Rugged camera?

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woody

woody

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Been looking lately for a small pocketsize camera...and there seem to be a bunch out there that are rugged, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof and a lotta other proof as well...

Olympus Tough TG-310 http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Waterproof-Shockproof-Freezeproof-Cleaning/dp/B004WK43PM/?tag=ihco-20
is one option...$144

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-TS3-Waterproof-Stabilized-2-7-Inch/dp/B004KKZ0J2/?tag=ihco-20
is another, $266

Lots of possibilities out there...720p is sufficient for video, could care less about 3D photo options, GPS is nice but not required...

anyone with a model they just love?
 
I've got an Otterbox on my Bionic...it's not waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, etf...
 
That Panasonic looks pretty nice. I would check the reviews over at dpreview.com. Not the best review spot, but have got some good info from there and have agreed with most of their input on cameras I have owned.
 
woody said:
I've got an Otterbox on my Bionic...it's not waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, etf...
Click to expand...

That's true - I meant Griffin Mil-Spec case. Too bad you have the droid - the iPhone camera crushes it in every way. I doubt you'd want a point and shoot... but since you have it I guess I could recommend the pana TS3.
 
Fast Eddy said:
Battery life in an area with sh*tty cell phone reception? No contest fanboi.
Click to expand...

Don't be so insecure. I'm a professional photographer. The optics in an iPhone 4s and the on board software that power it have no rival. My point to Woody in suggesting the phone, is a phone is always with you.

Sent from my iPad 2 using IH8MUD
 
Panasonic TS3 ordered, will be here Friday...16GB card and a Chums float as well...

Cell phone is a poor camera choice when you are dealing with inclement weather. When I'm out wheeling, most of my rigs are open, so weather conditions require phones to be in a sealed case to prevent damage. Having a quick shoot camera in my pocket that will survive most elements is what I need.

I rolled my FJ40 into a river once, and wrecked two cell phones, a camera, and more...my phones get cased.

I've got a D50 and a D90 and a small arsenal of 2.8 Sigma and Nikkor lenses already, but that's again impractical when weather is poor or space is limited.
 
I have the Panny TS3 and I have been happy with it so far. I bought it for my vacation to St. Lucia last summer. The main reason I went with this versus the waterproof versions of Sony, Olympus or Canon is that this seems more rugged. It's also waterproof up to 40 feet while others can only go up to 10 feet. This perfect for me when snorkeling to deeper water. It's also shockproof up to 2 meters. Lastly, it takes decent indoor picks which is comparable to some other point and shoot cams.

Enjoy your new camera!
 
D'Animal said:
Have you looked at the GoPro camera?
Click to expand...

I've got two GoPro's...great for video, suck for stills...and the wide lens distorts...and not pocket size.
 
will do some comparisons between the D90 and the TS3...fresh snow falling today, should be some nice photo ops by the weekend :)
 
woody said:
Panasonic TS3 ordered, will be here Friday...16GB card and a Chums float as well...

Cell phone is a poor camera choice when you are dealing with inclement weather. When I'm out wheeling, most of my rigs are open, so weather conditions require phones to be in a sealed case to prevent damage. Having a quick shoot camera in my pocket that will survive most elements is what I need.

I rolled my FJ40 into a river once, and wrecked two cell phones, a camera, and more...my phones get cased.

I've got a D50 and a D90 and a small arsenal of 2.8 Sigma and Nikkor lenses already, but that's again impractical when weather is poor or space is limited.
Click to expand...
Kind of late to the party on this but you might want to look at the Gzone Commando for a phone.
Casio Commando
I have a second Gen Gzone and it kicks ass, I've dunked it in streams, let it rattle around in the glove box of my FJ40 on Rubicon, and generally beat the crap out of it for several years now. It flew out the window at around 35MPH on a dirt road and cracked the screen, and it still works. If the Commando is anything like the Gzone I have it is a bullet proof phone. I'm pretty sure it will be my next phone.
 
I got a Fuji xp I think.The lettering is all worn off. I keep it in my jacket pocket 24/7. It has been dropped, wet, frozen, covered in mud, tumbled down ski hills etc. etc. I've had it for over two years.

The battery lasts for hundreds of pics (well, well over a hundred), and they aren't that bad.

I would have recomended it, but I see you have already bought the Panasonic.

Post up a comparison tomorrow.
 
Fast Eddy said:
PhotographyReview.com <-- A buddy's site. Great info. Been around for over 10 years.

Here's a recent Fuji rugged digicam review ($199): Fujifilm FinePix XP50 – Affordable Rugged Waterproof Camera | Camera News & Reviews
Click to expand...

I have this camera. It's really good for a camera that can handle anything that the kids at the beach can throw at it. Have no problem handing it to them. They usually shove it in a mound of sand and record video. I just wash it in the sink at home and it's good as new. The photos are decent for such a small camera.

The Panasonic is good too.
 
Woody tell us how that goes with the Lumix .. I'm Lumix fan .. since my TZ1 ( that it's almost waterproof I swear ) what I do like about that it's the optical zoom .. not that much pocket size but you can't have all ..
 
I got the older version of the Olympus water proof version..
Its been great on the ocean, canyons, mud pits, winter climbs and around the house..
Im sure the newer version has more options and better video....
 
I have had one of the Olympus Tough cameras for about 3 years now. I love the thing. Takes great pictures and is as tough a cruiser....seriously. Mine has gone swimming several times and has never let me down. They also have a lot of cool features and modes. Also FWIW I think Olympus builds better cameras than Panasonic and I think Olympus has been building these "tough" cameras longer than anyone else.

I have this one:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_archived_product_details.asp?fl=&id=1448

BTW I highly recommend getting the floatation strap for it, especially if you are going to be on boat or near lakes.
 
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