Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1

The basics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 is a 12.1MP ruggedized compact with 4.6x optical zoom (28-128mm). It has a 2.7-inch LCD, 720p HD video mode, face recognition and AF tracking. Waterproof to 3m, dustproof and shockproof for 1.5 falls, it measures 98x63x23mm and weighs 184g.

The good

Following the impending nuclear/swine flu/nanotechnology apocalypse, you’ll be glad you invested a few extra quid in this bullet-proof camera. Its metal shell and toughened LCD can easily resist the attacks of brain-starved zombies while the wideangle zoom is ideal for capturing the spectacle of devastated cities, complete with image stabilisation to compensate for your nerve-wracked wobbles. Until then, you’ll be able to enjoy its AVCHD Lite HD-ready move clips, including Dolby Digital sound tech to pimp up audio and cut wind noise.

The bad

Panasonic’s designers may have suffered one too many surf-board wipeouts. The FT1’s buttons are small and awkwardly placed, and its main control dial is slippery, making it difficult to change settings in the best of conditions, let alone when you’re also coping with water, sand or rocks. Image quality takes a nosedive at night, too.

The bottom line

If you’re intent on punishing your camera, the Olympus Tough-8000 can dive deeper, fall further and freeze, er, cooler than the Panasonic. But if you want a decent all-round, all-weather snapper, the FT1’s wider zoom range, good stabilisation and reliable (if not award-winning) image quality, should do the trick.