My point and shoot is shot! (I blame the humidity and heat) I have my first solo coming up in about 9 days and need a replacement camera QUICK!!!!

What is the best camera for the outdoors?

I have been doing my research and have checked the old posts but now just about every camera maker has an "outdoors" digital point and shoot. There also is no clear front runner.

I would like a digital, point and shoot camera that is rugged and can handle the elements. It should take good pictures, not be too large, have a fairly good zoom. Waterproof is nice but neccesary; I don't intend to snorkel with this camera.

Any insight????

Thanks!

I took a Nikon Coolpix on my last trip and it took good pictures. It is the size of a deck of cards. I bought an extra battery but did not need it for 120 shots. I kept it in a waterproof pelican case.

search for "life proof" cameras. or shock proof. There are quite a few with different features and different layouts. I personally like the Fuji FinePix XP10. Just to clarify, I don't own one, I just think they look nice. Olympus has some nice looking ones too.

At this point, I think it is going to be hard to find a point and shoot from a major brand that sucks. Pentax, Fuji, Olympus, Canon all make good cameras. I'd stay away from Kodak or other no-namers.

I like the Olympus 'weatherproof' or waterproof ones. You may be able to find an older model online relatively cheap.

I recently bought a Panasonic TS2. The camera has received good reviews in the waterproof, shockproof, etc. class of digital point and shoot cameras for picture quality. I've only used it at the beach to take pictures of my granddaughter, but plan to take it to the BW next month. The beach pictures turned out very nice.

Thanks for your input..researching fairly hard.

There seems to be a picture quality issue between a regular point and shoot (pns) and a "life proof" pns. That is what my research is tending to point towards. Please let me know if you disagree!

So then the question is; buy a camera that is "life proof" and can handle the drops and bumps and rain etc. but has lower quality pictures or buy a good picture quality PNS and be careful with it.


I hate these last minute "emergencies"!!

It happens I was in Best Buy yesterday and stopped to look at "waterproof" cameras. Fuji had lowest cost - under $200 - but I liked a pricey Olympus package - mid $400's - 14MP, 5X, 33' deep in water, could stand on it, drop it from some modest height. It isn't an SLR but a lot more than my 5 year point and shoot, and a lot easier to carry.

I recently bought the Olympus "tough" camera. Waterproof to 33 ft, can drop it from 6 ft, and crushproof to 220 lbs. Takes HD video also. Picture quality is fantastic and it's easy to operate.

Cost was $349.00 @ Best Buy. They have a less expensive version for around $250.00.

I bought a Cannon Power Shot SX120 IS and used on my last trip. I took around 300 photos and about 35 minutes worth of video with it. Only used the set of lithium batteries in it. The quantity took up just a little over 4.5 gig on my 8 gig memory card. I had no idea how much space I would go through as I also brought along another 4 gig card just in case.

I put everything in a 1050 Pelican case (got the yellow one thinking it might not soak up as much heat from the sun), with the Pick-N-Pluck foam that I strapped to the canoe with a Bungee Dealee Bob. I think that it all worked out great.



Last time I looked this model was down to $179 at the big box stores. KL

My son has a Fuji 33 WP I used it in WCPP and it is waterproof to 10 ft. My other son works for Florida Game and fish and they use Olymus Waterproof camera's and he is constantly sending me the greatest pics.
Waterproof to 10 meters (30 ft)

Here is a sample from the Fuji like $135-$150 at most places
SunCatcher

I bought the Sony Cybershot TX5 this spring and have been happy with it so far. Its only been on one BWCA trip but also went snorkling with no problems and takes decent pictures in most conditions.

Thanks all for the info and input!

Anybody take a look at this camera? panasonic dmc-zs7 Looks like a real winner. I have been useing a panasonic with a 12X zoom...5 MP for years and the quality is very nice, but it's a bit big. This looks nice and small with even more features.

I'm picking up an Olympus 720 SW tomorrow for $80 :) Hope it works as well as the 710 I have!

Have used the Olympus 850 SW for 2 years and it takes excellent pics except "Zoomed" wildlife shots. TW

I'd still be using the 710 I have, but my daughter and wife have managed to mess it up. It powers up, the shutter goes in and out, but then it turns off. IDK what's up with it. Great little camera, but it was sat on/thrown around one too many times. They are not very careful with them and will not be TOUCHING this one. And it's an upgrade :) Waterproof beats weatherproof. (some pics with the 710)

Bought an Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 today. Waterproof, shockproof, freeze proof. It seems small in my hand and takes a rechargable battery.

I will give it the Bwca test in a few days and give a report!!

If that battery is similar to the 710/720 one, it should last your entire trip :) I'll be looking forward to seeing how your pics turn out!

I have been looking into waterproof cameras a little. I don't own one, but here is what a knowledgeable (i think!) associate at Best Buy told me:

One of the biggest issues is the battery compartment. Many older models have a latch that tends to pop open when dropped or is not waterproof. The better models have an extra locking mechanism on the battery latch. He also said that none of the waterproof cameras are really great at any indoor photography. Pretty much outdoor cameras in good light. Most of these cameras also have proprietary batteries.

Keep updating, I am interested to hear what works!

quote drnatus: "I have been looking into waterproof cameras a little. I don't own one, but here is what a knowledgeable (i think!) associate at Best Buy told me:


One of the biggest issues is the battery compartment. Many older models have a latch that tends to pop open when dropped or is not waterproof. The better models have an extra locking mechanism on the battery latch. He also said that none of the waterproof cameras are really great at any indoor photography. Pretty much outdoor cameras in good light. Most of these cameras also have proprietary batteries.


Keep updating, I am interested to hear what works!"

The Panasonic Lumix TS2 has a good locking mechanism and comes with a silicone jacket that fits around the camera and covers the lock to help prevent accidental opening and adds extra protection on drops as well.

I have been playing around the house a bit with the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 and here is some of my thoughts.

Fairly small buttons although the camera has a "tap" system where you can just tap on the outside of the camera instead of manipulating the buttons. Helpful when diving I bet.

I am not keen on a lithium ion rechargable battery (does that make me old fashioned?). A spare costs $40.00. Guess I will find out how long the battery last in a few days!

Not a very long zoom so the lens can't extend past the waterproof housing.

It is a small camera that feels small in my hand (my hands aren't large, average man hands!)

There is a lock on the battery compartment.

Easy of use is good.

I haven't taken the plastic film off of the screen and haven't downloaded any photos yet, so I can't speak about quality yet but thru the plastic it seems fine.

quote muddy: "...


I am not keen on a lithium ion rechargable battery (does that make me old fashioned?). A spare costs $40.00. Guess I will find out how long the battery last in a few days!

..."

I am familiar with the lithium/ion rechargeables. One battery ought to be good for over 250 pics w/o the flash. I'm not sure how many you could take with a flash.

What I've noticed is that if you are fond of reviewing your pics, you will drain the batteries fairly quickly.

You might try Ebay for a replacement battery - for my Olympus there were lots of choices from around $10 delivered... they seem to last as long as the original, but even if a bit shorter you could buy 3 or 4 for the cost of an Olympus battery at regular retail. Just a thought.