Favorite "Rugged/Tough" P&Ss?

Markw · May 31, 2012

Hey everyone! I've only had a DSLR to work with for about 5 years now. Nothing but my cell to take with me to take photos of any kind of fun outtings I deem too risky for my DSLR. So, I was wondering what everyone's favorite "Rugged" (i.e waterproof, shockproof, etc) point and shoot cameras are, and why. Of course, I'm looking for best image quality, but it's really not tooooo important for family outings, etc. So, which would you recommend and why?

Thanks,
Mark

Steve5D · May 31, 2012

I don't believe that anything is truly water "proof".

While I don't believe it was ever marketed as "shock proof", my G12 gets the vote in that category. I dropped it from waist level onto a concrete sidewalk, and I was certain I'd killed it. Other than a slight scuff on the strap eyelet, though, there was not a single thing damaged by the fall...

StandingBear1983 · Jun 1, 2012

Mark use your D800 its made to take pictures not to put in a glass chamber and stroke it everyday, use the damn camera, it can hold the abuse...those things are built like a tank...i don't understand when someone says "i don't want to risk it"...so why did you buy a camera with great protection?...i don't understand this. watch this...maybe it will take your worries away :

gsgary · Jun 1, 2012

D800 with a 24-70 fitted

Jaemie · Jun 1, 2012

StandingBear1983 said:
Mark use your D800 its made to take pictures not to put in a glass chamber and stroke it everyday, use the damn camera, it can hold the abuse...those things are built like a tank...i don't understand when someone says "i don't want to risk it"...so why did you buy a camera with great protection?...i don't understand this. watch this...maybe it will take your worries away :

I agree. Use it with few reservations.

That's an amazing video, btw. Wow.

Markw · Jun 1, 2012

No, I'm looking for something of this sort:

Pentax Optio WG-2 Digital Camera (Black) 15471 B&H Photo Video

It IS waterproof, etc.

Mark

Markw · Jun 1, 2012

StandingBear1983 said:
Mark use your D800 its made to take pictures not to put in a glass chamber and stroke it everyday, use the damn camera, it can hold the abuse...those things are built like a tank...i don't understand when someone says "i don't want to risk it"...so why did you buy a camera with great protection?...i don't understand this. watch this...maybe it will take your worries away :

I've seen this. But, the D800 with any lens attached isn't designed to go wading in a river, or swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. As weather sealed as it may be, it shouldn't be submerged, and certainly shouldn't be taking photos underwater. Living in Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay and many of their adjoined rivers, I am often just having a day of fun with the family IN the water. The D800 isn't intended to be used IN the water, for fun. I know the limitations and features of my camera. Should I come back to these places for PHOTOGRAPHY and not simply for fun, I'd bring my D800 and 30lbs of other gear to take the 36MP gorgeous photos. But, I don't need all of this for a simple day of fun in the water with the family. Plus, it's a burden to carry around of the gear for a simple day out with the family.

Mark

Canuk · Jun 1, 2012

Mark,
I have used the Olympus Tough camera's in the past. Tough as nails, taken snorkelling, snowboarding and several trips on my motorcycles. The one I had was probably a good 3 years old when it got stolen. You may want to check them out as well. The image quality was ok, for what it was but it was not a DSLR.
Another option that you may want to look at, is a G12 w/ canon's waterproof box. Better image quality, but alot more to carry around.

Markw · Jun 1, 2012

The G12 is a bit out of my budget. Especially with extra add-ons that add bulk. Thank you, though.

Mark

TheBiles · Jun 1, 2012

StandingBear1983 said:
Mark use your D800 its made to take pictures not to put in a glass chamber and stroke it everyday, use the damn camera, it can hold the abuse...those things are built like a tank...i don't understand when someone says "i don't want to risk it"...so why did you buy a camera with great protection?...i don't understand this. watch this...maybe it will take your worries away :

I dropped my 7D 3 feet onto concrete, and it stopped working.

StandingBear1983 · Jun 5, 2012

I misunderstood you Mark, i didn't know you wanted a camera for underwater lol...anyway...i was investigating about those types of cameras for a while...and most of them have real bad reviews...like "after 1 time it stoped working" or "the IQ is ****" stuff like that...i don't know who to listen too...i didn't have experiance with those types of cameras but I would like to get one because i'm living near the sea and can use it quite often...but are they worth the price of a regular P&S...i don't know.