by JR-Orion » Dec 12, 2011 4:02 pm
Tough meaning waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. For caving, but also for general family and nature use above ground. Budget is $300 max, but under that would be great. I have a nice collection of Eneloops, so AA power would be nice, but isn't a deal breaker. Being able to shoot videos is a good thing, though I don't need HD for quick Facebook videos.
First up, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
$250
12MP
35mm equivalent zoom: 28-128mm
2.7" screen
Waterproof to 40', shockproof to 6.6', freezeproof and dustproof
Custom battery and charger
Hi-Speed CCD sensor (not sure if this would help with cave shots?)
"The built-in LED light greatly supports shooting in dark situations."
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS10
$140
14MP
35mm equivalent zoom: 35-140mm
2.7" screen
Waterproof to 10', shockproof to 5', freezeproof and dustproof
Custom battery and charger
Pentax Optio WG-1
$200 for purple, $230 for black
14MP
35mm equivalent zoom: 28-140mm
2.7" screen
Waterproof to 33', shockproof to 5', freezeproof, dustproof, even crushproof
Custom battery and charger
Still looking at Amazon, there's also the Sony Cybershot DSC-TX10 at $260, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 at $240, and the Casio Exilim EX-G1 at $260.
None of those have external moving lenses, which I hear helps out underground (no moving zoom mechanism to get dirty and bind up).
I also thought about buying a $150 normal digital camera, and putting it in a waterproof dive housing. Those housings start at around $100.
Help.
edit- As for the waterproof factor, I don't intend to go diving with this camera, but caves are wet and splashy so that seems like a nice bit of extra protection.
Last edited by
JR-Orion on Dec 12, 2011 4:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Letting the days go by / water flowing underground
Into the blue again / in the silent water
Under the rocks and stones / there is water underground.