Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS20 Review

Review posted 04/04/2012

Quick Take
Pros
  • iAuto shooting mode is accurate and easy in all situations
  • Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record
  • "Tough" features: Waterproof, Dustproof, Shockproof and Freezeproof protect the camera
  • Great image quality 
  • Mega O.I.S. is very helpful when shooting on the move
  • Nice, Bright 2.7-inch LCD
  • Good shooting performance
  • Good Battery Life
  • Competitively priced
Cons
  • Trouble focusing up close under water without manually turning Macro focus on
  • Some noise in all images / Normal with most 16-Megapixel image sensors
  • Screen can be hard to see underwater
  • No HDMI output for HD movies on an HDTV
Bottom Line
The Panasonic Lumix TS20 is a great camera for those who have a pool, kids or who are on the adventurous side. With its iAuto shooting mode, HD video capture and the ability to go anywhere, the TS20 helps assure that you can get the camera where you need it to be for that amazing shot. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
TS20_red.jpgPanasonic's "Lifeproof" TS-series has two new models for 2012; the top of the line TS4, and the entry level DMC-TS20. At a full $120 less than the TS4, the TS20 is very similarly appointed in terms of looks and digital features. The TS20 has been designed with the novice in mind with all sorts of iA (intelligent Auto) Modes to help you take the best picture regardless of your environment's lighting conditions. It also features Miniature Effect mode to replicate Tilt-Shift photographer and Panorama Shot mode, which captures full 360-degree Panorama's.

And while the TS20 has a larger 16.1 megapixel CCD sensor (compared to the TS4's 12.1 megapixels), the TS20 lacks built-in GPS, has a shorter 4x optical zoom, and only shoots 720p HD video. The TS20's  Waterproof rating of 16 feet and Shockproof rating of 5 feet are both lower than the TS4. But then again, for less than $200, the TS20 is a great camera for anyone interested in learning about photography while not having to worry about getting a delicate piece of electronics too wet or too cold or too dirty.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS20 Features:
  • 16.1 megapixel CCD image sensor
  • 4x optical zoom 
  • 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens
  • Waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters)
  • Shockproof up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
  • Freezeproof to temps as low as 14 degrees F
  • Dustproof
  • 720p HD Video Recording
  • iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
  • MEGA O.I.S.
  • AF Tracking
  • Intelligent ISO Control
  • Face Recognition
  • Intelligent Scene Selector
  • Intelligent Exposure
  • Miniature Effect Mode
  • Panorama Shot Mode (up to 360-degrees)

Panasonic's entry level LUMIX DMC-TS20 will be available in late February (of 2012) in blue, black, orange, and red with an MSRP of $179.99

What's in the Box?:
  • TS20 Camera Body
  • Battery Pack
  • Battery Charger
  • Brush
  • AV Cable
  • USB Cable
  • Hand Strap
  • CD-ROM



Additional Product Views:
TS20_black.jpg
TS20_blue.jpg
TS20_orange.jpg
TS20_red_back.jpg
TS20_orange_top.jpg

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20 16.1MP Compact Camera - 4.50-18 mm f/3.9-5.7 4x Zoom Lens - Orange
SellerPriceIn StockSeller Rating
Amazon $119.00
Yes
274 reviews
Amazon Marketplace $171.59
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274 reviews
Walmart.com $161.36
Yes
66 reviews
Abt Electronics $149.99
Yes
26 reviews
eComElectronics.com $194.88
Yes
436 reviews
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