I currently have an old IXUS 860IS along with the genuine Canon divers case for it, which is great for on holiday taking pictures of the kids on the beach etc, even though it does make the whole package a bit bulky, but the camera is getting a bit temperamental these days and I would like to replace it.

I like the idea of a tough camera so I can continue to use it at the beach, in the pool etc.but I also want to use it when I’m out and about.

I do have a Lumix G6 which I will use if I know I have the carry capacity and is safe to use it, I also have a Canon 40D although I haven’t used that much since getting the G6.

But I want a camera I can chuck in a pocket or my wife can pick up and use straight away.

I know there are compromises on quality with a tough camera, but will the quality of the FT5 exceed the old IXUS I have.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Any late night camera experts?

Have plenty of experience with cameras but not of the one you mention. I can recommend looking it up on dpreview or similar. The only ‘tough’ camera I’ve had was a Samsung phone that you could drive a landrover over. It was bobbins as a camera but probably not because of being ‘tough’, just an old phone with tiny sensor. I know what you mean tho, higher spec chassis can mean lower spec IQ, to keep the price keen.

Snapsort? :

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_Digital_IXUS_860_IS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-FT5

For extra fun maybe search for dpreview image comparison tool – a widget which allows you to compare the IQ of yr intended camera with (say) yr GF6 etc? Sorry cant be more help, I use an RX100 and treat it like a piece of rare porcelain 8)