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LUMIX 2010: The Rugged DMC-FT2

February 1, 2010
Lumix Cameras & Lenses

Go to extremes with the new, more rugged LUMIX DMC-FT2

FT2-Y Slant

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

FT2-Y Back

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 LensFT2-Y Top

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.

FT2 Snow

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)

74 CommentsLeave a comment

  • 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?

  • 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 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

  • 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,

    Any update to when it will be available in the stores?

    Have been getting mixed messages from various dealers….

    ta’

    Garry

  • 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,

  • 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

  • Really keen to get this before school holidays. Will it be out this week ?

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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!!!

  • 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,

    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 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

  • 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

  • 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 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! 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 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

  • I have bought one (a Lumix AVCHD lite DMC FT2), and I then bought a SDHC Class 4 16 GB card, with the appropriate logo – as specified in your manual, but when I turn on the camera I get the follwoing error message “This card is not formatted with this camera and not suitable for movie recording”. As far as I can determine the card conforms with the specs in the manual that came with the camera – the card cost some dollars, and I am less than happy that it does not seem to work. I have looked through the menu options on the camera but can’t find one that relates to formatting – Please advise me on what I need to do. I am using the email at home. Please reply via [email protected]

  • Hi Phil,

    Put the camera into playback mode by pressing the green play button on the reverse side of the camera. Whilst in this mode press the menu/set button on the back of the camera.
    Move down to the spanner icon and press the button to move right into the menu options. If you push up three times you will see the option to ‘Format’ the card.

    Please let us know if this works..

    Many Thanks,

    Team Panasonic

  • Hi,

    I wanted to buy an underwater camera for my daughter. I have seen lots of comments on review sites that this camera leaks and is not covered by warranty if that happens. What is your thoughts on these claims??

  • What can be done to prevent the aluminium face plates corroding when I use the FT2 for sea kayaking? My 6 months old FT2 has now stopped working since the corrosions seems to have crept inside the camera. Rinsing the camera after every use with fresh water seems to have not prevented the problem.
    Not happy…

  • I RECENTLY WENT TO AN OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL AND RECORDED A FEW BANDS PLAYING SONGS LIVE.WHILE WATCHING THE VIDEOS LATER ON I NOTICED THAT THE SOUND LEVEL DROPS DRAMATICALLY WHEN THE BANDS STARTED PLAYING THE SONGS.BUT BETWEEN SONGS WHEN THERE IS NO MUSIC AND JUST CROWD NOISE THE LEVEL COMES UP AGAIN.IS THERE SOME SORT OF SETTING TO CHANGE THIS OR IS THAT JUST HOW IT IS.I AM PRETTY DISSAPOINTED.I BOUGHT THIS UNIT AFTER WATCHING A FRIENDS VIDEO OF ANOTHER CONCERT HE FILMED ON HIS FT1 AND HIS CAMERA RECORDED AUDIO PERFECT.

  • I am having an issue with my FT1. It is not reading my memory cards anymore.
    MEMORY CARD ERROR PLEASE CHECK THE CARD

  • Hi John.

    This is certainly not the case. As the waterproof cameras are a specialised product, should the customer experience any failures etc, the unit is tested to determine if the internal seals are performing to specifications & if the failure has been caused by water ingress. With this information customer service will liaise with the customer regarding the warranty service of the unit.

    We hope this helps,

    Team Panasonic

  • Hi There,

    Corrosion is a direct result of the environment the unit is exposed to. To minimise corrosion please follow the “after use” procedures in the operating instructions.

    Many Thanks,

    Team Panasonic

  • Hi Dave,

    Any equipment that has audio recording capability tries to maintain a constant audio level depending on sound volume. When the audio level is high the internal circuitry adjusts, when the level suddenly drops internal adjustments are made again. This can be reflected in the recorded audio. You can have your unit checked ny your nearest service centre, call 132600 to arrange.

    Many Thanks,

    Team Panasonic

  • Hi Lewis,

    Please contact 132 600 for servicing the FT1.

    Many Thanks,

    Team Panasonic

  • gnarlydog
    March 1, 2011 at 6:10 am
    Reply
    What can be done to prevent the aluminium face plates corroding when I use the FT2 for sea kayaking? My 6 months old FT2 has now stopped working since the corrosions seems to have crept inside the camera. Rinsing the camera after every use with fresh water seems to have not prevented the problem.
    Not happy…
    panasonicau
    March 28, 2011 at 3:37 am
    Reply
    Hi There,Corrosion is a direct result of the environment the unit is exposed to. To minimise corrosion please follow the “after use” procedures in the operating instructions. Many Thanks,Team Panasonic.

