As DSLRs with HD recording capabilities have started to arrive on the market, this trend was expected to also hit the compact segment sooner or later. And it seems that, at least for Panasonic, it's actually sooner rather than later, since the Japanese company has just introduced the LUMIX DMC-TS1 model, which is touted as the world's first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities.

Now, since these two issues are equally interesting, we'll first talk about just how tough the TS1 really is. Hence, apparently, the device can easily resist being submerged down to a depth of about 10 feet, but also to being dropped from a height of around 5 feet. Plus, since it sports rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1's body is completely airtight, hence protecting the delicate electronic components within against water immersion, dust and sand.

The Lumix TS1 features a 12.1 megapixel resolution, plus a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, as well as 4.6x optical zoom (up to 128mm in telephoto). Furthermore, it packs a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, which has been reinforced in order to provide a better level of protection against water and shocks.

As mentioned above, another important selling point of the TS1's is represented by the possibility of recording AVCHD Lite HD video, hence allowing almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio to match the high-quality motion images.

The camera also packs some of the most popular image capture, processing and enhancement technologies from Panasonic, such as Face Recognition, the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode and the Venus Engine HD. Plus, the TS1 has a short start-up time (just around 1.3 seconds), while the shutter release time lag is of approximately 0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash, while the Venus Engine HD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400, which is sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in three color options (Silver, Green and Orange) when it arrives in stores in April 2009, and will sell for around $399.95.

 
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