I've been looking for some time for a second camera for DSLR. This should breast pocket fit and robust, waterproof at best. Then came the FT1. However, since I was skeptical whether the 3M waterproof provide enough reserves. I pondered long back and forth, but decided to wait with the purchase. Lo and behold, the FT2 came out and promised (almost) to fulfill all my wishes!
So I made myself a gift in May and ordered. Shortly thereafter offered a holiday the way of practical experience to gain.
And I was thrilled! The image quality is much better than I whether the small optics feared the automatic works well and reliably.
I had the whole time with the FT2 in a breast pocket and was able to make many good Snapshots (also because of the very short turn-on). Battery life is fine, I had about 3-4 days invite (on average about 100 photos, 7 min video per day and consider results extensively and fiddle). What has me especially excited is the underwater function! So I was finally able to hold the jokes my kids in and under water!
Underwater recommended to definitely set the appropriate scene mode, because then the bluish cast will be compensated under the water by a strong support from red and there are (if the light fits and the water too turbid is not) fun, colorful shots possible. I was really surprised what is possible for results.
Small point of criticism is that the display is submerged by mirroring has a rather small viewing angle, exactly look your best from behind it, or to feel sightings (because then you always can see nothing from the side), which with a little practice works pretty well.
Another wish came with the HD movie recording option in fulfillment. The fact that the sound is not optimal, have already found other. About water I need the function only in exceptional cases, as I for video anyway rather rely on a "real" video camera and underwater the result of FT2 in things sound is adequate.
Much more important is because that the video quality matches! And that the AVCHD Light format with editing programs (eg Edius) can be processed further (I was initially unsure whether the light only on the "small" 720er HD resolution relates, or whether a special form of AVCHD behind it, the ev. causes problems, but this is not the case). So I can add to shooting from the wet areas of my films at last, where I would never take the video camera!
Sure there are in the price range of other compact, provide a perfekters image, but not in the combination robust, compact and waterproof!
All in all I am very satisfied and would buy the FT2 even after the practical test again.
