Panasonic Lumix FT4 review

Armoured outdoor compact that won't get lost, thanks to built-in GPS

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4
The rugged camera with GPS is available in orange, blue, silver and black

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Overall picture

Our results from the lab have been compared against the Olympus TG-810, Fujifilm Finepix XP-30 and Canon D10.

Our analysis shows that the Panasonic FT4 scores well for both signal to noise ratio and dynamic range. Signal to noise ratio results are good, comparing favourably against the Olympus TG-810, Fujifilm XP-30 and Canon D10, although the Olympus TG-810 does just show better results across the sensitivity range.

Dynamic range results showed that the FT4 is the clear winner at all sensitivities enabling the camera to capture a wide tonal range at all sensitivities an essential when shooting in lower light conditions underwater.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

JPEG Signal to Noise Ratio

Panasonic FT4 review: signal to noise ratio

Panasonic FT4 review: signal to noise ratio

The Panasonic FT4 appears to handle noise well, just beating the Fujifilm XP-30 and Canon D10. Despite the Olympus TG-810 gaining better results, especially at the mid sensitivity range, noise is kept controlled throughout.

JPEG dynamic range

Panasonic FT4 review: dynamic range

Panasonic FT4 review: dynamic range

This chart shows that the Panasonic FT4 has good lowlight performance capturing a decent level of shadow and highlight detail across the sensitivity range.

Gavin Stoker
Freelance

When not wrestling wild bears or leaping tall buildings in a single bound, Gavin Stoker can be found editing British Photographic Industry News, the UK's longest running and only photo trade title. He has over 25 years of camera testing and reviewing under his belt.