80

Conclusion: We like it

The Lumix DMC-TS3 is one of the better models in the latest batch of rugged, waterproof compacts. No, its image quality isn't up to what you'd get from some similarly priced non-rugged models. But you can get good photos and videos as long as lighting conditions are decent, and you can actually take it with you on those scuba dives without worrying about damaging it. Just don't expect great pictures when you're deep underwater, as its low-light performance still leaves something to be desired.

Buy It:

$390.39

90-Day Price History

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high
$390
low
$279

Critic reviews

7.9
7 reviews
  • Image quality
    8.5
  • Video quality
    8.0
  • Battery life
    8.0
  • Design and form factor
    7.3
  • Durability
    10
  • Speed (start-up time, lag)
    8.0
  • Ease of use
    7.7

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User reviews

8.0
2 reviews
  • Image quality | 1 comment
    9.0
  • Video quality
    8.0
  • Battery life | 1 comment
    7.0
  • Design and form factor | 1 comment
    8.0
  • Durability | 1 comment
    9.0
  • Speed (start-up time, lag)
    9.0
  • Ease of use
    8.0
8.0
CNET May 23, 2011

GPS and fast shooting performance make the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 a worthy rugged point-and-shoot even if its photos and videos aren't the sharpest.

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7.0
Digital Photography Review Jan 25, 2011

In virtually all respects, the Panasonic DMC-TS3 does everything it is designed to do, and extremely well. We have a hard time finding fault with any of the design choices, aside from the slightly fiddly zoom control and relatively small, low-resolution LCD screen on the back.

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8.0
CNET Asia Apr 14, 2011

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 surpasses the older FT2 in terms of design, handling, noise performance and features, such as the newly-added GPS capabilities. For those in the market for a tough camera, you might like to know that the FT3 is one of the toughest.

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8.0
TechRadar Mar 2, 2011

If you need a hard-wearing compact and you're prepared to spend a little extra, the Panasonic FT3 should definitely be on your shortlist – otherwise, you may find the same money will get you an equivalent compact with a slightly larger LCD...

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8.0
TrustedReviews May 19, 2011

Ultimately the FT3 has to be the most feature packed toughened camera we've seen to date. We'd suggest there isn't quite enough to warrant users of recent tough models...should consider upgrading but newcomers to the market could certainly do much worse.

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8.0
Photography Blog Mar 11, 2011

Like its predecessors, in the FT3 we have a take anywhere, use (almost) anywhere pocket camera that combines resilience with apparent sophistication via the addition of latest must have features including GPS, Full HD video, HDMI output and 3D snapping.

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9.0
calvarez calvarez

I bought this to replace an older Olympus 770SW. Actually I bought the Olympus TG-810 first, but found it very difficult to use and dissapointing. The Panasonic is far better on most specs, and overall the usability is far superior. I spend a lot of time on our boat in the summer, and depend...

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