Opinions on rugged compacts

[longhornlump]

What is the general consensus on rugged compact point and shoots?
Are they worth the price premium?

I am looking to the use the camera to take pictures and record small videos on ski trips and out on the beach/water.

I have the following camera on my list...
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Olympus Stylus Tough 8000
Olympus Stylus Tough 6000
Pentax Optio W60
Canon PowerShot D10

 

[jpeyton]

It'll pay for itself the first time you drop it in the water.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
It'll pay for itself the first time you drop it in the water.

LOL! Awesome!

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
It'll pay for itself the first time you drop it in the water.

QFT

 

[kyzen]

Pretty much what jpeyton said.

If you're going to be exposing your camera to crappy conditions, or tend to be careless with cameras, then they're worth considering.

 

[soydios]

I have a D90 and assorted lenses/accessories for when I want DSLR image quality.

I keep an Olympus 1030SW in my backpack at all times. Being in my backpack is a rough life for a camera, which is partly why I bought it. I also bought it (and a float strap!) to take photos of surfing, white water rafting, or anything else that involves water, dirt, or both.

I would not buy a rugged/waterproof camera as your only camera except if you have a history of breaking valuable electronics. The image quality from my 1030SW doesn't compare well with better compact cameras (Canon SD- or A-series), but a so-so image from a surfboard is infinitely better than no image at all.

Summary: for those of us who have a DSLR already, I recommend a rugged/waterproof compact to take where we can't or won't take our valuable babies. For single-camera owners, I recommend that you buy a good-image-quality moderately compact camera.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Another vote for rugged compacts. If you're using it in the water, it's pretty much your best choice. An added waterproof casing for a non-rugged compact will set you back at least $100 and add considerable bulk to the camera. However, these dedicated casings usually allow you to go much deeper underwater than these rugged compacts. I'm on the fringe on whether or not these compacts are for me, as whenever I'm in the water it's usually going to be past the specified depth of these cameras.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Another vote for rugged compacts. If you're using it in the water, it's pretty much your best choice. An added waterproof casing for a non-rugged compact will set you back at least $100 and add considerable bulk to the camera. However, these dedicated casings usually allow you to go much deeper underwater than these rugged compacts. I'm on the fringe on whether or not these compacts are for me, as whenever I'm in the water it's usually going to be past the specified depth of these cameras.

Just buy a Nikonos RS or V and be done with it

That or a good Subal housing for your DSLR.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Another vote for rugged compacts. If you're using it in the water, it's pretty much your best choice. An added waterproof casing for a non-rugged compact will set you back at least $100 and add considerable bulk to the camera. However, these dedicated casings usually allow you to go much deeper underwater than these rugged compacts. I'm on the fringe on whether or not these compacts are for me, as whenever I'm in the water it's usually going to be past the specified depth of these cameras.

Just buy a Nikonos RS or V and be done with it

That or a good Subal housing for your DSLR.

Haha have you checked out prices on Nikonos RS lenses lately? Some of them cost more than a used car lol

 

[ElFenix]

i like the 10 meter olympus cameras.

remember that moving through the water can cause much higher pressures than just the depth alone. 3 meters doesn't seem like enough to me to be really worthwhile for usage in the water.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Imaging resource has a review up for the "ruggedized" Panasonic TS1.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM

 

[Cattlegod]

What one did you decide on?

I have the same cameras on your list. I'm really thinking about the TS1, but I'm worried about taking it skiing.

Anyone know what the best of the above is?

 

[jaybert]

bump. thinking of getting one...any suggestions?

 

[California Roll]

Bumping an old thread but I wanted to espouse my love for the TS1. Been playing with it for a week now and it's great. I have a Canon DSLR and Canon HD camcorder as my mains, but this makes a great take anywhere backup. Video and picture quality is surprisingly good. Taking it into the pool with the kids while other parents stare in horror is priceless.

I'm wondering if AVCHD for digital cameras is going to be the norm now. Quality is great and I can take 2 HOURS and 4 minutes of 1280x720 footage, max quality, on a 16gb sdhc. Same resolution in MJPEG only allows 8 MINUTES.

edit: MJPEG and 8 minutes didn't make sense so I fully read the manual. MJPEG is limited to 2gb per file max which means 8 minute clips.