Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 April 2011

Not only is the Panasonic FT3 waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, but it has a number of other features that might appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 12.1Mp digital camera has an in-built altimeter, which may come in handy when you want to check your altitude on the ski slopes, and a compass, which could get you out of bother when walking in the woods.

GPS-enabled digital camera

One of the Panasonic FT3's features that's slightly more common than the altimeter and compass, is the GPS. This emerging digital camera feature is likely to have broader appeal, as it can be used to tag your photographs with titles of place names or landmarks. This gives an extra level of information to your snaps when you return from a day of sightseeing. According to Panasonic, the camera recognises a million famous landmarks around the world.

The lens on the FT3 is sealed behind a resistant sheet of plastic and the use of the 4.6x optical zoom doesn't cause the lens to protrude from the camera's body. This is to ensure a watertight finish. Likewise, the battery and memory card chambers are locked away beneath a door with a rubber seal. Panasonic claims the FT3 works at up to 12 metres deep in water.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 first look video

The rear the Panasonic Lumix FT3 has a 230k dot resolution screen, measuring 2.7-inches diagonally from corner to corner. There's no viewfinder, but then few compact cameras have them these days. For a selection of the best read our 5 best cameras with viewfinders feature.

3D panorama mode

The Panasonic FT3 also features a 3D mode. When this mode is accessed, you'll need to pan the camera in a sideways motion. During the pan the camera will capture 20 successive shots, each from a slightly different angle. The camera will then process these images to create a single image with a 3D effect that can be viewed on a compatible 3D display.

As well as still images, the Panasonic FT3 also shoots moving images. The video settings on this camera offer Full HD resolution recording, at 1080p. This is impressive for a rugged compact camera, though it'll be interesting to see how well is works underwater.

Read our full, lab-tested reviews of other waterproof cameras.

Panasonic FT3 first impressions

There are a number of 'rugged' cameras about, but with Panasonic's track record in our tests, we expect this model to be one of the better 'rugged' performers.

We'll reserve full judgment until we have the results back from our lab testing, but based on a our quick hands on use, we can see no reason why it won't perform well. Even if some of the features are a little gimmicky.

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