Panasonic Lumix FT-3 for snorkelling

ringo747

ringo747

ringo747

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Hi folks,

I have been looking for a camera to take snorkelling and had been looking at the Lumix FT2 but now the new FT3 is available so have been looking at it.

I don't own any camera at the moment but want something that will do nicely for snorkelling and also as a decent point and shoot camera for general usage in the longer term. I like the idea of HD video on it too.

Would some kind soul please take a look at the FT3 specs and maybe advise me on how worthwhile it would be? It is £300 which is within my budget but I don't want to go ahead without asking some experts about the specs etc.

See it here on Amazon

Ta.
 
If taking it in the water, attach something that is positively buoyant to it.
Last thing you want to see is your negative camera slip from your hand and you watch as £300 sinks out of reach.
 
Yes that sounds like a good idea. Where could you get such a thing? Would you just look for something that will float over and above the camera weight?
 
ringo747 said:
Yes that sounds like a good idea. Where could you get such a thing? Would you just look for something that will float over and above the camera weight?
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Yeah, pretty much. You might find the camera is pretty positive by design, but anything to ensure it doesn't sink like a stone.
 
I have not seen anything on the FT-3 since it isnt out yet but the FT-2 model was well built and took good pictures. Im not sure if the FT-3 allows for a custom WB to help with the colour issues with taking pictures under water.

The Canon Powershot D10 gets high praise even though its a very old model, ugly as hell and doesn't have the slimness of the FT-3.

Oh and I wouldn't worry about the buoyancy of any of the models as its easier just to make a loop in the wrist strap so it can't fall off your wrist when in the water :p
 
MrCake said:
Oh and I wouldn't worry about the buoyancy of any of the models as its easier just to make a loop in the wrist strap so it can't fall off your wrist when in the water :p
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Tell that to the friend of mine who lost £700 worth of camera, housing and flash on a dive when she only looped it around her wrist. She said it was plenty tight and couldn't possibly slip off :eek:

She started to surface, the camera slipped and being very negative it disappeared in the poor vis very quickly and she could not catch sight of it again.
 
Just got back from snorkeling yesterday and was thinking the same thing ... wish I had a camera that I could use in/under water and looking for info on the exact same model.

Does anyone here actually own one? I was looking at getting the FT2 last time but now tempted by this model!
 
The FT-2 reviewed really well so I'm guessing the FT-3 is even better but reading reviews means very little to me as I don't know all the photography lingo.
 
A friend just got a FT-3 and from the brief hands-on I had, it looks good. Has a dedicated underwater mode which I assume shifts the WB. Seems nicely built with decent controls.
 
Seeing as I'm going to Philippines in July then Perenthian islands soon after I decided to get one, should be arriving later today :D I don't know much about photography and always have fairly "simple" digital cameras so I can't give a detailed review but can give my unprofessional opinions on it after I've had a play :)
 
I'm really interested in peoples opinions on these too, they look perfect for having on a bag strap while I'm mountain biking. Fed up of having to take bag off my back to get camera out.
 
Ironic Namesake said:
Seeing as I'm going to Philippines in July then Perenthian islands soon after I decided to get one, should be arriving later today :D I don't know much about photography and always have fairly "simple" digital cameras so I can't give a detailed review but can give my unprofessional opinions on it after I've had a play :)
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Excellent - looking forward to reading your review :)
 
Thought of the sony tx5 ? I know its old but its waterproof/shockproof/720p recording and a third of the price of the one linked in the OP. Also has a touch screen.

 
Sorry forget to mention its used. From a shop that sounds like sex.

Mine was 2nd hand on ebay paid £105, but cheapest new is £150 on ebay. Not sure if I can link them.
 
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ringo747 said:
Excellent - looking forward to reading your review :)
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Well I've received the FT3 the other day and not had much time to play with it yet at all, only tried a couple of short videos which I put on YouTube. Definitely a bonus for me that the camera supports recording in 1080P!


Anyway the main reason I bought it was for beach/snorkeling etc. so this will have to wait a bit until I get to somewhere I can use it properly , in about a months time.

The build quality feels very sturdy - no doubt the camera can withstand a drop from height (well, it is 2M shockproof after all!). Not had a chance to test the waterproof capability yet but I'm sure there won't be any issues there, even recommends you to soak it in fresh water for 10 minutes to clean after using it in sea water :p

I've only tried the GPS indoors (well, on the balcony) and didn't manage to get a lock - will see if this is better out in an open area. Menus etc. are easy to use for me, as I've had Lumix range cameras before anyway so no complaints there. Only complaint so far is I'd prefer a rocker switch for the zoom rather than 2 separate buttons but I'm guessing the waterproofing is safer like this.

Anyway if you have any specific questions etc. I can try out :)
 
Ringo, have you decided on your camera yet? :)

Ironic Namesake Your vids were nice. Have you had time to take any simple action shots with yours? I've shortlisted this camera for next years India trip. I'll be there during Holi festival and the camera will no doubt end up covered in various coloured powders, be nice just to dip it in water to clean it all off though :) Have a good trip - look forward to seeing some photos with your FT3.
 
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Still not ordered anything but I think the FT3 is the one I will go for. The FT-2 reviewed really well and I don't think there is much competition in the price range.

You could get cheaper but I wanted the HD video too. Probably will order one but don't need it for a few weeks just yet.
 
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