I'm A Panasonic Early Adopter! This Means I Get My Hands On A DMC-TS5 Soon!

I recently applied for the Panasonic Early Adopter program through their Facebook page, and was selected! I get to test the new waterproof, shockproof, GPS and wifi-enabled DMC-TS5! I will write up a report for Panasonic and give feedback on the product - right up my alley!

 

Panasonic DMC-TS5

Image Source: www.amazon.com

 

I have an earlier version of this camera, the DMC-TS3, which I bought about a year ago. I've taken care of the camera, but never worried about getting it wet, even taking it underwater, out in the sand, etc. I've always been pleased with the images it produces.

 

(Click Here) to see a post of images from the TS3. If you search my blog for "DMC-TS3," you'll see more.

 

I have stated in the past that I'm not affiliated with or compensated by any camera company. While I'm really pleased to get my hands on the DMC-TS5, I'll refer directly to an excerpt from Panasonic's Terms and Conditions regarding my affiliation (or lack thereof) with the company:

 

"Panelists acknowledge that they will not be compensated or otherwise personally enriched, directly or indirectly, for submitting Content."

 

So, I promise that I'll remain objective about my comments on any product, Panasonic or otherwise.

 

I can't wait to try out some of the new features of the TS5, including an app to use my iPhone to remotely trigger the camera. Cool!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 Goes Fossil Hunting

Fossil Skull? by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

iso100, f3.3, 1/640 sec

 
I took my little DMC-TS3 to the beach yesterday, where it belongs. The waterproof feature makes it perfect for trips like this. We went looking for fossils, and found a lot. The one above is by far the most intriguing. I'm still conferring with the experts (not me) to decide what it might be, but I'm pretty convinced it's a skull of some type.
 
These deposits are from the Pliocene, about 2-5 million years old.
 
In addition to the big find, there were lots of great shell fossils to peruse.

 
 

Shell Fossils, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

iso100, f3.3, 1/640 sec

 
 

More Shell Fossils, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

iso100, f3.3, 1/400 sec

 
 
I loved how this eucalyptus tree grew on the edge of the cliff.
 

Eucalyptus on the Edge, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

iso100, f3.3, 1/400 sec

 
I am very pleased with the Lumix DMC-TS3. For all of these shots, I used the Intelligent Auto (iAuto) setting. They are all directly out of the camera, with no editing whatsoever. It couldn't be easier to get decent shots in good light. And, the GPS is also very useful.
 
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Now This Could Be Cool - An Online Lumix

 

Image Source: http://files.petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2012/03/samsung_mini1.jpg

According to a post on PetaPixel, both Samsung and Panasonic are considering adding internet capability to cameras, using the Android operating system.

(Click Here) for the PetaPixel post.

I can imagine that it would be nice to be able to automatically upload images to my flickr account, even while I'm shooting. I can also imagine using my camera to guide me when I get lost. I guess I can even imagine using a bluetooth device to talk on my camera. But, what I can't imagine is that many people will not also have a phone in their pocket while they're out shooting. So, maybe the real usage will be restricted to photo-related tasks?

I also wonder if this would be limited to the Japanese market for Panasonic products? As far as I know, they sell phones in Japan, but I'm not sure if they sell anywhere else. I'm pretty sure Panasonic phones are not available in the US.

Anyway, this is intriguing.

I think I'd rather have wireless connection from my camera to my iPad, honestly. Now that would be cool.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

I Haven't Had My DMC-TS3 Underwater Yet, But...

I do find it fun to use at the water's edge and surface.

 

Catharpin Creek, by Reed A. George

Panasonic DMC-TS3, Intelligent Auto Settings

iso100, f3.3, 1/1000 sec

 

This image was taken at the confluence of Catharpin Creek and Bull Run Creek, a place known as Sudley Springs, where 15,000 Union soldiers crossed to fight at the first battle of Manassas (Bull Run). The same place was used in the Union's retreat after a sound defeat on the battlefield.

 

The TS3 couldn't be easier to use. So far, I have been quite pleased the the iAuto setting.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Three Heinies

 See What I am reduced to when it's cold outside and I am too busy to get out and shoot much?  No, I didn't drink them...

 Three Heinies, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

iso100, f5.3, 1/200 sec

I am finding it challenging to hold the TS3 steady enough to avoid blur.  I'm sure it is my technique that needs to improve.  I think part of the problem is that I treat the camera as a point and shoot, which it is.  But, I need to pay attention to the shutter speed it selects.  I'm sure I'll get it down over time.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

First Few Shots From the Lumix DMC-TS3

I Got the Orange One

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-TS3D

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was interested in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, which is a waterproof, freeze-proof, shockproof compact.  I also mentioned that the DMC-TS4 was announced, according to Panasonic tradition, at the end of January.  I took the opportunity to get the TS3 at a great price, since for me the upgrades that went into the TS4 were not that important.

