Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4

Panasonic has updated its rugged-series of cameras with the new 12.1-megapixel DMC-FT4. Fitted with a 2.7-inch LCD screen with an anti-reflective coating, the FT4 is capable of capturing videos in 1080p full-HD and sports a 4.6x, 28mm wide-angle zoom lens. Compared with its FT3 predecessor, the FT4 comes with slight cosmetic improvements and is newly equipped with full manual controls.

Upside

For a rugged camera of its class, it's expected that the camera comes with some tough specifications to brave the elements. The FT4 is waterproof up to 12m, shockproof to 2m, can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius and is dustproof as well. The camera is also equipped with an inbuilt electronic compass, altimeter and barometer to display one's altitude as well as calculate barometric pressure.

The new camera also comes with GPS capabilities. Users can geotag images to its mapping database of 1 million landmarks and track their progress with the included software. Shutterbugs no longer have to scratch their heads wondering where they shot that scenic locale.

The above features were already available in the FT3, but what's new that the FT4 offers users full manual control. Previously, the FT3 predecessor could only capture images in Program and iA mode. Now the FT4 allows users to adjust shutter speed and aperture values, so shutterbugs can get more creative control over their images.

Downside

The FT3 and FT4 seem to share similar features, based on specifications alone. With only an incremental change, users may be convinced to buy the older model at a lower price point.

Also, we would have preferred if the new camera was Wi-Fi-enabled so it would be easier to back up and transfer content to external devices.

Outlook

Overall, it seems little has changed between the FT3 and FT4 in terms of specifications--barring the fact that the FT4 now sports full manual controls and may appeal to more experienced users who want more shooting flexibility. Although the new camera has slight cosmetic improvements, we think that the FT4 would need to provide more in terms of image quality and performance to convince buyers to bite. We'll have to do a full evaluation on a commercial unit before passing any judgment, so look out for our full review.

Pricing and availability hasn't been confirmed yet but we'll update this story when we get more information from Panasonic.