Best Compact System Camera Expert for DMC-GH2
Best Rugged Compact Camera for DMC-FT3(TS3)

Panasonic has won three categories at this year’s TIPA Awards, widely recognised as the most coveted photo and imaging awards worldwide. Panasonic’s LUMIX DMC-GH2 has been named ‘Best Compact System Camera Expert’; the DMC-FT3(TS3) has won ‘Best Rugged Compact Camera’; while the Gold SDHC UHS-I SD card has won the ‘Best Imaging Storage Media’ category.

Established in 1991, the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is an independent organisation of consumer electronics journalists, representing fourteen countries across Europe, South Africa and the United States. Every year, TIPA editors vote for the best photo and imaging products introduced to the market during the previous 12 months. In the 2011 awards, TIPA’s editors have again recognised Panasonic’s digital imaging products for their innovation, use of cutting-edge technology, design, value and ease-of-use.

LUMIX DMC-GH2
Panasonic’s LUMIX GH2, part of its range of LUMIX G Micro System Digital Cameras, was named ‘Best Compact System Camera Expert’, following Panasonic’s LUMIX DMC-G2 winning the same category last year.

A TIPA jury spokesperson commented: “The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH2 is a true 'hybrid' photo and video camera, where video is no longer just an additional function. The DMC-GH2 features Full HD 1920x1080 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) smooth, high quality video recording with 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) sensor output in addition to the high quality photo, a world's first for cameras in this category.”

LUMIX DMC-FT3(TS3)
Panasonic’s LUMIX DMC-FT3(TS3) was named ‘Best Rugged Compact Camera’ for its innovative design and features which make it ideal for outdoor use. The 12.1-megapixel FT3 is waterproof to twelve metres, shockproof to ten metres and freezeproof to minus ten degrees Centigrade.

“It has an integrated GPS function, ideal for photographers who want to shoot in the great outdoors and record their exact position during that shoot,” commented a TIPA jury spokesperson. “The camera has a built-in compass, altimeter and barometer to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The barometer also works as an indicator for depth underwater. Thanks to its location awareness, the internal clock of the camera is automatically adjusted to the local time.”