The Lumix FT7 / TS7 is a rugged waterproof camera with 20 Megapixels, a 28-128mm zoom, a built-in viewfinder and the chance to dive deeper than rivals to an impressive 31m. It's a bold bid to capture the premium waterproof rugged compact market from Olympus, so the big question is how it compares to...

Although the Lumix DC-TS7 includes an electronic viewfinder and can dive more than 100 feet underwater, it doesn't quite rise to the level of the competition.

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  Useful electronic viewfinder, Captures 4K video at 30 fps, Manual exposure features, Excellent waterproof locking system, Claims to be waterproof to a depth of 102 feet

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  Narrower wide angle than most, Slight but noticeable shutter lag, Struggles in low-light settings, Bigger and heavier than others in its class, Maximum apertures aren't as wide as competitors' models

Panasonic has a reputation for excellent compacts, and this extends to its underwater range. The newly released FT7 is the latest in a long line of underwater tough cams, and boasts a 20.4MP 1/2.3in sensor and a 35mm equivalent 28-128mm f/3.3-5.9 lens.

One of the best waterproof compacts around, if not as all-round impressive as the Olympus TG-5

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  Features a built-in electronic viewfinder, Waterproof to 31m (102ft), Introduces 4K Photo Modes, Supports USB charging

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  Doesn't shoot in the RAW format, Small 1/2.3-inch size sensor, Zoom operation is slow, Buttons are fairly small

There's lots to like about the Lumix TS7 / FT7, including its excellent tough credentials and a decent built-in electronic viewfinder. Panasonic though has crammed too many pixels onto a relatively small sensor, which sees image quality sacrificed.

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  Built-in electronic viewfinder, Waterproof down to 31m, 4K video and 4K Photo, Decent amount of exterior controls

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  No raw capture, LED light only works during video recording, Battery life not as good as outgoing model

On paper, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 is the probably just about the best underwater/tough model you can buy right now. It has all the specs you’d expect from a camera like this, particularly the best underwater credentials on the market, as well as a good range of other tough features.

Sturdy. Easy to use. Great price. Very happy with it.(Haven't tried it under water yet!)