Weatherproof Point & Shoot Camera

Twinjibber77

Twinjibber77

Active member
I'm looking into getting a weatherproof/durable point and shoot camera. There are a few models out on the market that i'm considering and i'm wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with any of the ones below (There is no GoPro, i'm aware). Thanks a lot for your help! +k

My first choice (leaning towards this based on CNet):

Pentax Optio W90

PENTAX-Optio-W90-2.jpg


and

Olympus Stylus Tough 8010

olympus-stylus-tough-8010.jpg


I have heard bad things about the Casio and the battery life sucking on some others. I know nothing about the Sony or a few other companies with the goods.

 
I'm sorry to say i haven't ever used a weather proof camera. But that pentax looks burly for a point and shoot.
 
The olympus is pretty rugged. I've taken a friend's diving a few times, and it had a decent picture underwater all things considered. Also drop proof as my buddy demonstrated. I wasn't too stoked on the images in general though. Colors weren't true, and exposure was always a little off. Bear in mind this was an older model, so updates have hopefully been made to the image quality.
If you want a point and shoot that produces excellent images, I recommend the Canon PowerShot S90. I have the S90 as a p&s alternate to my 7D, and the pictures it is capable of producing are pro-quality. The f2.0 lens is fast, although the shutter action is obviously not up to par with an SLR. This is NOT water proof, but it is a solid built, all metal camera. If you get a rigid case, this could be your bet, unless you're planning on serious rain exposure.
Good luck.
 
I looked into the S90 and it seems to be a really fun p&s where you can fine tune a lot. Pretty fancy. Still pretty undecided but i don't think i'd go with it based on the battery life reviews :[

Thanks for the replies everyone! +k
 
That's what I do, I have a shitty older powershot I use for all my photography. Bought an otter box at a kayak store as I wanted to store it in my boat while kayaking. Now it just stays in the box all the time. It's about 4 years old now I think and I've kayaked with it all that time and it hasn't died on me yet. I think the box was 30 bucks or so and they make a bunch of different sizes. Of course this won't help you actually shoot in the rain, but it'll make the camera pretty bombproof while your not using it.
 
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I've started actually wrapping a velcro strap around it too, I got rolled in my kayak a few months ago while I had this in there and it popped open and soaked my camera. Still works like a charm though, I just opened it up and didn't use it for a week or so.
 
bump because I need a camera to take with me while I climb Mt. Washington. Anyone use the Pentax?
 
I have the Pentax W90. It's a fun little camera. I normally shoot with a 7D, so the Pentax feels pretty barebones in comparison, but it takes nice pictures and decent video. I don't think the photos are as good as like a canon powershot, but it's definitely great as a rugged waterproof camera.
 
Dang M&A usually fails me.. I'm seriously considering buying the W90 for my Mt. Washington climb. I need something that can withstand temps of around ~ -5 (~ -30 windchill)at short bursts. I also need it to be relatively easy to use (big buttons) since I wont be able to take my gloves off. I know its rated to 14 degrees, but it'll be alright to use for short bursts right? Will you post some higher res shots taken with it in different lighting conditions? Maybe some video you shot? What complaints do you have about the camera.

Willing to sell? lol.
 
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