Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera (Silver)

First off... for all you people complaining about the AVCHD format... here's a converter that works very well if you don't have decent editing software.
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This camera does everything it says it does. I know there is a lot of discussion about just how waterproof it is or isn't, but I gotta say... mine has worked just fine from kayaking, to pool parties, to swimming in the ocean. I did get a little fog inside the lens at the beach, which probably isn't a good thing, but it went away and still works just fine. I think as long as you are very thorough when checking the seals before you close it when changing the battery or SD card, it will be as waterproof as they advertise. Now I'm not ruling out the possibility of defects. So I guess it may be a lottery situation like with many electronic devices.

As far as picture and video quality... obviously not the BEST, but definitely great for what the camera is designed for and the price. The pictures are a little washed out sometimes (not all the time), and the audio on the video is definitely lacking (once it's gone underwater your lucky to hear anything unless you tip it upside down and tap the water out of the mic holes), but considering digital cameras this size even 5 years ago shot medium quality video (at best), it is a very good camera.

Obviously there will be improvements in the world of compact waterproof cameras in the years to come, but for right now, I don't think you can ask for anything better for this price.

I bought this camera primarily for its ruggedness and underwater capability. Did extensive research and decided this camera offered the best combination of image quality, features, and design out of all the "rugged" cameras I looked at. I already own a Nikon D40 DSLR and several lenses for the times when I need serious image quality and flexibility, but if I'm going to trade off capability for portability with a compact camera, it would be nice to get some new capabilities in exchange, and this camera delivers.

Image quality is decent for a compact. Not anywhere as good as a DSLR, but certainly better than a lot of Sony and Olympus models I looked at, which smudge every last ounce of fine detail into what looks like a water painting. I usually shoot mine at the 5MP setting to save on memory capacity, and I don't see much difference between this and the 12MP resolution. There's just no way this tiny lens and sensor will capture 12MP worth of detail, not even close to my 6MP DSLR. The bonus of this option is the extended zoom feature, which uses only the center portion of the sensor, thus allowing me to zoom in closer without degradation in image quality, unlike regular digital zoom.


Some other notable features I like:
-relatively fast auto-focus for a compact
-usable zoom range, starting at a moderately wide 28mm equivalent focal length
-optical image stabilization
-easy exposure compensation
-"intelligent exposure" to tame the highlights and shadows in high contrast scenes
-macro shooting
-adjustable white balance (no fluorescent preset, but can set custom WB using a white/gray card)
-variety of scene modes, including long exposure and lower-rez high speed burst (about 7fps)
-dedicated button for HD video recording with optical zooming and image stabilization
-nice-looking design, doesn't resemble a plastic toy camera

The waterproof capability seems to hold up just fine. I submerged the camera in my sink, and saw no problems. Also took it on a wet and wild boat ride where it got splashed with salt water as I was filming video, then washed it off under a faucet when I got home, and the camera performed without a hiccup.

Overall, I'm fairly happy with this camera, and the price is very reasonable for the capabilities it offers. In fact, it spoiled me, and I would not buy any other compact camera unless it offered at least the same kind of ruggedness and features.

I ordered this camera as a gift, and it functions well, but the focus motor broke about 2 weeks after receiving it. I hope Panasonic will replace the camera with a new one, not one that's been refurbished.

I really loved this camera and had it over a year. I took it to the beach and it worked great in the water, but a year later when I took it in the pool I double checked that all the compartments were secure but water still made its way into the battery compartment and the camera was ruined. However, I really did love the camera up to that point. I do think it takes great pictures and I am sad that I can't use it anymore. I just want to let everyone know that the 2nd time I used the camera in the water it did not proove to be completely waterproof. Next time I want a waterproof camera I am going to splurge for the Sony DSC-T900 and the MPK-THH Marine Pack. My father has this and it works great!

We have had a few Casio Exilim cameras before this one as carry-with-you snapshot devices. Those were slim and inexpensive, but one died due to a drop in shallow water and the other due to a drop onto concrete. Those experiences made the Panasonic's water- and shock-proof claim attractive. We used it on a mission trip to Southern Texas and I will not go back to Casio. The picture quality is notably better, especially the outdoor pics. We took it in the ocean and captured some really great video, too. I like the "iA" feature which automatically selects a scene mode based on what the camera sees. It works pretty well for most conditions and helps you get good shots without having to mess with settings. The start-up time is also very good. Taken together, these features mean I could whip it out and grab a shot at a moment's notice (which is important in a snapshot camera). My favorite feature, though, is the wider angle lens. I was really surprised how much more you can fit in a shot with it. It actually takes some getting used to as you have to either move closer or use the (very adequate) zoom to get close enough to see people's faces. It's much better than the old "scoot in a little closer" while backing up to try to get everything in the picture. The menu setup is pretty intuitive, too, unlike some cameras I've played with (like an Olympus which was terrible). Overall, I am very pleased with the camera and would say the extra cost was definitely worth it.