Panasonic announces a new ruggedized 4K camera that can go 102 feet underwater

Let me start by saying how much I love Panasonic cameras. I use their G7 for all my photography needs, and I couldn’t be any happier with it. Well, except for one thing – it doesn’t have any weatherproofing.

This new compact camera by Panasonic, the Lumix FT7 has weatherproofing through the roof. In fact, it’s waterproof down to a depth of 102 feet. It’s also capable of surviving a 6.6ft fall without damage, which is extremely impressive.

Normally ruggedized cameras like this just have the back screen for viewfinding, as it’s easier to toughen up. This FT7, however, also has a small built-in electronic viewfinder that is 0.2 inches and 1.1million dots with 0.45 of magnification. It won’t replace the back panel completely, but it will come in handy in situations the panel struggles like direct sunlight.

Shooting speeds are 10FPS in burst mode with single autofocus, and 5FPS when the 49-point contrast-detect autofocus is enabled. It will shoot 4K video in 24p and 30p, 1080p at 60p and do 120fps slo-mo at 720p.

Because it’s compact, it won’t replace your full mirrorless setups just yet, but it will be great for those family holidays or snorkeling trips.

The Lumix FT7 will be available straight from Panasonic as a pre-order for $449, and fulfillment of orders is scheduled for sometime in June or July.

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere. His hobbies include photography, animation, and hoarding Reddit gold.