Lumix DMC-FT10 Tough compact digital camera RRP $249 @ BIGW for $112
Found this at my local BIGW store, seems like a pretty good deal for an Underwater Digital Camera.
Instore only as online is sold out. Appears that its only available in Black.
14 Megapixels
4x Optical Zoom
Waterproof to 3 meters
Freeze-proof to -10 degrees S
Shockproof up to 1.5 meters
Dust-proof.
Lithium ion rechargeable Battery
http://www.bigw.com.au/electronics/cameras-camcorders/digita…
It has got a wrist strap mount pount why not attach a float to it when you take it in the water?
Awesome price - I paid $180 for a refurbished one only 4-5 months ago
How did you find it? I'm heading to Thailand so it could be useful for underwater shots etc :)
It's good for the price. I got one in Aus duty free for just under $180 to take on a few trips in the Pacific. Firstly, you cannot compare it to a DSLR so don't expect extraordinary picture quality and options. The photos (and movies with sound) I got from it however were surprisingly good and had lots of colour, especially the blues which are important for island photos. The screen is hard to see when you are actually diving due to reflections so you pretty much see something you want to photo, and go crazy with the photos so you can be sure you actually get one good shot. You must let it soak for a while in fresh water after each use.
And remember, snorkeling and water sports only, there is no way you could use this for scuba. Haven't dropped it yet so can not comment on it's shock resistance.
Thanks for that personal review!
I have wrecked a few happy-snaps cameras - 1 fell in a harbour taking a running jump for a ferry - I made it but dropped my bag (floated in bag, but got water on it when they reversed the ferry to retrieve it - I learnt a few French swear words!); another 2 to sand in the lens mechanism. So sounds good to me.
I'm popping down to BigW tomorrow.
Thanks OP!
3 meters guess not bad, but if i go to the effort of getting a water proof camera might as well make sure it goes to atleast 10 meters which is what you do on most beginner courses. if your gonna go more than that i guess your doing it more seriously… though as you said great if your just snorkelling etc.
Under"water". Is that what they call it now.
Was great for snorkelling, fishing, at the beach, etc.
Spilt beer among other things on it, and was fine. The silicon case (included) adds an extra layer of 'bounce' too if you drop it; we threw it around swimming pools and the beach no worries.
Only thing to look out for is using it in humid climates; you want to only open the sealed battery/card compartment in a 'dry air' area; if humidity gets inside the camera, the lens can tend to fog up when the camera changes temperature. Nothing irreversible, it just takes a moment or two.
Excellent camera for the price though. We bought it just for a trip to Fiji, and have used it surprisingly more and more often since.
(note: it doesn't float, so make sure you get a floating wrist strap if you're planning on taking it swimming without it being permanently attached to you)
So tempted into buying one but I already got a DSLR, pretty sure my misses would kill me :(
Misses are the ones that came and went before the Missus.
might have only "arrived", which is why they went ;)
Oh man Im in the same boat, How many cameras do I need :\ but Id love a good water proof one to add to collection.
But I just got that DSE 550D SLR.
550d is just a cheap dslr, you can add this one into your collection as well.
Online - Out of stock.
Stock levels in store: low, check with store.
Rang my local BigW in Brissie - these are "advertised this week" & "plenty of stock".
from http://www.cnet.com.au/panasonic-lumix-dmc-ft10-339305212.ht…
If you want a basic tough camera and can live with its quirks, the FT10 is a decent enough choice.
Mega OIS (optical image stabilisation)
HD video recording at 720p in motion JPEG.
Price: AU$349.00
The Good:
Compact, rugged body at a reasonable price
HD video
The Bad:
No HDMI output
No one-touch video button
Image quality suffers above ISO 200
Image quality
As with most other tough cameras on the market, at least in this price bracket, you need to keep your photo quality expectations in check considering this camera's rugged focus and price point. The first issue that the FT10 has is its tendency to underexpose images in daylight and overcast situations. Colours are accurate, except for at high ISO levels
Video quality doesn't fare all that much better, with discernible flares and purple fringing appearing on the image, while the microphone has trouble picking up clear sound when the camera is submerged. Still, it does the job if all you need to do is capture some underwater footage.
I found these image problems with this internal lens system on an old Minolta camera.
image quality suffers above ISO 200
lol?
so iso 100 is about all thats useful?
But, wait there's more…
"Then, at low ISO levels there's a fair amount of digital artefacts across the image. At higher ISO levels, like 800 and 1600, the over-processing starts to cause some colour-shifts. This is as much to do with the megapixel count as the image processor"
to be fair… i looked at the manual
it complies with MIL STD810F and is "IP68" protection so it will put up with a lot of abuse
it just won't take good pictures
@tony,
guys above are talking about the image quality, not those "protection" you read from the manual.
