Go to extremes with the new, more rugged LUMIX DMC-FT2
Panasonic Australia is happy to introduce the new, tougher LUMIX DMC-FT2 – the second generation LUMIX rugged digital camera featuring AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities.
Waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof from a height of 2m, dustproof, and now also freeze-proof to -10°C, the DMC-FT2 offers enhanced ruggedness for the active photographer who ventures to extremes.
A newly-developed Venus Engine HD II further strengthens the camera with powerful image processing and high-speed performance. The FT2 features Intelligent Auto (iA) for both still image shooting and video recoding, ensuring optimum settings are automatically selected for the best results, every time. Importantly, the high-quality LEICA lens offers outstanding imaging in both stills and video – perfect for those who want durability without sacrificing image quality.
The LUMIX DMC-FT2 will be available in April at the end of March 2010 in a range of colours: Blue, Orange, Yellow and Silver. It has a RRP of $599.
More Rugged Than Ever
Rugged Waterproof, Shockproof, Dustproof and Freezeproof Design.
For the active or the accident-prone photographer, the DMC-FT2 features all-weather, rugged design. The DMC-FT2 has improved water-resistance to a depth of 10m, and is dustproof equivalent to the ‘IPX8’ and ‘IP6X’ standard. The LCD panel is also thickened by 1.3x (compared with the DMC-FT1) for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility, even underwater.
The DMC-FT2 is freeze-resistant (to -10°C) so it will withstand severe cold temperatures on your next ski trip or mountain climb.
The DMC-FT2 is also drop-proof from a height of up to 2m in accordance with the MIL-STD 810F standard. The lens unit is further protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from the shock of impact.
Superior Leica Lens
The FT2 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm) employing folded optics for increased durability and compact design. This 4.6x optical zoom is also available in video recording.
Enhanced HD Video Recording
The DMC-FT2 can record High Definition video in the AVCHD Lite format allowing greater recording capacity while achieving stunning HD quality.
In addition to the conventional SD/SDHC Memory Card, the camera accepts the next-generation SD format SDXC (SD eXtended Capacity). With high capacity and fast data transfer speed, this format is ideal for AVCHD Lite recording.
The FT2 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio, so you can match the beautiful motion images with outstanding sound.
With the newly added Video Divide function, users can divide their video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted half on the spot. You can also cut out a still image from a movie in the camera. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.
Included Accessories
Li-ion battery, battery charger, USB connection cable, AV cable, AC cable, software CD, strap, protective silicon jacket and battery case
Optional accessories
Marine Case (DMW-MCFT2) (for depths to 40 metres), Battery Pack (DMW-BCF10), Mini HDMI cables (RP-CDHM15/30), AC Adaptor (DMW-AC5) with multi-conversion adaptor (DMW-MCA1)
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Will the release be at the beginning of April or mid way through? I’m going on a trip mid April…
Also whats the difference between the marine case for the FT2 (DMW-MCFT2) compared to that for the existing FT1 (DMW-MCFT1)? Ie coudl you use the older case with the newer FT2?
Hi Garry,
Thanks for contacting us
The release date for the DMC-FT2 will be around very late March.
I currently don’t have any service material etc for this model, but from my understanding it will have a 14mp ccd, 4.6x optical zoom & be waterproof to 10m.
There will be a dedicated Marine Housing for the FT2.
Hope this helps,
Team Panasonic
Will the old marine case fit the new FT2?
So when is the release date? You say April 2010 here and March 2010 on the main site – which is it? Please tell me it’s March as I’d love to buy this camera before going on my next big trip!
Hi, ive got two questions regarding the ts2/ft2\’s movie mode.
1) In iA mode, can movies be recorded using the 6x intelligent zoom?
2) In normal mode, can digital zoom be used for movies (increasing the zoom well over 4.6 times) ?
thanks.
ps: from experience, question 2 was possible on the ts1/ft1.
Hello Makary,
Thanks for asking.
1) In I.A mode the i.zoom reverts to magnification of 1.3x
2) Max zoom magnification in normal mode for motion recording is 18.6x.
Hope this helps,
Team Panasonic
Can’t wait….I’m leaving on a trip the 1st of April to New Zealand. Will the camera be available on Sydney Airport?? Is the release date 1st April or End March??
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your enthusiasm!
The FT2 will be in stores towards the end of March. As for the airport stores we can’t confirm whether they will have them in store before your trip.
All the best,
Team Panasonic
PS. You might like some of the FT1 photos taken in New Zealand – to get you excited for the trip! http://www.flickr.com/photos/panasonicaustralia/sets/72157619619444860/
any confirmation on available date yet & where it will be sold, thanks
Hi Donna,
The FT2 will be available in Australian electronic and camera stores in March.
Cheers,
Team Panasonic
Hi … Is there a release date yet for the FT2? Thanks
Hi Donna,
The end of March is when the FT2 will be in stores.
Many thanks,
Team Panasonic
Hi,
Any update to when it will be available in the stores?
Have been getting mixed messages from various dealers….
ta’
Garry
When will this be available in Europe?
Hi there,
I noticed before on certain websites that the FT2 would be available after the 15th March. Ive tried to buy one from various dealers and everywhere says not currently stocking it. Has the date been put back or has there just been a rush on the camera??
Thanks,
Hi it still yet to come out be only days away now!
Cheers,
Team Panasonic
Really keen to get this before school holidays. Will it be out this week ?
I have called Panasonic twice in the past week querying when the FT2 will be available and I’ve been told it has yet to arrive in the country. Is this (still) the case? I am leaving on on overseas trip 1st April and its my preferred camera – but not the only one I could buy. Will it be available in the shops by say 30 March and if so where? I work in Sydney city.
