Lapse has disappointed me, otherwise the FT5 meets my expectations

Lapse has disappointed me, otherwise the FT5 meets my expectations

Panasonic DMC-S Lumix FT5EG9 digital camera (7.5 cm (3 inch) LCD display MOS sensor, 16.1 megapixels, 4.6-fold opt. Zoom, microHDMI, USB, up to 13m waterproof) Silver (Electronics)

Customer Review

I bought the DMC-FT5 as a successor of a still functioning DMC-FT2. This would have also been enough as a camera for rainy weather and the beach, if she had not been transferred to the permanent use by my daughter. That is to say, the DMC-FT2 still works properly and is still tightly under my previous experience. All thing are limited to my demands on the tightness of the FT2 and now the FT5 only use in shallow water or in continuous rain.

The picture quality has improved in the context of the anticipated technical development. But periscope optics and 1 / 2.33 inch sensor are continuing the expected limits, but for the size and design also required.

Has significantly improved the white balance in the video mode. The FT2 made cloudless sky turquoise and produced a total of very cheesy video colors. The post could no longer offsets the deficit. The video recordings of FT5 can be mixed in a film with shots from my video camera, without caring scares every scene change.

Particularities of FT5 are now but the numerous sensors and the wireless connection to other devices. Of course, all electricity costs and shorten the battery life. But you can turn off everything that is not needed. I shall confine my remarks to that which is apparent only by use or upon closer study of the operating instructions and has not already been written by other reviewers.

- GPS receiver
The GPS receiver is built rather quickly connect to the satellites (compared with Sony HX9V, Wintec G-Ray 2, Nexus 7). The display shows the coordinates but also location information (country, region, city, ...) can be displayed. With adjustable recording cycle can be to record at the expense of battery life a track. The recording takes place even when the camera is off. Of particular note is that the recording time, for example, can be limited to 6 hours. Thus, you do not run the risk of forgetting the energy guzzlers.

- Compass
The compass is limited to an accuracy of 22.5 ° to 16 direction segments. This is usually sufficient, and also does not promise more accuracy than the camera would be technically possible.

- Air pressure sensor
The air pressure and the amount derived can also be recorded and a graph display on the camera screen. For mountain hikes certainly a nice thing especially because all the functions mentioned above are combined in a well-functioning camera.

- Time Lapse
So it is in the camera's menu. Where lapse is a possible outcome of the use of continuous shooting. In this function I was most happy and this is it that has disappointed me most.

One can the temporal distance information in predefined steps (10 seconds - 30 minutes) and the number of shots (10-1000) a number to create pretend. In addition, you can specify a time within the next 24 hours interval, when the recording number is started. Until then, good and works well.

But while the number of recording power consumption is so high that at instant start and 10-second interval after 450 shots is final. This corresponds to the normal battery life. If the interval is longer, for example, one minute, then the camera creates 200 shots. And the biggest failure arises when one adjusts the camera so that the recording series eg only in five hours starts (display off). Until then the battery is dead already by the standby and there is not even one picture. This lead time the camera should just as little power consumption as it is switched off, because the clock is ticking yes else whatsoever.

To prevent corresponding comments:
- I've taken three different batteries, the fully charged in each case immediately before use from the charger came directly into the camera.
- All sensors, GPS, WiFi, AF auxiliary light, image stabilizer and flash are turned off and put the display on minimum brightness.

In the lead time, ie by setting up until the start of recording series, the display is still out, but if the recording range runs the display for each frame is turned on. First, the battery life is shortened useless and also attention is thus always energized. For taking pictures of animals that is disturbing and even potential thieves pay attention to a lonely drawn up camera.

The problem with the battery life can indeed be solved with external power supply. Only then is the joke of the compact, weatherproof All-in-One solution then. I'm ready for years with DSLR and Co.

- Memory
Unfortunately, I have yet to report a curiosity. As memory I use 32GB SanDisk Extreme (45MB / s) and am the map of all cameras (Canon, Sony and Panasonic VCRs) very satisfied. Images and videos can be made even without complaint with this type of card in the Panasonic DMC-FT5. The data transfer from the camera to the PC, however, is very slow and the PHOTOfunSTUDIO depends also on before. From the memory card I have three pieces and the problem is reproducible. With an old 16 GB - Class 6 - etrememory the transmission problem is no longer.

Everything up here reported applies to the original firmware 1.0 and for the latest firmware update to 1.2.

