Rain? Snow? So what?

Anticipation I said, I use the camera in addition to a digital SLR as' Always-Dabei' camera. Before that I had for this purpose also a very robust Olympus 1030SW, in me but the image quality has not convinced in low light.

The image quality of an SLR with the FT2 to compare would be unfair at this point, since a completely different technique and all other sensor sizes are used. Compared to my previous Olympus me the picture quality like it here much better, especially in bright light (sunshine, outdoors). But even in hazy, foggy weather, the pictures are fine and have no particularly strong noise on.

At first I found the images of FT2 little pale, colors were washed out something. This was but the fact that I had quite unfavorable ago photographed 'next to the sun' and probably too much light entered the optical side, clear, little has precisely no sun visor.

Who the images still does not like, which can also set the color mode 'Vivid', then the colors, the contrast is very strong and stronger. It is lost in dark areas surprisingly little drawing. Overall, you can achieve this effect, of course, later on the computer and there are far finer control, though a true because fast alternative.

Topic autofocus. Here, too, pulled no trees my old Olympus, pictures were often blurred here (because higher ISO there strong rushing). The FT2 makes this a significant better figure, the autofocus is quick, absolutely snapshot fit and in ISO Auto, ISO speed is not the same level turned all the way.

The FT2 is conceptually even more of a beginner or Allround camera, manual adjustments are only a very limited extent (P / A / S / M will be sought in vain, which is absolutely amazing usual), but the scene modes and Intelligent Auto ( the motif program itself specifies) are really good, especially the automatic system is amazingly accurate.

In the macro range can be made with the FT2 very nice shots, due to the ruggedness, provides the most in / after rain on.

The biggest plus is of course the robustness of FT2, there has been what, in heavy rain to pull out of his pocket and take pictures while the rain across the display. The water resistance I have however only been tested in a well, with no problems. However, I was momentarily shocked when I saw ascend small bubbles. However, these were fortunately out of the small microphone hole on the top and were shortly afterwards also gone.

If you shoot a little more ambitious, with a different camera (z. B. the G11 from Canon or the S90 / 95 or the coming to photokina models from Nikon) is certainly better off that also offer manual control options. But disadvantage of these cameras: they are just afraid of water, and much less robust.

If one looks but a robust camera that makes a lot of good pictures and you can have always, one should here risking a second look. Nett also beliegende silicone case that protects the camera even from scratches, however it is then forced into the pocket is not as good because of the dull material.

Conclusion: It is recommended as an outdoor camera that sometimes survives a fall, not afraid of water.