Panasonic announces the new Lumix FT3 camera

The FT3 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom. A folded optics shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 10 elements and a prism unit in 8 groups, including 1 ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces passing Leica’s stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance right to the edge of the frame. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FT3 which extends the zoom ratio by approx.1.3x maintaining the picture quality even when combining this digital zoom process. This means the 4.6x optical zoom can virtually extend to 6x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function extends zoom power to 9.1x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the centre part of the 12.1-megapixel high resolution CCD to bring subjects even closer.

Thanks to rubber padding and reinforced glass the FT3 features an airtight body that lets intrepid photographers operate the rugged camera underwater to a depth of up to 12 meters.

The FT3 is drop proof from a height of up to 2 meters and in addition to reinforcing the exterior of the camera with shock-resistant material, the FT3 uses folded optics to help prevent its lens unit from being damaged when dropped during operation. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. Combined with its dustproof, waterproof and freezeproof performance, this makes it the ideal camera for use outdoors, in active situations, and for casual everyday shooting.

The DMC-FT3 newly integrates a GPS function, which has proven to be popular previously in the LUMIX TZ series. It shows the name of the location and Landmark using the internal data to give real-time information on the area of shooting and adds reference and fun during active travel. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global use, plus more than 1,000,000 landmarks (information covers 78 countries or regions).

Amongst an array of exciting features included in the new FT camera are a compass, altimeter and even barometer to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The barometer also works as an indicator for depth underwater. The rugged design, GPS and the advanced measuring equipments offers a variety shooting options in wide-ranging situations – Whether it is fishing or camping in the springtime, to diving, snorkelling and surfing in summer, or mountain climbing in autumn and skiing snowboarding in winter – The DMC-FT3 is suitable all-year-round to record stunning memories in both beautiful photo and movie.

The newly added 3D Photo mode produces a realistic 3D image out of 20 consecutive images shot whilst panning left to right. The 3D image can be viewed on VIERA 3D HDTV or other MPO-compatible 3D equipment such as TV, Digital Photo Frame or Printing.

Take the DMC-FT3 out for any outdoor adventures in any season – diving, snorkelling, surfing, climbing, skiing or camping – and bring back some tremendous records of memories in stunning photos or in full-HD. Available in two bold colours, Blue and Red, from March 2011. An optional marine case (DMW-MCFT3) is available for underwater photography to 40m.