"The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT10 is a mixed bag; its good specifications and low price are offset by image quality that we didn't fall in love with. If you're looking for a happy-snap camera that will stand up to the rigors of an active life, it is a decent choice. If you enjoy taking photos as a hobby, look for a camera with better image quality."
"The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT10 was not particularly fast in our tests. We measured start-up times to be around two seconds"
"Shot-to-shot time was also lacklustre, with the camera's buffer taking around a second and a half to save each image to the SD card. Shooting longer 720p HD movies also prevents the camera's other operations while the movie saves."
http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/digital_cameras/panason…
Great price. I had the FT1, when that died during a snorkelling session they replaced it with the FT2 on warranty. No problems since. It seems the FT10 is the newer entry level model, quite similar.
You need lots of light to get good photos under water. Make sure the sun is high in the sky and get close to the corals or fish and you will be happy. Forget about zoom under water - if you need to zoom you won't have enough light, same on a cloudy day.
At this price it should be worth it.
Amazing price! I bought an original DMC-FT1 which cost me $400+ and was awesome for snorkelling.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garglebutt/sets/721576224140636…
my FT1 died 2 days ago so been looking to buy a new one
the new FT3 can be had for ~$225 for NTSC version
(which is fine if you can plug your SDHC card into your dvd/blueray player or tv)
This FT10 is very basic and lower quality
I have the TS1 and as a camera it's been god but it did manage to get water in the LCD screen and I thought it was dead but it dried out and has worked fine since.
I haven't taken it in water since though.
It's an import so not worth sending back for warranty when it happened.
tempted to buy one for skiing and snowboarding.
Officeworks may stock the DMC-FT10A at $194!! (instore only)
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Cam…
Ask for a price match discount!!
Choice has a Compact digital cameras review (member only!) including this model.
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/technology/camera…
I went to get one from the Midland, WA BigW and they werent on special :(
Damn, was gonna go down there tommorrow! :(
As I said above, my store said is going on special this week, which usually starts Thursday.
This is a great price, I have bought one for my girlfriend previously and she loves it for pool shots.
However, I have the catalogue and it states the price as $194, so I fear this may only be at your local big w.
It's also on the website - says out of stock but is available at many stores still.
http://www.bigw.com.au/electronics/cameras-camcorders/digita…
I'll print that out tomorrow and go get one.
Yeah, I see that, but I suspect they'll say that's a special online only price, and they can only offer you the catalogue price.
Picked one up from Gateway's WA tonight for the special price.
+10% off with everyday rewards card FTW!
do we really get 10% off by presenting the everyday rewards card? cant seem any evidence of that anywhere?
the manager of the local Big w I went to last night announced it over the PA system - 10% off storewide w/ everyday rewards card. Maybe it was only for that store / yesterday. A lot of people were stuffing TVs into their trolley.
one left at hyperdome brisbane. i was goona buy it but i got a olympus 8010, which is 10meters and pretty flawless. so couldnt justify it..
did u get it from Bigw as well and if so, how much?
I just got one at werribee Bigw, it comes with a bonus 4GB SD card! so remember to ask for that.
Olympus Tough 3000 is also on clearance, reduced from $260 to $134. similar spec (waterproof to 3m too) to this panasonic one, a bit wider.
and the pentax Dslr is 50%off (from $7xx to $3xx)
Thanks for the post!
Thanks for the info.
But the Olympus Tough 3000 seems to get similar bad reviews for image quality (I found this problem in another camera with this type of internal lens system) & battery life. From a quick look, specs are similar.
"Start-up took about 3 seconds, and committing 12 megapixel Fine JPEGs to an SD card required nearly four seconds. While you don't have to wait this long to take the next picture - shot-to-shot times averaged 2 seconds in single-shot mode - you cannot enter playback until the camera finishes writing the just-captured image to the card."
"The movie mode is has been upgraded to 1280x720 pixels at 30fps (with VGA and QVGA also available), bringing the Tough 3000 up to speed with several recent rivals. The maximum recording time is 29 minutes at the highest quality. By default, mono sound is recorded with your videos, but sadly you cannot use the optical zoom."
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/olympus_mju_tough_300…
Glad to see people are getting in for the internet price :)
Wonder why the catalogue says otherwise :S
I bought this camera but there is no SD card. Where does it say that there should be one?
some boxes came with a Panasonic 4GB SD card - but the lady in the store told me the most recent ones they received didn't.
I have been looking for one of these in this price range for ages thanks OP.
Did anyone else get a mem card, I dont see mention of bonus memcard in ad, so did anyone get one?
