The Lumix TS2 is Panasonic’s follow-up on their first waterproof and ruggedized camera, the Lumix TS1. While the new model looks almost identical to the one it replaces, there are some subtle and not so subtle improvements that are certain to elevate Panasonic’s standing among manufacturers of waterproof and ruggedized compact cameras. The biggest news for divers is that the new model can now handle depths up to 33 feet, addressing the 10-feet rating that limited the TS1 to just snorkeling. Resolution has been bumped to a full 14.1 megapixel, the camera is more rugged yet, and you can still shoot glorious high definition video to play back on HDTV flatscreens.
How waterproof/dustproof/shockproof is the TS2?

More than the TS1, which was already pretty tough. Tough and rugged is in, and almost all major manufacturers are now offering some sort of ruggedized and waterproof camera for the great outdoors. But ruggedness comes in various degrees, and customers have different requirements. The TS1 was designed to survive a drop from five feet, to be used underwater at depths of ten feet, and in temperatures between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s pretty tough, but the TS2 can do better. It can now survive a drop from 6.6 feet (two meters), handle depths to 33 feet, and temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Are these differences meaningful? Absolutely. If you’re into winter sports, you can now use the camera in freezing temperatures. If you like the water, it can accompany you now on real dives and not just snorkeling or splashing around. Many dives, of course, are deeper than 33 feet, but not all; many dives on our recent camera eval dive trip off California’s Channel Islands were in the 30-40 foot range.