Panasonic introduces its latest rugged digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-TS4 (aka DMC-FT4) replacing the LUMIX TS3/FT3. In fact, not many differences can be found between the TS4 and the TS3, but Panasonic does add some new functions to the new model. The TS4, like its predecessor, is waterproof to 40 feet (12 meters), shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters), freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14ºF, and dustproof. The shooter is capable of Full HD video recording in AVCHD and MP4 formats.
The LUMIX TS4 sports a 12.1 Megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, a 4.6x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, a LSI Venus Engine and a 2.7-inch LCD display. With the new Intelligent Zoom function, the zoom range can be extended to 9.3x. The camera is also equipped with ‘Quad Indicator’ including GPS, Compass, Altimeter and Barometer. It comes with enhanced GPS data covering more than a million landmarks and 82 countries/regions, and with the included software, the user can refer and sort photos by location names. The TS4 features Sonic Speed AF and supports 3.7fps high-speed shooting in 12.1 Megapixel full resolution.
The rugged camera includes the new Time Lapse Shot mode, in which the camera automatically take pictures at pre-set interval and condense the data into a footage; the Miniature Effect mode, in which the peripheries are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized, makes the photo look like a diorama; and the Panorama shooting mode. There is also the Handheld Night Shot Mode and 3D Photo Mode. The new Auto Retouch function can adjust contrast and brightness to give different impression to the photo with just a press of a button. Of course, you can also find Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode offering POWER O.I.S. Motion Deblur, Face Detection, Face Recognition, Motion Detection..etc.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS4 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and offers micro HDMI output. It comes in orange, black, blue and silver and is available for $399.
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