An alternative is to buy overseas in Thailand – where it is available -however I have emailed Panasonic there asking if their cameras come with International Warranties and I have received no reply -pretty poor service by them. I know that Panasonic do provide International Warranties in some areas – eg the Middle East. It would make sense to do likewise for high tourist areas such as Phuket – customers won’t buy unless they have peace of mind. Do you know and/or can Panasonic in Australia honour such a warranty – especially where the camera is not yet available here?
Cheers
Hi Nicholas,
Thank you for your interest in the FT2.
Happy to say they’re in the country and due to start shipping this afternoon to a range of retailers (Sydney inclusive).
Cheers,
Team Panasonic
Thanks. I have made several enquiries without any luck- who has them in stock in Sydney City? And further, I’ve been told at Paxtons that Panasonic cameras come with international warranties. Can you please confirm this?
How much will it be selling for?
Hi Jess,
The FT2 has an RRP of $599.
Cheers,
Team Panasonic
I’m still yet to see these in any shop yet. I’d really like one this week before i go overseas. Any news why its taking so long to arrive in stores? I may have to look at other brands as my time is running out to buy one.
Bought 1 from http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/ today.
They are in Canterbury and had 1 in silver that was still available
I am really trying to get one before April 3rd. Will they be avalibale at Airports via Duty Free at all?
Hi,
I am desperate for your camera and cannot find it in any stores yet. You said that it will be out in very late march and it is already early april, and as far as i know it isn’t in any stores yet. Do you know whether the release date has been changed or what stores in sydney i can buy it?
thanks
plese give m eprise panasoni dms ft1// and ft2 prise indian
some video shot with this camera, with an Octopus as the cameraman:
http://www.vimeo.com/10966874
pretty rugged I’d say, lived the crushing grips of a wild Octopus! and excellent HD video quality…..am super happy with this camera!!!
Ha ha Victor this is gold!
Unbelievable footage thanks for sharing it with us – we’ve passed this on to our Facebook and Twitter followers.
Good to see you came out on top.
Keep them coming!
Team Panasonic
Victor, fantastic video
BTW, are you using any external light in that video?
Hi,
I have recently bought this camera but I am struggling with the panorama mode. I can select it fine and take several pictures that I want to stick together but I dont know how to make the several pictures one? After taking a photo in this mode it gives you the option to take the next photo, retake or exit. But when I view the photos they are all seperate and not one photo. Can you help please?
Hi Sheena,
Thanks for your question.
Once the separate images have been taken they can be combined together using Photo Fun Studio 5.0 HD Edition that is supplied with the camera. Please refer to page 77 of the Operating Instructions.
Hope this helps,
Team Panasonic
Hi,
You mention a dedicated marine housing for the FT2, any idea on a release date for it? Am tossing up between a few new underwater kits, including one with the FT2, but the others have housings already available…And my trip is in August.
Thanks,
M
Hi Mary,
The marine case DMW-MCFT2E is available from April.
All the best,
Team Panasonic
if i buy it overseas ( US from a friend )and he says ‘NTSC or PAL (depends on region)’ he said thats what was on the box……….
does that mean that it will be maunfacured in NTSC and i will not be able to change i or i can change it to PAL……. or does it not mattar?????????? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!
Hi Caleb,
If a DMC-FT2 is bought in the USA it will be a DMC-TS2 & will be an NTSC version. It cannot be altered from this system. Also no warranty would apply in Australia.
Cheers,
Team Panasonic
I have the Ft1 and it does not operate in IA mode with apect ratio 4.3 . 640 x 480 pixels which is handy when emailing pics.Will the FT2 operate in this mode.
cheers jim
Hi Jim,
Yes the FT2 will operate iA with 4.3 aspect ratio, 640 x 480 pixels.
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
This looks great. Thanks to Lumix for listening to our requests. If it works in LR as it does in this video I will be very impressed.
Hi could you tell me if rugged LUMIX DMC-FT2 has a MACRO capacity and could you please tell me the SHUTTER LAG time for this model.
Kind regards Marti
Hi Marti,
The FT2 has Macro mode, shutter release lag is 0.005 seconds and shutter interval 1 second.
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
hi guys… i have an interesting one.
i only had a 2gig sd card on my holiday, so i had to keep taking off my videos etc as i was running out of space…(great holiday)
i’ve tried to paste the files back on the card. even replacing the naming convention to a 00002.MTS style name. and it won’t work, i deleted all the database files because it would show up as UNABLE TO READ FILE
is there anyway i can pop them on the card so i can play it with my mini hdmi-hdmi cord?
Hi Nick,
AVCHD requires the whole directory of “Private” to be intact, when copying off the card the private directory needs to be copied.
If the individual transport streams .MTS have been copied only, then there is no easy way to reproduce the whole structure.
Your options now are to playback the MTS file from a PC or edit the files to another format.
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
Hi! I bought this camera in Japan and I would like to know if it is possible to change the menu which is japanese to English or if there is a way for me to get the manual in English.
Thank you !
Hi Simone,
A camera purchased in Japan will not have English language menu’s.
You may download the operating instructions from our website using the following link.
http://panasonic.com.au/support/downloads/more_info.cfm?objectID=2613
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
Does this camera stitch together images to create a panorama?
Hi Grant,
Panorama stitch is a function available with several Lumix models including the DMC-FT2.
Many Thanks,
Team Panasonic
Hi Josh,
No, there will be a dedicated marine housing for the FT2.
All the best,
Team Panasonic