Panasonic LUMIX DMC TS5 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (FT5) identifies it as a highly capable, ultra-rugged adventure camera with a tank-like, waterproof build and impressive 1080/60p video capabilities. Key strengths include excellent battery life (370 shots CIPA), snappy daylight autofocus, and comprehensive GPS/environmental sensors, making it robust for outdoor use. Conversely, significant drawbacks include a slow f/3.3-5.9 lens and weak flash, which severely limit low-light performance. Furthermore, the camera suffers from limited manual controls, a slippery, cramped design, and a cumbersome Wi-Fi interface.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 is a 16-megapixel, rugged camera designed for adventure, featuring robust waterproofing up to 43 feet, drop protection up to 6.6 feet, and high-speed performance including 0.05-second shutter lag and 1080p60 video. Notable features include built-in GPS and a Wi-Fi system with NFC for easy smartphone connectivity, making it a versatile tool for active users. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks in image quality, specifically high noise levels at medium ISO settings and limited performance beyond ISO 200. Additionally, the lens is less competitive than rivals regarding aperture and wide-angle capabilities, while other rugged models offer superior depth ratings.

The Panasonic Lumix TS5 ($399.99 MSRP) is a rugged, waterproof compact camera that introduces built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and an upgraded 16-megapixel CMOS sensor to replace its predecessor's 12-megapixel CCD. Its standout feature is an exceptional video mode capable of shooting smooth, sharp Full-HD 1080/60p footage, making it one of the premier choices for waterproof videography. Action photographers will benefit from its rapid 10 frames-per-second full-resolution burst shooting, which drops to 5 fps when utilizing its rare continuous autofocus system. Additionally, it features a highly capable GPS tracking suite equipped with a built-in compass, altimeter, and barometer that can log data even when the device is powered down. Despite these advanced technical updates, the TS5 suffers from notable performance downgrades compared to the older TS4. Its primary disadvantage is a sharp decline in color accuracy; the new sensor heavily oversaturates greens, blues, and reds, which causes human subjects to look unflatteringly flushed. While the camera scores high in sharpness tests, this is partially driven by an artificial, software-based 20% oversharpening algorithm rather than pure optical improvement. Furthermore, its slow 4.6x optical...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is a highly durable, "tank-like" compact camera designed to withstand extreme environments, featuring waterproofing down to 13 metres, dustproofing, freeze-proofing, and shock resistance for drops from up to 2.2 metres. It is packed with a robust suite of advanced connectivity features, including built-in GPS for geotagging, Wi-Fi, and NFC for one-touch image sharing via smartphones, alongside a swift autofocus system with precise spot focus and a fast 10fps burst mode. Reviewers found it particularly effective for capturing high-quality 1080p60 AVCHD video in unique scenarios, such as action-packed go-karting, where standard compact cameras would fail to survive. However, the camera's heavy emphasis on physical ruggedness and expansive tech features comes at a steep £349 price tag and compromises its overall image quality. The main drawback is its 16-megapixel sensor, which produces images with visible grain-like noise, aggressive in-camera processing artefacts throughout the ISO range, and occasionally washed-out or "mute" colours. From a design perspective, the 28mm wide-angle lens is not as wide as desired, and its fixed internal position makes it easy for a stray finger to...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is a highly durable compact camera engineered for adventurous travellers and families needing a child-proof device. Priced at around £350, this camera is built like a tank, featuring an airtight case with a captive lens window, a secure locking system for the battery and SD compartment, and a high-visibility orange option. It is technically equipped to survive drops from 2 metres, freezing temperatures down to -10°C, and water submersion up to 13 metres deep without needing additional marine casing. Under the hood, it pairs a 16.1-megapixel sensor with a 4.6x optical zoom lens (28-128mm equivalent), and comes integrated with modern networking conveniences like built-in Wi-Fi for remote smartphone control and a GPS chip for automatic geocoding. The camera delivers several notable advantages, including generally sharp image quality with accurate colour reproduction, excellent texture detail retention, and highly impressive video footage captured at up to 60fps in AVCHD or MP4 formats. It also lacks chromatic aberration and includes dedicated modes for deep underwater shooting or starry night skies. However, it does have distinct drawbacks, such as a...

The Panasonic Lumix TS5 / FT5 is a rugged, highly recommended waterproof compact camera designed for demanding outdoor and underwater activities. It features a robust design that is waterproof to 13 metres, shock-proof from a 2-metre drop, and freeze-proof down to -10C, all packaged in a lightweight, pocketable body. Key technical highlights include a 16 Megapixel sensor, an optically stabilised 4.6x zoom lens (28-128mm equivalent), robust built-in GPS and GLONASS tracking, and integrated Wi-Fi with NFC for seamless smartphone connectivity. Additionally, the camera is capable of shooting impressive 1080p video at 50/60p and offers flexible continuous shooting modes up to 10fps at full resolution. However, the reviewer emphasizes distinct ergonomic flaws that severely restrict the camera's real-world usability. The primary drawback is its physical handling: the buttons are exceptionally small and closely packed, making it highly difficult to change settings when in the water and completely ruling out operation while wearing gloves. Unlike its key rivals—such as the Olympus TOUGH TG-2 and the Nikon AW1—the Lumix TS5 lacks an alternative input interface like a tap control or an action button....

