Tough compacts

[Bill]

It looks like miniBill has got his mitts on our compact (Ricoh R6 FWIW) and I was all set on a Panasonic TS or TZ as a replacement...

But then I found Panasonic FT2 which seems to be pretty indestructible (and is waterproof into the bargain) and seems a perfect, if pricey, solution. You can get an orange one too

So, does anyone have one or have an opinion of what might be better?

[Bacardi]

Bill said:

(and is waterproof into the bargain)

I wouldn't rely on that.

I bought one of these, or maybe the preceding model, last November when I was in Australia, on impulse, as my friends down there had the equivalent Olympus. I went to the store and decided on the Pano for its image quality and better video, which I was pleased with. It worked fine in the pool and for general snaps, but when I went snorkelling at the great barrier reef, the one time I really wanted to it to capture the glories of the pretty fish etc. it failed to work. I had just got in the water and it wouldn't switch on, just a flashing light. By the time I got back on the boat, water was sloshing around in the LCD screen... not a good sign! So it went back to the store for a refund.

The seals around the battery, usb and card doors a very flimsy and just not up to the job. I was very careful as the instruction said, about making sure there was no grit or dirt on the seals and being sure of firmly clicking shut the doors etc. The Olympus models feel chunkier, but the marine biologist on the boat had had 5 in a year due to water ingress. Also another guy on the boat had had similar problems with an Olympus so I wouldn't rely on them either. I can't help with other suggestions and maybe the newer models are better, but for reliable underwater shooting, get a proper housing. I will, next time!

[Bill]

Cheers. TBH I was only hoping for splashproof anyway.

[clonmult]

Bill said:

Cheers. TBH I was only hoping for splashproof anyway.

In that case, try to shop around for an FT1. You may be able to get them from around £150.

The FT2 ups the pixel count from 12m to 14m - which *doesnt* improve picture quality. Both have the same 4.6x optical zoom, 720p video recording, etc. I think the FT2 adds some extra options, but 99% of most peoples requirements can be handled on the FT1.

I've had mine for over 6 months, and its never missed a beat. Its been dropped a fair bit, been used to take pics/videos of the kids down at the lido, and it does work quite well.

But as has been said, if you're wanting something slightly more serious, get a dedicated housing for a bridge camera.