Damn about the everyday rewards i didnt use my card :(
they have 2 different packages for this camera, one with the 4GB included. the staff gave me the one without and i asked her to check, and she gave me this one. (but i think the sd card only worth a few bucks anyway)
Just picked one up at the Karingal store - seemed to have a few left.
http://www.bigw.com.au/electronics/cameras-camcorders/digita…
Pentax K-x Digital SLR Camera
$362.00 (Save $362.00)
comes with 18-55 kit lens as per the picture.
not available online but if you can find one in store, it is a good bargain.
Few comments by users that the waterproofing only lasts 1 year & then needs replacing at about $60. Only waterproof for 1 hour in water.
Managed to get one pricematched at officeworks QV melb
no 5% price beat?
came down to $106.40(a $5.60 saving for the mathematically impaired)
QV BigW have no stock left.
did office work check if there was stock available b4 price match and price beat for u?
Picked one up at Morayfield BigW this morning. They had another 6 left. Was marked at $112.
They also had one Olympus Tough 3000 (ex-display $134.00). You could probably bargain further given that the unit is ex-display. I think the Panasonic is the better camera anyway.
got one from Chullora (NSW). They a had a couple left.
Came with a Panasonic 4GB Class 4 SDHC card
OW Albion only had 1 display model left.
So I picked up a fresh one from BigW Stafford, they had 4 left but none with the 4GB card included.
thx. got one at Top Ryde.
Walked past Neeta City NSW - 5 on the shelf.
Not sure if they have 4GB cards.
Got mine at Canberra City store this morning.
Brand new cardboard box opened of 6 new cameras, not a batch that included a 4gb Card though :(
Should be a few left.
anyone know if any big dubs have this in SA?
to answer my own question. big dubs marion has 3 left, ive put one on hold to grab tonight. go get them!
any1 know more about waterproofing for this camera?
how do u replace it?
Local BigW said the price reduction was to match camera sales at Target.
So OW is price matching BigW which is matching camera sales at Target!
3 left, said there were lots of phone enquiries late yesterday - OzBargainers.
No 4GB card boxes, price is still marked $192 but they knew it scanned for $112.
I did not buy. Not a pretty camera like others in this price range & about twice the size, has lower quality images, lower resolution screen, no zoom in movies, very slow start up & between shots, known corrosion problem with screws, and waterproof seals need to be replaced every year (these are old stock - does that mean replacing sooner?) - an added expense, unless you consider all your underwater exploits will be over in a year.
[Only camera around same price at Target was $115 thin point & shoot Sony W530 (14.1MP Carl Zeiss lens, sweep panarama). Lots of 14MP cameras around this price eg Lumix FH-2 with Leica lens, Nikon S2500 or S3100, Cannon Powershot2200 at JB HIFI, HN.
A cheapie with Sony lens, Sony W510 12.1MP for $77 at DS.
BUT NO WATERPROOF CAMERAS THIS CHEAP!!!]
Posted those other camera alternatives before research - they have image quality problems also.
do people remember this?
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/cameras/fishy-lost-cam…
it's the same model, ft10
I bought one of these from the Ryde Big W store (Sydney) mid-afternoon. They had this model on display with all the other digicams, the price tag read $112.00 (just like OP's photo) and they handed one over with no fuss at all! :-) The Big W web site allows you to "find item in store", most stores in Sydney region said "low stock, call the store" but Ryde said "in stock" and indeed it was! :-) Thanks OP!
I went and picked one of these up from Robina store in Gold Coast. Called up, said one was on hold, I put another on hold. But when I rocked up and told the guy, he simply took display stock. Only 2 on display. Had $194 price, but scanned $112. No 4gb card, but i have many spares from other cameras. Pictures aren't the best, but I do have a TZ7 and a SDT750K which take decent pictures and videos. But I really wanted something to take a few snaps at the beach in the water, not really concerned about the best image.
But in saying that, I haven't really tried it out and pictures are viewable fine. Might go in the pool tomorrow and test a few snaps in the midday sun haha.
Would be interested to know how it performs.
The display is lower resolution than normal cameras - apparently normal on these robust models, so suggest checking image quality other ways.
Haven't been back here for a while, and not sure if this even shows up when people search or not. I had a photography mate come around yesterday and I was showing him this camera. You know, a cheap little camera, not really expecting the best. Well….he had a play with it, set it to manual and we took some pics of my cat. WOW. We actually think it's not suppose to take images that sharp. Sure the iso levels were below 100, and we had good lighting. But when displayed on 1080p editing monitor he has on his dell 17" xps even he was quite shocked and it looked actually better than pictures he has taken with his DSLR. For $112 I am quite impressed now. The only one thing I'd like would be a wider angle lens, but can live with it for now and use other cameras for that.
