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Overview

Review by David Elrich and Zig Weidelich

Overview by Mike Tomkins
Review Date: 07/28/2010

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 is a rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof

digital camera with a sensor resolution of 14-megapixels, with a useful 28-128mm zoom
range. The Panasonic TS2 has a 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000-dots of resolution. The
Panasonic TS2's lens has a two-step aperture, which can select between f/3.3 and f/10 at
wide angle, or f/5.9 and f/18 at telephoto. The minimum focusing distance for the
Panasonic DMC-TS2 is ordinarily 30 centimeters, but drops to just five centimeters when
switched to Macro mode. That rugged body is one of the biggest selling points, though,
with the camera being well protected against harsh usage. Rated as capable of passing
MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5, the Panasonic TS2 can survive a drop from 2.0 meters. It
is also rated waterproof and dustproof to the IEC60529 IP68 standard, which means that
it is dust tight, and is suitable for immersion at one meter or below, under conditions
specified by the manufacturer. In the case of the TS2, Panasonic states that the camera is
waterproof down to a depth of ten meters.

The Panasonic TS2 has an 11-point multi-area autofocus system, which also includes a
single-point "high speed" focusing mode. As with many digital cameras these days,
there's also a face detection function, with Panasonic's implementation able not only to
locate faces and then use the information when calculating both focus and exposure
variables, but also to recognize the faces of up to 15 specific individuals for labelling
purposes. The Panasonic Lumix TS2 also has an implementation of autofocus tracking,
which can monitor a subject as it moves around the frame, continuing to update autofocus
as required.

ISO sensitivity ordinarily ranges from 80 to 1,600 equivalents, with the ability to extend
this as far as ISO 6,400 equivalent in High Sensitivity Auto mode. The Panasonic TS2
can shoot at shutter speeds ranging from 1/1,300 to 60 seconds. The Panasonic TS2 uses
Intelligent Multiple metering, and offers six white balance settings including Auto,
Manual, and four fixed presets. A whopping selection of twenty six scene modes let users
tailor the look of their images, useful given that the Panasonic TS2 doesn't offer aperture-,
shutter-priority, or fully manual modes. There's also an Intelligent Scene Selection
function, which can automatically select from a subset of the available scene modes. A
five-mode flash includes red-eye reduction capability, and has a rated range of up to 5.1
meters at wide angle, or 2.8 meters at telephoto. There's also digital red-eye correction,
and Panasonic's Intelligent Exposure, Intelligent ISO, and Intelligent Auto functions.

The Panasonic TS2 stores its images and movies on Secure Digital or MultiMediaCards,
including the newer SDHC and SDXC types. There's also a generous 40MB of built-in
memory. Connectivity options include a USB 2.0 High-Speed connection, plus standard
definition NTSC / PAL video output (NTSC only for North America). The Panasonic
TS2 can also output high-definition video via a mini-HDMI connector, and is compatible
with Panasonic's proprietary "VIERA Link" system that allows the connected TV's
remote control to be used to navigate the camera's slideshows.

Power comes from a proprietary lithium-ion battery with ID-Security feature that
prevents use of counterfeit or third-party batteries, and is rated as good for 360 shots on a
charge to CIPA testing standards. The software bundle includes PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0
HD Edition.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 began shipping from mid-March 2010, priced at around
US$400. Four body colors are available: silver, blue, orange, and yellow.