 

I do a lot of outdoor activities, many around water.  So, I plan to put a lot of miles on this little camera.  However, it being winter, and me being busy, I haven't had much chance to get out with it yet.  In fact, all of the pictures I'll share below were taken within a few minutes' walk of my office, at the beautiful research campus where I'm lucky enough to work.  Here they are:

 

Snowfall on Campus, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, iso320, f3.3 1/60 sec

 

 

 Fallen, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, iso400, f3.3 1/40 sec

 

 Rising, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, iso160, f3.3 1/160 sec

For the snow shots, I used the canned "snow" picture mode.  I noticed that several of the images had motion blur, so I need to watch my shutter speed a little more closely.  I also need to figure out the focusing modes, as some were focused other than where I had planned.  

I should also report that the GPS function seems imperfect, in that it uses the latest location in memory, even if it has been inside, unable to update.  So, my images are tagged as being in Montgomery County, Maryland, even though they were taken in Virginia.  I would prefer that it insert no information if it hasn't been able to update since last used.

I plan to share some more exciting images as the weather improves, and I make it out into the field.  I wanted to post at least some initial results, and share how nice it is to be able to carry a camera out in the snow, or submerge it under the river surface, without worrying about damage.  This camera will be at the low end of image quality for me, but the tradeoff of toughness will likely allow me to capture some shots that would otherwise be missed.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Interested in the DMC-TS3?  Get it here at Amazon by clicking below:

The Trend Continues! - New Rugged Lumix DMC-TS4 Announced

 

New Lumix DMC-TS4

Image Source:

 http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/pressrelease/first_half_new_production2012_2/index.html#ts4

 

Back on January 11, I posted about the trend of new Lumix waterproof, shockproof camera models being announced in January.  It started in January 2009, and has now occurred every year for four years, culminating in today's announcement of the DMC-TS4.

It seems that the main differences from the DMC-TS3 are in higher resolution video, manual exposure settings, with the rest being software features, including time lapse, "miniature" mode (which I have yet to understand), panorama assist, and automatic image retouching in the camera.

I must admit, I was not patient enough to wait for the new announcement, and my DMC-TS3 is on its way to me in the mail; I purchased last weekend.  Based on what I see, that was not a bad decision.  These improved features may well be important to others, but I don't feel like I missed out.

Apparently some others see it the way I do.  My reading of dpreview's user comments generally agrees:

(Click Here) to see the dpreview announcement and comments.

I will be writing my impressions of the DMC-TS3 in the coming days and weeks, as I get my first experience with a waterproof Lumix camera.  I plan to get it wet!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

The TS4 is not yet available, but if you want a great deal on the TS3 (which is the way I went recently), support this blog and buy it here:

Surf Photography With Compact Cameras?

 Yes!  The capability of compact cameras sure has changed in recent years.

 

User Gary R. on dpreview posted this story about going to Oahu's North Shore with three compact Lumix Cameras:  DMC-LX5, DMC-TS1 (underwater), and DMC-ZS7. 

 

 (Click Here)

 

 

Source: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=40345180

It is certainly worth clicking through to his pbase album to see the rest of his images:

(Click Here).

 

I was hoping to see some images from inside the waves with the TS1, but they aren't there.  Regardless, I think it's impressive how well Gary captured the gorgeous waves and the feeling of the beach.  Sounds pretty good on a rainy cold day here in Northern Virginia.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 - I'm Interested

The Lumix DMC-TS3 is an attractive little camera to me.  I do a lot of outdoor activities, and travel at every opportunity.  I often go fossil hunting, nearly always near or in water.  Therefore, a small camera that is waterproof, shockproof, and has GPS is interesting to me.

Panasonic DMC-TS3

Image Source:  http://mycdn.mypcnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Panasonic-LUMIX-DMC-TS31.jpg

As usual, I will leave the specifications up to the manufacturer (click here), and the myriad sites that restate them.  The only relevant drawback in specs for me is the inability to shoot raw format.  I also wonder about any maintenance requirements for the seals, to preserve the waterproof integrity.  I have seen it mentioned that you should clean them carefully, and perhaps put on a thin coat of silicone lubrication.

I usually do read reviews, and pay close attention to images that I can find on flickr, taken with the camera I am considering.  In this case, the images look pretty darned good.

I found this post on dpreview.com, where the poster is asking for any negative feedback on the camera, and really gets only positive responses

(click here)

As my funds recover from the holidays, I very well may be in the market for one of these.

In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my DMC-LX5 in an aftermarket waterproof case.  I'll write more about that in a future post.  This setupworks well, but is a little more clumsy, and does not have GPS.  

DMC-365.blogspot.com