    Sorry, but I’m another example of the camera corroding even with proper washing in fresh water. Both a TS1 and a warranty replacement TS2 corroded at the junction of the case with the buttons even after immersion in fresh water for 20 min. after each use and operating the buttons to make sure there was no trapped air bubbles. Love the camera but this is an engineering problem you need to solve before I’ll buy another one.

  • Hi gnarlydog, rinsing the camera only may not be sufficient to remove all the salt residue from the camera. It should be soaked in container of fresh water for up to 10mins, wiped off & allowed to drain off any excess water etc.
    I have provided a link to a diagram showing the recommended procedure outlined in the Operating Instructions: click here
    We are sorry to hear about this and recommend contacting our Customer Care Centre on 132600 who may be able to assist you further. All the Best, Team Panasonic

  • I have waterproof sony video camera over 10 years (not the same one).In 09 I decided to go down Franklin r. in Tasmania so I added Lumix DMC-FT1 to my equipment. It took great shots and this year in Exmouth snorkeling it leaked at the rear seal. I did write to Panasonic but didnt get reply. I like to warn other users to dip the camera before going to water in bucket of fresh water and switch it on. If all seems OK then take it under fresh or sea water. My camera leaked slowly at the back (and maybe elsewhere). Luckily the SD card was OK. The rubber seal on that model wasnt perfect. I hope they did improove it. Peter

  • Hi Peter,

    Hi Peter sorry to hear about this. In order to assist you further we will need to know the Colour Designation (ie –K, -A,) after the model number & the serial number. Alternatively please call the Customer Support Number on 132 600 for assistance so they can better help you with more detail.

    Cheers,
    Team Panasonic

  • My FT2 also leaked on snorkeling trip in Egypt. I have followed the manual and checked the battery and interface seals every time i went into the water and the camera was working after snorkeling but then stopped :-O. Battery, memory card was Ok and the camera was dry.

    Local Panasonic authorized service wroted that the camera leaked througt the seals (doors) and its my fault. Despite the fact – that under theese seals it was totally dry after snorkeling (no water, battery dry – i checked). Now I have a broken overprized compact camera that I can not claim or use 🙁

    (sorry for my english)

  • Hi Dan,

    Sorry to hear about this. Please call our Customer Service Support on 132 600 to discuss and assist you further.

    Cheers,
    Team Panasonic

  • Gary, My FT2 camera fits snugly in the FT1 Marine housing. Only trouble is the zoom function is incompatible.

  • My FT1 videos playback ok in the PHOTOFUN program. BUT PHOTOFUN can’t find the videos on my new FT2 SD card, why?

  • Hi Paul,

    The FT1 uses Photo Fun Studio 3.0 HD & the FT2 uses Photo fun studio 5.0HD. If you have both cameras you probably should use Photo Fun studio 5.0 HD as it is the most recent progamme.
    Can you confirm which programme you are using to access the files? Are both programmes installed?

    Thanks,
    Team Panasonic

  • Is there an easy way to find the photos taken with Panorama assist? I have taken several thousand photos and want to stitch together the panoramas.
    previous cameras I have owned have named them different, but this doesnt seem to be the case with the DMC-FT2

  • Hi Rob, the recorded images can be combined into a panorama using the software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition on the disc (supplied). Sorting/grouping of photos can be performed using the supplied software, you can find a guide on how to use this software on p.68 of the user manual.

    If you don’t have the user manual handy, you can down load it here: http://panasonic.com.au/Support/Customer+support/Downloads+and+documentation

    If you don’t have the disc provided with your camera, you can purchase the software from our spare parts distributor. Find your nearest here: http://panasonic.com.au/Support/Customer+support/Service+centre+locator

    Cheers,
    Team Panasonic

  • My DMC FT 2 stopped working after 6 month by giving the message: this battry cannot be used. It is the original battry. I tried a second original battery. The message is the same. The camara closes down after 3-4 sec. I tried reset but before getting to the reset function the camara closes down. What can I do?

  • Hi Joerg, so that we can help you further, can you please confirm if the camera was purchased in Australia and if the batteries are Panasonic-branded batteries? If not, the firmware only recognises original Panasonic batteries, not generic branded versions. Cheers!

  • Hallo ‘panasonicau’, having spent hours in the net to find a solution to the problem I really appreciate your immediate reaction – very good service! I am a german national seconded to Indonesia and presently living in Jakarta. I purchased the camara in Singapor coming from Germany. I took the camara from the original package. Therefore it must be the original Panasonic battry. The text on it also says it. I have another Panasonic and I like the brand but hope that you can help. Maybe also with a hint for a reliable original service point of Panasonic in Jakarta? Thanks a lot!!

  • Hi Joerg, Sounds like this unit requires service. Please have the customer contact 132600 to arrange the service. Cheers!