Panasonic's New Waterproof Lumix Camera Offers Creative Control

The problem with most underwater digital cameras is that they don't offer many manual options for photographers who like to have creative control over their shots. But Panasonic's newest waterproof Lumix camera, the DMC-TS4, is changing that. The latest underwater model from Panasonic comes with new features that are sure to please amateur photographers who have been dismayed by the lack of controls in the earlier waterproof Lumix cameras. The DMC-TS4 is sure to keep Panasonic at the top of the waterproof camera game. Here's why.

(Image: Panasonic TS4 available on Amazon. See link below.)

The waterproof Lumix camera line has been popular since Panasonic introduced the DMC-TS1, the company's first rugged waterproof, shockproof model, in 2009. The camera manufacturer has continued to improve on the line, and consumers have responded favorably. The DMC-TS3 is currently the most popular camera in the underwater category on Amazon. But it's about to get some competition with the newest camera to join the Lumix line, the DMC-TS4. The Lumix TS4 ushers in a new level of controls for waterproof cameras by allowing users to control the shutter speed and aperture. This is good news for photographers who want more creative control of their images.

The camera also offers other creative features in the way of new modes - Time Lapse Shot, Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. Time Lapse Shot and Panorama Shot are pretty self-explanatory. With the former, the user selects the start time, interval time and number of photos to shoot, and then the camera goes to work. With the latter, the user can create a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by stitching together several shots.

Miniature Effect is a little less self-explanatory, and I can't imagine camera enthusiasts are going to rush out to buy the camera because of this feature. Panasonic explains it this way: "The Miniature Effect mode, in which the peripheries are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized, makes the photo look like a diorama. For videos recorded in this mode, playback is 10x fast forward, making it comical and amusing to watch."

The latest waterproof Lumix camera also offers HD video, a built-in GPS system, compass, altimeter, and barometer and comes with the rugged features users have come to expect from this underwater camera line - waterproof to approximately 40 feet, shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet, freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14ºF, and dustproof.

It's sure to be another bestseller for Panasonic.

Panasonic makes a variety of Lumix cameras, not all of which are waterproof. Here's a look at some of their cameras.

Now that the TS4 is out, earlier versions of the Lumix may go down in price or users may decide to sell their used models to upgrade to the newest version. eBay is a great place to look for deals on both new and used waterproof cameras.