I had a lot of fun with the FT7 and it survived a real challenging few days out at sea. Its brawn certainly isn't in question, but I was hoping for a touch better image quality (pre-production allowances aside) and a larger sensor to help it really shake up the tough cam crowd. While the 31m waterproofing seems overkill, the EVF is a genuine delight to use and it's great to see one on a tough cam. We'll be able to properly see what this snapper is capable of when we get a review sample before it's released early July 2018.

Five years on from the Lumix FT5 / TS5, the new Lumix FT7 / TS7 marks a massive step up in features and capabilities – as well as price. The FT7 / TS7 is a bold bid to capture the premium waterproof rugged compact market. So there's really only one question that needs answering.

Panasonic's latest compact camera, the Lumix DC-FT7 (also know as the DC-TS7), is a new "rugged" camera. That is, it has a number of tough credentials, which make it ideal for shooting in a wide variety of different conditions.

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.

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

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

The Lumix FT7 is Panasonic's latest ruggedised compact camera and replaces the now discontinued Lumix FT5. It comes with a new 20.4-megapixel sensor and the build quality to withstand treatment that would turn most point-and-shoot models into useless lumps of metal.

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

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

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

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

The Lumix TS7 (known as the Lumix FT7 outside the US) is Panasonic's new premium waterproof camera. This is the first high-end waterproof camera we've seen from Panasonic in over five years, with the outgoing TS5 / FT5 soldiering on against a raft of newer models from rivals, as well as GoPros and...

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

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

I purchased the Panasonic Lumix FT7 from the Brisbane Adelaide store, I will be travelling to Laos and the robust build of this camera is exactly what I need. The staff member Daniel Seed served me and knew exactly what I needed and provided excellent service.

Easy to use; Compact; Build quality; Battery life; Screen size

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.