The New Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 Digital Camera

Rugged Digital Camera FT4 - for Powerful Outdoor Use with Built-in GPS Function, Compass, Altimeter and Barometer

• 12m Waterproof, 2.0m Shockproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof Protection
• Full HD Video with 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD
• Built-in GPS Function with Place Name and Landmark Information
• Time Lapse Shot That Enables Interval Shooting Automatically
• Quad Indicator - GPS, Compass, Altimeter and Barometer
• POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode to Suppress Blur

The DMC-FT4 is waterproof to 12m (40ft), shockproof to 2.0m (6.6ft), freezeproof to -10 degrees C (14 degree F) and dustproof. It is surely the reliable companion for the recorder of your outdoor adventures either in diving, snorkeling, surfing, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, camping or what so ever.

The DMC-FT4 can record full HD 1920 x 1080 videos in AVCHD / MP4 format, thanks to Hi-Speed CCD that features higher transfer processing speed. The AVCHD format excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray DiscTM players. The MP4 format has high compatibility with computers. A separate button lets you instantly start recording video without the need of extra settings. The 4.6x optical zoom and iA Mode are available in video recording. Videos also come with the high-quality sound system of Dolby® Digital Creator.

The built-in GPS function displays not only latitudes and longitudes, but also the area information that covers 203 countries or regions and the landmark information of over 1,000,000 locations in 82 countries or regions. The photos and videos with the location names are automatically sorted in the virtual folder alphabetically in the camera for quick reach. You can also refer them via the included PHOTOfunSTUDIO. Geo-tagged images can be pinpointed on the maps of social media internet maps to be shared with your friends and families.

With the Time Lapse Shot, you can record stationary observation just by setting the start time, interval and number of pictures to shoot. Once everything is set, the camera will automatically continue shooting subjects such as flowers coming into bloom, scudding cloud, or wild animals. The DMC-FT4 adopts compass, altimeter and barometer (indicator for depth underwater) to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The altimeter log helps you forecasting the climate and the log of barometric trend tells how high you are.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) boasts double repression power compared to the MEGA O.I.S.. It is particularly effective for a low-frequency vibration, which is physically generated when pressing the shutter button or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed. You get bright photos without blurring even from handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds. The Active Mode effectively suppresses blur in video recording especially at wide angle while walking or playing with children.

The DMC-FT4 is a tough camera, but don't be fooled into thinking that's all it is. The FT4 does not compromise on picture quality thanks to the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens in folded optics, 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine. Bold and rugged, yet intricately designed the FT4 is the perfect outdoor, active camera.

Waterproof and Dustproof (*1)

Impressively specified, the DMC-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-FT4 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. With purpose built optics, the DMC-FT4 boasts even higher tightness of sealing to withstand underwater pressure down to as far as 12m. For those deep sea divers or scuba divers, when coupled with the optional DMW-MCFT3 Marine Case, the FT4 is waterproof to 40m - so there's no limit to your underwater photography!

Drop Proof and Freezeproof (*2)

The DMC-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-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-FT4 freezeproof.

With its waterproof, dustproof, drop proof and freezeproof capabilities, the FT4 opens up a realm of photographic opportunities. Where users had previously not been confident to take the camera, such as the beach, the sea, skiing and boating to name but a few - the FT4 can confidently accompany users on their travels and adventures and capture those treasured moments.

Equipped with GPS (*3)

With a clever GPS function, the DMC-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 landmarks in 82 countries or regions are included. 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. The 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.

Panasonic's FT series are specifically designed for active outdoor use, utilising a compass, altimeter and even barometer to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The barometer also works as an indicator for depth underwater. The altimeter gains higher accuracy by combining GPS data with DMC-FT4. The altimeter log is available which helps users to forecast the climate and also to log barometric trends. . The rugged design, GPS and the advanced measuring equipments offers a variety of fun in wide-ranging situations. Take the camera fishing or camping in the springtime, to your diving, snorkelling or surfing trip in summer, or mountain climbing in autumn and even to skiing or snowboarding in winter - the DMC-FT4 is an all-year-round active field player that records stunning memories in beautiful photo and video.

Feature Packed and Technically Superior

The DMC-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 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, Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-FT4 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 2x maintaining the picture quality even when combining the digital zoom. This means the 4.6x optical can virtually extend to 9.3x equivalent, so you can be sure to zoom in on those action shots.

The 12.1-megapixel CCD with superior 2-channel signal output structure boasts higher signal transfer speed for the operations that require high performance and speed such as 1920x1080 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 powerful 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 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 - perfect for active adventurers.

Record in 1,920 x 1,080 Full-HD in AVCHD / MP4 Format (*4)

Not only can the FT4 capture stunning still photos, despite its compact profile, the DMC-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, users can choose MP4 at 30p(NTSC) / 25p(PAL) for video recording, which may be more suited for use with PCs.

For more effective countermeasure against image blur, an Active Mode is newly developed for the DMC-FT4 this further enhanced image stabilization in video recording. In addition to the POWER O.I.S., the Active Mode supports 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.

Utilising its strong heritage in digital video cameras, Panasonic has equipped the FT4 with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the motion images.

A Host of Functions Expand The Fun of Photography

With its high usability thanks to its tough design, high picture quality, and ability to record full HD video, the FT4 ticks all the boxes for the active user. Continuing to go one step further, Panasonic has included 3 new shooting modes - Time Lapse Shot, Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot - to expand the fun and creativity of photography.

With the Time Lapse Shot, once the start time, the interval and the number of picture to shoot are set, the camera automatically then records consecutive images. You can leave the camera to get on with recording a time lapse observation of subjects such as flowers coming into bloom, passing clouds, or wild animals in your garden.

Miniature Effect (*5) mode in which the edge of scene are defocused while saturation and contrast are emphasized to give the effect of a diorama. Videos recorded in this mode are 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.

Let the Camera Do The Hard Work With iA Mode or Take Control with the Manual Mode

The FT4 features Panasonic's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which lets users leave everything to the camera to take beautiful photos and videos. Once you enter the iA mode, 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. For those who wish to set the shutter speed and aperture themselves, the FT4 has added manual operation for more creative freedom.

However the photos are captured, users can rest assured that thanks to the 2.7inch LCD with AR Coating, images are effortlessly easy to viewback outdoors, so there's no reason not to check images instantly and re-take if you need to!

With its tough body and rugged design, the FT4 is fully equipped for outdoor adventures in any season - whether it's diving, snorkelling, surfing, climbing, skiing, snowboarding or camping - the FT4 will deliver and ensure you have a memory to treasure. With superb photo and video recording in an extremely tough body, the FT4 will be available from March 2012 in a choice of black, blue, white or orange.