August 19th, 2009
Three droppable cameras that can go the distance
If you’re a clumsy photographer (like me), it might be a good idea to invest in a sturdy camera. There are a number of “droppable” cameras out on the market that might suit someone with butterfingers. All good things are only droppable to a certain extent, though, so don’t plan on chucking it out of your window just to test its endurance.
1. Olympus Stylus Tough 8000: For starters, it has “tough” written in the title, so one would assume it can sustain a lot of maltreatment. Names can be deceiving, but in this case, its relatively true. The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 has relatively good reviews when it comes to durability, with a metal body, a shock-absorbing system that can survive drops up to 6.6 feet, and it’s crushproof up to a weight of 220 pounds. But, with this model, you’ll have to make a decision between durability and photo quality, as critics have found its photos to be on the softer side. (Lowest price: $299.95)
Two more models after the jump…2. Canon Powershot D10: One of the leading waterproof cameras out there, the Canon Powershot D10 is also built for the rugged photographer. While the design isn’t the greatest, reviewers have found this little blue wonder gets the job done with high-quality images. It can be dropped from heights up to 4 feet and waterproof at depths of up to 33 feet. Ultimately, the model is designed for adventure - not everyday use. So if you want something for the city, you might want to keep looking. (Lowest price: $315.00)
3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1: Shockproof and droppable from heights up to 5 feet and waterproof up to 10 feet, Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-TS1 is also a contender in the durable point-and-shoot class. Photo quality reviews have been mixed, and some have found long-term defects after significant drops. But it is durable through the occasional bad drop on the sidewalk and can handle many different terrains. Plus it has a nicer design than the Canon Powershot model. (Lowest price: $329.99)
Would you be interested in any of these models? Have you found models better than these? Do you have a camera that can endure some drops?
Rachel started playing with her mother's old Brownie camera when she was just a toddler, working her way up from a Hello Kitty point-and-shoot to training on both film and digital SLRs. See her full profile and disclosure of her industry affiliations.
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