Panasonic Lumix TS7 rugged camera dives deeper

The TS7 is about as rugged as the rest and outdives them to 102 ft/30m.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories

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Lori Grunin

May 11, 2018 2:00 a.m. PT

Panasonic hasn't updated its higher-end rugged point-and-shoot since the Lumix TS6 came out in 2015, so it looks like the company is making up for lost time with the Lumix TS7 (FT7 in other parts of the world), boasting the deepest waterproof rating now available for its class at 102 ft/30m. It improves its predecessor in almost every way, as well as pulling ahead of competitors which are getting old.

Specs include:

20.4-megapixel MOS sensor
28-128mm-equivalent zoom lens with optical image stabilization
Waterproof to 102 ft/30m
Crushproof to 220lb-f/30kg-m
Shockproof to 6.6 ft/tk (MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock)
Dustproof
Coldproof to 14° F/-10° C
Continuous shooting 5fps with continuous AF, 10fps for 11 frames
Up to 4K UHD/30p or 1080/60p video recording; 720/120p or 100p slow-motion; time-lapse t 120 fps/100 fps,
Electronic viewfinder
3-inch, 1m-dot LCD
2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Panasonic's Light Speed AF focusing system
Incorporates Panasonic's 4K Photo and Post Focus
LED light
USB charging

It's not slated to ship until early summer, so it may miss your post-school vacation with the kids. You'll be able to get it in blue or orange and black for $450 (directly converted, about AU$600). It will ship in July in the UK for £399.

Updated May 11, 2018: Adds UK naming, pricing and availability.