Lumix FT3 - rugged compact with GPS versus Nikon P6000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 eventually arrived and it has been tested over the summer. The GPS functionality is stunningly good compared to my older (but not actually old) Nikon P6000. The GPS lock is very quick. This contrasts starkly with the over 5 minutes of messing about trying to get the Nikon to lock on to the satellites. I have a method that I will share in a separate post as the Nikon P6000, although far from ideal as a GOS logging travel camera, can be put to good use if surveying an area without turning of the GOS tracking after lock on is achieved.

The Lumix FT3 also improves on the P6000 when tagging GPS location by confirming the nearest town name from an internal database. This increases personal confidence in the GPS accuracy significantly - and it works really well.

Of course, on one level, it seems odd to compare a viewfinderless FT3 with the prosumer P6000 and indeed the viewfinder on the P6000 is very good in bright sunlight. Despite the bright rear screen on the Lumix FT3 it can still be a struggle to see the screen image well enough to be sure of getting the shot you want in bright sunshine. More of a hit and miss affair. But when all is said and done, the Nikon P6000 was purchased as a GPS Travel Camera and at that particular job it is frustratingly poor because it is impossible to jump out  of the car or bus and take a quick, GPS tagged shot of a beautiful scene. So the P6000 must go and for quick geotagged photography, the Lumix FT3 excels. The Leica brand lens translates to pin sharp and bright photos. I haven't tried the Lumix FT3 underwater yet - but it is definitely rain proof.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 digital compatc camera is truely a recommended carry everywhere GPS Travel Camera.