Advice please for rugged compact

[andrewcollier]

This post is on behalf of a friend of mine whose son is shortly off to Africa for 12 months and has asked for advice on a compact.

I said the worst risk to any camera is probably dropping, seconded by rain/sand or falling in water, so something very rugged and waterproof is needed. I think I saw such a camera advertised, but I cant remember the brand. He is sensible enough to put price as a secondary issue, prefering to get the model most suitiable.

Does any body have any experience of any model with these features?

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Big Mike]

I haven't used them myself, but look into the Olympus Stylus SW line of cameras.