I used this on a kayak / snorkel trip in Belize, generally had good results, although I very much miss the optical view-finder that no-one seems to put on cameras any more, especially underwater. My pictures were generally good quality and I didn't have the leakage problem some users have had.
The one genuinely annoying feature no-one else has mentioned that would keep me from recommending this camera: When you first turn it on, a screen comes up asking if you want to review the safety functions. You have to toggle to "no" then hit "enter" before it will let you take a picture. Even if you are quick, start-up takes close to fifteen seconds. Several quick moving rays and other fish disappeared before I could get the camera turned on, so I lost the pictures. There doesn't seem to be any way to turn that reminder off. If you hit "yes" it just tells you to read the manual! Stupid, stupid, stupid.
A more minor annoyance: the movie button is right next to the shutter... Read more

I have just purchased the Orange DMC TS4. It is a vast improvement over the TS3 in many respects. I appreciate the full manual mode in particular. I like to take shots of the night sky, the stars in particular... the option to set the shutter speed up to 60 seconds is amazing.

The time lapse is also a marked bonus as well. I am a bit worried leaving the camera in one spot for so long as it may be stolen, but so far I have made some amazing short films.

The overall picture quality seems to have improved as well

The only MAJOR PROBLEM is that the manufacturer suggests that the watertight seals be replaced to maintain the water-proof integrity of the camera. They have not established what I consider a reasonable pricing structure for this maintenance procedure. To replace the seal you need to unscrew two screws on the door and replace the seal. Yet the service department for Panasonic now charges $180 plus shipping costs (both ways) to do this. I... Read more

I just got this camera and after setting it up which was very easy i am impressed with the video and picture quality, as far as the previous review about water safety warnings, when i turn my camera off and on total time for the display to show up is 3 seconds and with NO water safety warnings, i dont know why the previous reader keeps getting the warning. i have not tried the camera in underwater setting yet and thats why i am giving it a 4 star, but will be using it in Tahiti next month and will leave a follow up comment. Nice job panasonic for now.