(B) The camera under test (scarce 4 stars)
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We have taken the camera to a short vacation in the mountains with mountain biking and climbing light / mountaineering and even camera-lake swimming. We were able to test the camera extensively. In rapid descent (even with some tape tuition) with a mountain bike rather not so useful, since the camera but does not sit so bombproof. Best suited for all other controllable movements after a short period. For more robust missions but there is still an optional helmet bracket for portable mini-camera HX-A100 as an accessory directly from Panasonic. The camera sits so rather only a little tighter than a pair of glasses. The camera would we see more than an in-water camera as an underwater camera. Although the camera can also underwater (up to 1.5 m no longer than 30 minutes at a time, after cleaning the bathroom only - and not the side door open) can be used - but here are the image results rather mediocre. However, it is very nice to shoot when dozing on the air mattress once the sky - or yourself and other water sports. You just have to not be afraid that the thing gets wet. Who wants really good films underwater, will probably choose eh 'a specific camera. The Panasonic is therefore more of an allrounder. Overall, the image quality is very good, sharp and color-fast: regardless of whether light or dark or backlit - here there's nothing to complain about.
To complete setup of the equipment should first use the free "Panasonic Image APP" (from Google Play or the Apple Store) on a smartphone (iPhone / iPad with iOS 4.3-6.0 or Android device with version 2.2.-4.2) and downloaded to the camera connected (such as the manual and PDF indicated). We have the camera connected first easily with a smartphone and then with an Acer Iconia A200 Android pad.
The device bearing the Android Acer A200 Iconia- pad seemed initially more complicated - in the end we will also only 5 minutes required (though after 20 minutes tinkering), because the manual is as usual no great shakes: (1) App PLAY "Download; (2) the device with the name" (.. s Handbook, p 20) Add A100-wearable "and default password in the list of access points, (2) wireless signal of the camera by pressing the Start "WIFI" button (the top red light next to the phone icon (rectangle) must first flash, then goes on but completely; (3) The access points menu displays the device, click, change the password to the router (just in case enter the network password) Finish -. From then on the unit (4) noted the settings very well enjoy the wonderfully sharp image only now kann`s properly with the default settings (eg date, time, Wide, Standard,... Video, Photo, Slow Motion, Backlit, white balance, Interval Photo, self-timer, image stabilizer and so on. go).
It is advantageous in any case, set the device prior to use exactly to the situation. Mostly we knew well in advance what will interest us. Then assemble and arm pocket Ohrgurt. The camera fits securely on the head - the operating unit is more like a blood pressure cuff on your arm. Should practice a little but you have to see how the camera behaves. The results - to the respective pad or smartphone - checked to see what you like receives - and let's go!.
The camera is pleasantly small - first it's a little Gefiesel to understanding how the camera comes on to the ear and should fit into the ear bracket / cable - then you go but. The control unit can be attached well. The cable between the camera and the Steurungsgerät budge and looks resilient. We do not find the device too hard. Unfortunately, the device is very fast warm (even with an outside temperature of below 20 degrees).
The reduction to the essential in the control elements we liked because additional display gimmicks and / or control options would probably be gone at the expense of battery life - and that is for us the most important thing! The buttons are easily accessible and can be blocked with the lock function. Live streaming is possible on Lumix Club or Ustream - a feature that but no further interest to us. The device is of course Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi compatible. However, the data can also be transmitted via the USB cable to the desired computer, you might not want to use Wi-Fi everywhere.
The battery is permanently installed and took about 4.5 hours to charge (by the way only to the computer via USB cable possible). The battery makes it with a charge to about 70 minutes footage. That is enough for us completely. The device takes depending on the resolution (25 p) a maximum of 19 minutes to result in, separates automatically - and then creates a new file. The total capacity of the camera depends on the inserted micro SD card (s. Table in the manual).
At a Glance:
It's just fun to shoot with this camera. Initial problems are quickly overcome; the image results are consistently very good - the operation is simple (after a short time) - hence we: (concise 4 stars) - great for any active holiday. Shortly to the weaknesses:
(C) The weaknesses (= 1.3 star deduction)
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- Is at risk, especially the unprotected optics (but: you'd have to jump headfirst into a gravel pit to damage the lens sustainable - otherwise, of course, the usual caution as with all optical devices) and the bad horizon compensation (in "HD") - so watch out!
- The permanently installed battery is also a weakness: it could well be justified but also with the required robustness of the camera. The protection against sand, water, rain, snow and other environmental influences. In addition, the part falls also sometimes down - and who wants to then recover the remains of the mountain like some mobile phones?
- The bag and the earloop (for left) act carefully processed - but not a big hit. Let's hope that nobody draufsetzt or similar ..
- The pocket of a kind of neoprene material for the operating unit also acts somewhat unstable - we will grudge here, if the bag (especially the transparent cover) quickly shows wear phenomena. At the moment everything is fine - everything is compact.
- Unfortunately, the device is very warm - it's a short time almost uncomfortably the surface to operate behind the plastic. Here Panasonic should ensure better ventilation of the unit - because it was the time of testing just lean recorded 18 degrees plus.
- The restriction already above that the device is to control only over's Iphone / Ipad and Android devices, we would see not a defect, but rather as an exclusion criterion, if you do not own such devices, this camera should not buy. However, it would be nice if Panasonic would offer something also for Windows users - another Windows app should be as far as possible surely?
These weaknesses, which we perceive as rather low, we would deduct a total of just over a star. Much can be prevented by exercise and caution - other remains to be seen until much later - so we will possibly update our criticism, and evaluation if necessary correct downwards!
(Scarce 4 stars)
