Panasonic TS2

1. The new Venus hardware helps TS2 boots faster and reduces some shutter lag you would find on the older model.
2. Exceptional HD video. Plus you could still use the optical zoom while recording.
3. Useful, optical stabilizer just like the TS1
4. Bright, readable LCD even on a clear sky.
5. Has support for new SDXC card. Drops support for MMC cards
6. Is now freezeproof

1. Flimsy strap. Canon and Pentax has gone to tough straps, but Panasonic is holding on to it’s thin line.
2. The 14.1 Mp is an overkill for a tiny sensor. If you need a large print, you’ll see that your pictures have soft edges.

The good news is the camera is faster than the older TS1. And thanks to the added silicone cover, you get an added protection to the newly designed battery and memory latch.

The TS2 is also freezeproof and is more battery efficient than the TS1. A full charge should last the whole day of picture taking (around 300 photos).

But if you are hoping for sharper, more beautiful pictures, then this is not a worthy upgrade.

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Panasonic TS2 Sample Photos

Panasonic TS2 Spec

Panasonic TS2 Tips

1. Keep the silicone cover at all times. Or at least when you’re going underwater. This reduced the amount of water in contact with the battery cover and reduces the chances of someone from opening the weak point when the camera is wet.
2. Use Motion JPEG if you don’t want to do any editing on your PC. Of course, the picture won’t be as good as the AVCHD, but if you’re not pc savvy, this is a good option. (NOTE: The latest iMovie on Mac can handle the AVCHD files)

1. Buy a genuine Panasonic battery for your second backup battery. Unfortunately, since it’s latest firmware update, 3rd party batteries will not work in Panasonic TS1 cameras.
2. Read the warning notice the first time you use the camera. If not, it will nag you every time you turn on the camera.
3. Use class 6 or better memory card. This way, the camera will save your pictures faster.
4. Install VLC Media Player if you have trouble installing the software from the Panasonic CD. It works on Mac, PC and Linux.
5. Get extra software installed if you want to do more with your HD movie files. Here’s a list of software that can convert or edit your movie files. Note: Panasonic bundles the PhotoFunStudio CD software along with the camera. It does very basic editing but it won’t convert your file into other more useful formats.
6. Get a floating strap if you plan to take it to the sea.