it look like a diorama, and the video is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch. The Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture.

Built to Withstand the Pressures of Daily Active Shooting

The DMC-FT20 is waterproof (*1) to a depth of 5m and dustproof equivalent to the "IPX8" and "IP6X" standard - making it perfect for use at the beach, in the sea, biking, walking and even skiing and snowboarding. Waterproofing means users can shoot in the rain or snow with no worries - so now there's no reason not to record your adventures whether it's rain, snow or shine!

Thanks to rubber padding and reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the FT20 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. The FT20 is drop proof (*2) from a height up to 1.5m in accordance with the "MIL-STD 810F Method516.5-Shock" test standard. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. All components including the lens unit are re-examined to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the FT20 freezeproof.

The FT20 is a camera to be enjoyed, not to fret over. Want to capture images of your little one paddling at the beach but worried about sand and water damaging the camera? Or maybe you're a keen biker who loves rough terrain but are worried about the dust and the effect of falling off your bike on the camera? Fear not, the FT20 is as happy in the water, on the beach or rough terrain as it is at home taking shots in the comfort of your lounge.

Looking at the Lens

The 16.1-megapixel DMC-FT20 features a newly developed 25mm ultra wide angle 4x optical zoom lens. The folded optics method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 11 elements and a prism unit in 10 groups, including an ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 9 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit renders high resolution image corner to corner even adopting the folded optics. 25mm ultra wide angle of view enables shooting dynamic landscapes or group portrait without letting them protrude out of a frame. The 4x optical zoom increases its power to 8x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology.

Capture 720p HD Video Recording in MP4

The DMC-FT20 records dynamic HD video (*3) in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30p (NTSC) 25p (PAL) in MP4 format which has high compatibility with PCs or smartphones for editing or sharing the videos. The recorded videos can be directly uploaded to YouTube. The DMC-FT20 incorporates a dedicated video button to switch between photo and video recording quickly. The 4x optical zoom is also available in video recording as well as Active Mode that minimizes hand shake even when the video is recorded while walking.

iA Mode for Effortless Images Every Time

Panasonic incorporated the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. All of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions - MEGA O.I.S., AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure - are automatically activated by just activating the iA mode. Thanks to the iA mode, users can focus on having fun, rather than worrying about setting the camera.

Features to Enjoy

The DMC-FT20 comes equipped not only with strong basic performance but also with a variety of shooting options to enhance ease and fun. The Miniature Effect mode in which the edge of shot is defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized creating a model or toy town effect. The video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch (*4). Panorama Shot makes it is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture.

The FT20 features a 2.7inch Intelligent LCD with High Angle mode, ensuring images are easy to view outdoors. Once you've taken your shots, 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.

Featuring a casual, stylish look with a guaranteed rugged design, the FT20 will broaden your shooting opportunity both for daily scenes in town and for outdoor leisure. The FT20 will be available from March in a choice of black, blue, red or orange.