In summary, I am satisfied with the camera. Too bad if arising from the product presentation expectations but can not be fulfilled then. That goes for me with regard to the very limited time-lapse function, especially for power-hungry lead time.

- To manufacturers
What I would like to see from such a camera (even from other manufacturers) is that they must be no longer so often opened and closed carefully afterwards. Because this results in the oft-lamented leak. After all, you can now transfer images wirelessly. But why is there still no inductive charging capability such as with my toothbrush, or at least weather and water resistant outer contacts for a docking station like my shaver? Then, no outdoor camera manufacturer has so far unfortunately come. So there is still potential for development, which are not as difficult to implement.

+++ Addendum to the USB interface +++
The aforementioned problem when reading out the memory card is more like the bad USB interface of the camera, as in the election of the memory card. I have carried out, inter alia, the following comparison.
Memory card with 265 photo and video files = 1.2GB read:
1. from the camera via their USB interface [630 seconds = 1.9 MB / sec]
2. with card reader on the same PC interface [70 seconds = 17.1 Mbytes / sec]

So not only that there is no charging function via USB are compatible with this camera, and the data transfer speed is not up to date (by kind words to use). A full battery charge is not enough to read a filled 32GB memory card.

!! Actually already shaking the nearest star in the evaluation !!

anytime;) 21 Rank: 5/5
April 30
size limit Rank: 3/5
December 21
Very good. January 2424 Rank: 5/5
January 14
Very good quality. 283 Rank: 4/5
April 20
Good cheap office chair! Rank: 4/5
July 25
box 5 Rank: 4/5
November 15

Related Reviews


No complaints about the quality of the support, the content meets my expectationsLastman Volume 1 (Paperback) Very satisfied with the product, meets my expectations.Maglite Solitaire 8 cm Black box (Tools & Accessories) top, as described, I am very satisfied with the product meets all expectations, could be well inserts, no scratch /Speaker cable white 10m roll, cross-section 2 x 0.75 mm² (Accessories) Diving operation - head not fixed! Otherwise, the system meets the requirements!Telescopic rod / flaps Retractable handheld monopod monopod for GoPro Hero cameras Orange (Camera) the product meets my expectationsMini Bluetooth keyboard with iclever®Rii -AZERTY (French keyboard) RT-MWK02 + (French version) compatible with MAC iPhone 3 iPhone 4 iPhone 4s iphone5 iPad 2 iPad 3 iPad Android Samsung i9001 Galaxy S i9000 Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 HTC (Electronics) The product meets my expectations, nothing to report on the entire serviceDeLock Adapter Socket A + B micro USB Plug A to USB 2.0 (Accessory) Powerful, fast and pleasant: The HC2 meet my expectationsHome Center 2 Z-Wave controller - Fibaro (Tools & Accessories) delivery and the product meet my expectationsBlue Leather Case Cover for Samsung S5830 Galaxy Ace (GT-S5830G / S5830M / S5830 / S5839i / S5831i) - Flip Case Cover + 2 Screen Protector Films (Electronics) The unit meets all expectationsHama Internet Radio / Digital Radio DIR3100 (WLAN / LAN / DAB + / DAB / FM, color display 2.8 inches, with remote control, USB port with charging and playback function, alarm and wifi streaming function, free Smart Radio app), black (Electronics ) The phone meets my expectationsGigaset DA210 Corded phone one-handed, black (Electronics) The slippers meet my expectationsRohde Emden Ladies slippers (Textiles) The hose meets my expectations 100%1 meter spiral hose Pond Hose 50 mm (2 ") (garden products) The device meets my expectations in fullHama Digital Compass with Altimeter, yellow (household goods) The case meets all expectationsTatonka Mapper card holder, Black, 39 x 34 x 1 cm, 2901 (Equipment) The device meets my expectations entirely!DURACRAFT DD-TEC10E dehumidifier (tool) The cover meets my expectationsSony SGPCV3 / B.AE Leather Case for Xperia Tablet Black (Accessory) The tension belts meet my expectation.6x lashing straps lock buckle fastening belt strap with quick release Product meets my expectations but not having a very good quality / price.Spiral sheath, 6-60mm, black, 10m To organize any type of wiring (Electronics) Charger meet my expectationsUSB Power Charger / Adapter - 2000mA - SAMSUNG ETAU90EWE - White (Electronics)