Just got mine from Blacktown they had two left but no SD card came with it. Battery is charging now.
Just got it price matched at JB Hi-Fi Chadstone, last one in stock. They had only reduced it to $219.
EXPIRED.
Today I checked the website, phoned my local branch for stock and drove out there.
On arrival, the girl told me they gone back in price to $194 since my call.
I was not happy. After a frank but polite conversation, she called her manager and gave it to me for $112.
Though the website still has $112.
Did she scan it? Some, including my local BigW displayed this at full price, but scanned at $112.
I was told it was on special "this week ".
BigW week ends on Thursdays, but apparently just before close of trade!!!
New catalogue started Friday.
weird. what time did you go? I had no issue, I went in around 5pm. Said $194, but scanned $112. h
I had a similar problem with Cockburn Gateway. The item scanned at $194 and I advised them about BigW website price and OzBargain. Showed pictures and young girl (about 16) said too bad. My husband and I decided to leave and as we exited the store he told me to go to the front counter to speak with someone about the price. I asked for a manager to come to the front of the store, but I was advised the manager was too busy and refused!
After 20 minutes of stuffing around we decided to leave the store. As we were leaving, the girl at the front told me to go collect the camera from the photo centre and bring it to the front too be scanned. I went to the photo centre but the girl who had previously served me refused to speak with me or hand me the camera - she just looked away and avoided me, got the camera from the locked cabinet and walked to the front of the store with it. At the front counter they scanned it and put the price as $112.00.
The weird thing is, the price in the BIgW sales system (which shows sale price history etc.) was showing the regular price as $194 but sales price $112 which was to end on the evening of 16/02/12. I was told if they could not see that price in the system, they would not of sold me the item.
ANYWAY, since getting home with the camera last night, I am not really interested in this camera now - I have not opened it (still sealed) but not keen to return it due to the hassle to get the pricing in the first place. It could make a good camera for my 3 year old when he is doing his weekly swimming lessons.
I bought it 5pm Perth time, so 8pm EST.
She said they'd had a (phone?) call since I spoke to her, about an hour before.
They did a price over-ride for me.
picked one up at Epping BigW yesterday where they had about 12 in stock. Seems to work fine, low light noise is quite high, but it'll be fine for the beach and snorkeling. No SD card included, but does come with the Silicon sleeve. It's not clear if it requires this in order to be impact resistant, I'm presuming it does. You have to remove this sleeve after it's been submerged to get it dry and be very careful not to get any contamination in the battery/connector hatch seals.
Thanks OP. Picked one up yesterday arvo from Green Hills. About 5 left. Did not include SD card. Marked at $194 but scanned at $112
Thanks to the selfish dumbass who bought like 5 yesterday, I missed out on one even though I asked to put one on hold and was informed there was heaps of stock that came in.
Bought one last night.
drove home, took it out, chucked it into the water to test it out… AWESOME!
North Lakes (QLD) has 5 in stock, but scanning at $194. Not sure if you can get it for $112 or not.
I bought mine@ Werribee yesterday. No SDCARD. I put an 8GB SDCARD on it. Took 5 shots…good camera but its not for me. Havent done any submerge tests, so its basically 1min old usage:). if u missed out and desperately want one for this price.. check the ozbargain forums as I'm selling mine with 8gb..
Can I ask why specifically? Was the image quality so horrible? Or the user interface? Too slow?
Managed to get one of these today from O/W - they Pricematched a printout I'd taken from the BigW website last Thu but had not managed to get out to the shops.
Thanks OP
Just unboxed and it sounds like something is moving in the camera - when tilting front to back - is this normal? Is it the lens mechanism?
I have diassembed a similar internal lens camera - it won't be the lens.
it only seems to do it when the camera is off.
In fact according to this post : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vyNtecjqpc
The slight rattle inside when its turned off is the O.I.S elements moving. Don’t worry, all my $1000+ lenses do this as the elements are not being motor driven when it is turned off.
I was wondering the same thing. On page 112 of the manual you can download online (page 57 of the pdf), under "Q&A Troubleshooting", it has:
Camera rattles if shaken.
- This sound is made by the lens movement and is not a fault.
As ethanol found out - its not the lens but the associated Optical Image Stabilisation system - gyroscope or similar that registers movement. I have an internal lens assembly, similar to that used in this camera, taken out of a camera here without the OIS & there is no rattle.
Yeah that'd make more sense, either way it's nothing to worry about.
mine does the same but everything seems to work fine.
I picked one up from Strathpine Big W (with 4gb SD CARD) for $112 today.
Also includes silicon jacket according to pic. If only that'd make it float…