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS series is described as a highly durable, "lifeproof" point-and-shoot camera designed for rugged environments. Key advantages include its robust resistance to water, spray, and drops, alongside an effective image stabilizer, simple, stress-free usability, and compact portability. Medium · However, the camera lacks manual exposure controls and RAW support, rendering it unsuitable for enthusiasts. It also suffers from poor image quality at the edges, ineffective HDR modes, and a lens design prone to collecting smudges. Reddit ·r/photography

Review Overview The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (known as the Lumix FT5 outside North America) is rated as the ideal point-and-shoot pocket camera for active cyclists and bike tourers due to its tank-like, rugged construction. The reviewer notes that this 7.5 oz camera easily survives drops from a bike, sub-zero temperatures, and intense heat, making it highly reliable for everyday commuting or long tours. It features a 16 MP sensor, true 1080/60p full-HD video recording with stereo sound, a bright 3-inch LCD face, and a protected 28-128mm equivalent Leica-branded lens with 4.6x optical zoom. Additionally, it comes packed with travel-friendly features, including built-in GPS with a compass, altimeter, barometer, and Wi-Fi with Near Field Communication (NFC) for seamless, cable-free photo transfers straight to a smartphone or computer. Pros and Cons Pros Extremely Durable: It is waterproof down to 13 metres (and successfully survived a 60-foot dive), shockproof up to 2 metres, crushproof up to 100 kg, freeze-proof to -10°C, and dustproof. Smart Safety Notifications: The camera displays a persistent on-screen reminder to lock the airtight battery and SD card door every...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is a robust, waterproof camera featuring a 16.1-megapixel sensor, capable of withstanding depths of 13 meters, 2-meter drops, and 100kg of pressure. Upgraded with built-in Wi-Fi, faster GPS, and a 3-inch screen, the device delivers good general image quality, excellent automatic white balance, and well-stitched panoramic photos. However, the camera's image quality noticeably decreases when using the optical zoom, and it lacks significant image improvements over its predecessors. Furthermore, the high price point makes it an expensive option for casual users, though it remains a strong choice for active, adventurous users.

The HardwareZone Singapore review concludes that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is a mixed bag, offering excellent durability but falling short in key usability areas. On the positive side, it is built like a tank, boasting impressive rugged specifications including waterproofing up to 13m, shockproofing up to 2m, and pressure resistance up to 100kgf. The camera also excels with its 370-shot battery life (one of the best in class when Wi-Fi and GPS are turned off), integrated Quick Menu button, an upgraded 16.1MP resolution, and an physical zoom rocker that delivers better tactile feedback than its predecessor, the FT4. Furthermore, it outputs vibrant, well-exposed real-world images and provides limited manual exposure controls, permitting users to switch between a wide and narrow aperture value. However, several critical drawbacks prevent this rugged compact from outshining its peers. A major design flaw is the protective glass lens window, which serves as a heavy fingerprint magnet that quickly degrades image quality if not cleaned frequently. In terms of handling, the control buttons, including the mode selector, are too small and difficult to operate with wet...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 is a ruggedized 16-megapixel compact camera that delivers a solid, durable performance but struggles in low-light environments. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, it boasts impressive physical capabilities, including a waterproof depth rating of up to 43 feet and shockproofing that survives drops from 6.6 feet. In terms of performance, the camera features a sharp lens, exceptionally snappy autofocus, a mere 0.05-second shutter lag, and versatile burst shooting options reaching up to 8.2 frames per second. Additionally, it offers crisp 1080p60 AVCHD video recording and robust wireless connectivity, featuring built-in GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC for seamless remote control and image transfer via mobile devices. Despite these strengths, the TS5 falls short of earning top-tier status due to critical design and imaging limitations. Its primary drawback is noticeable image noise at medium sensitivities; detail becomes muddy at ISO 400 and worsens significantly at ISO 800, making it poorly suited for low-light photography compared to competitors with wider apertures. Furthermore, its 4.6x zoom lens has a 35mm-equivalent wide angle of only 28mm, which lacks the broader field of view...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (FT5) is characterized by a durable, upgraded design featuring a 16MP CMOS sensor, faster burst shooting, improved 1080/60p video, and a highly visible 3-inch LCD. However, the camera suffers from misleading flash range figures—dropping significantly from 5.6m to 1.4m when avoiding high ISO noise—and reduced battery life when using the outdoor visibility screen mode.