2010 waterproof compact cameras

[haven]

For 2010, several companies offer compact digital cameras that are waterproof, dustproof and have a greater shock resistance than the typical pocket camera. These look to be good choices for overland enthusiasts who need a durable point and shoot camera. Maybe Overland Journal could do a comparison test!

The group includes:

Canon Powershot D10
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=2590&modelid=18332

Casio Exilim EX-G1
http://www.casio.com/products/Cameras/Exilim_G/

Fujifilm Finepix XP10
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/xp/finepix_xp10/index.html

Olympus Stylus Tough 8010, 6020, 3000
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp?section=stylustough

Panasonic DMC-TS1
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-...eras/model.DMC-TS1S_11002_7000000000000005702

Pentax Optio W80
http://www.pentaximaging.com/digital-camera/Optio_W80_-_Azure_Blue/

 

[biglos454]

i have the original version of the Olympus tough series. ive had it for several years and its still holding up great. the picture quality is lacking in my opinion though. ive heard that the new ones have much better quality. id like to buy one but i cant seem to justify it until my current one dies, but it has taken some serious abuse like a 30 minute dip in the local bays :sombrero: and its still truckin.

 

[cybercat]

I've used the Panasonic DMC-TS1 its a great camera. I can post some pictures if needed.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

We have the original Olympus Tough series and I dont really like it

I like that it's waterproof, freezeproof and crushproof, but the older series has a sliding door to turn it on and it always slides open in my pocket and I'll have a few hundreds pictures of the inside of my pocket

The new ones look much better but I cant see spending the money to upgrade for jsut a P&S

 

[cruisertoy]

I have one of the original 5mp Pentax optio wp cameras. It has taken great pictures and been used underwater in Alaska and while snorkeling in Hawaii. I wear it on a string around my neck and it has been through a lot and always worked. I'd buy a newer one in the series.

 

[Co-opski]

We have the original Olympus Tough series and I dont really like it

I like that it's waterproof, freezeproof and crushproof, but the older series has a sliding door to turn it on and it always slides open in my pocket and I'll have a few hundreds pictures of the inside of my pocket

The new ones look much better but I cant see spending the money to upgrade for jsut a P&S

Same with me. Now I have a new version and I like it. These are tough. The glacier silt that blows around town kills electronics. So far I have lost 2 CD players, 1 DVD player, 1 Laptop, and 2 cameras. Not one Olympus tough series. I wish they would get away from the Xd memory cards thou.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Same with me. Now I have a new version and I like it. These are tough. The glacier silt that blows around town kills electronics. So far I have lost 2 CD players, 1 DVD player, 1 Laptop, and 2 cameras. Not one Olympus tough series. I wish they would get away from the Xd memory cards thou.

I agree, how stupid are those little cards and there are no card readers that accept them, so you have to use the camera to download the photos. Only thing other than the sliding door on the older model that I dont like about the camera

 

[VicHanson]

I also have the 5 mp Pentax Optio WP. I used it on the whole Pacific Crest Trail, and have used it for a few years here in Peru. Where I live and hike is dry and dusty most of the year, with a fine volcanic ash that destroys cameras with a retractable lens. The OP with its internal lens is perfect. My main complaint is that when using flash there are sometimes white dots on the pics, I guess it is because the lens and flash are on the same plane. I did recently drop it on a rocky trail from about 6 feet, and it still works.

The new one looks nice - Adventurous meets clumsy in the 12 megapixel, waterproof, coldproof and now shockproof Optio W80. Dunk it, freeze it, drop it, and it will keep coming back for more. - Pentax Optio W80 12 Megapixel Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom, 2.5" LCD, Waterproof, HD Movie, Face Detection, Shake Reduction. Buy.com has it for $175 with free shipping (actually from Beach Camera).

Vic

 

[telwyn]

Olympus Stylus Tough

I have the Olympus Stylus Tough - bought it about a year ago, I think I have the 6000 model. For what it is, a very tough, waterproof point and shoot, I love it. Takes good shots when kayaking, etc and does fun underwater shots as well.

As a regular camera, it's nothing special.

 

[haven]

A few new models for 2010:

Pentax Optio W90, adds leds around the lens to illumate macro shots
http://gizmodo.com/5479741/pentax-w90-rugged-camera-is-a-little-tougher-and-brighter

Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP, waterproof to 10 feet / 3 meters

Olympus Stylus Tough 8000, all metal body, will survive 7 foot / 3 meter fall, waterproof to 30 ft / 10 meters

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

A few new models for 2010:

Pentax Optio W90, adds leds around the lens to illumate macro shots
http://gizmodo.com/5479741/pentax-w90-rugged-camera-is-a-little-tougher-and-brighter

The Olympus has had this for some time now. I'm actually wondering why with how little LED's draw from battery power, that DSLR's havent added this to any of their line-ups

 

[bulfo4]

I have a Panasonic TS1, and it is awesome. My wife has a couple of the Olympus indestructables, but I like the Panasonic, here's why:

Pros:
- Simple settings work very well. You can set for manual control reasonably easy and get good pics.
- Minimum Shutter Speed for photos and vid - set it for 1/30, and never turn it off. It gets rid of the shaky blurry pics.
- HD Video that looks really good for a super-compact indestructable camera.
- One button video - this really rocks. When it's on, just push record and you're making a movie. You don't have to switch modes, like on the Olympus.
- The stabilization is fantastic for both pics and video

Cons:
- Wish it had a lenscap of any form.

Now that I've got a droid phone, being able to send pics is really convenient, so it does a lot of the day to day pics, but the TS1 is indespensible for going on a trip.

 

[lwg]

So has anyone else had any experience with any of these new waterproof point and shoots?

Looking to get one soon and looking for some recommendations.

 

[Beowulf]

Here is a link to a shootout by DP Review on waterproof point and shoots.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

 

[BIGdaddy]

i've had a pentax optio for about 8 years, and its captured some really important events in both still and video.

VERY solid camera. If the new ones are the same quality, I'd just go with another pentax

Cheers!
Brian