Durable Digital Camera?

[G. Couch]

My old dig. camera finally met it's end a while back, after being dropped on the floor at work! I am now in the market for a new camera and would like something that can take a beating. In other words, if I throw it into the back of my pack and go for a bike ride on very rough trails for 4 hours (perhaps dropping the camera on a few roots once or twice!)...I want the camera to work when I get back.

Does anyone have a recomendation? I will only be using it for snapshots and don't require a top-of-the-line, high-res. camera (I still use 35mm slide film for more "artsy" stuff). Anyone have a camera they have dropped a few dozen times to no ill effect?

[Mike]

Can't help on which camera will take a beating and keep on clicking, but the comment you made about using slide film for the more artsy stuff does bear a comment.

There are all sorts of rumors and that kind of stuff flying around about the sooner rather than later demise of slide film. Usage is apparently continuing to drop and we all know that means, sooner or later it will no longer be profitable to make and then.....

Even that great beacon in the slide film sky, Natl Geo, has started doing (from the planing stage) stories using digital images.

Just thought I would pass it along for what its worth.

Mike

[G. Couch]

I know that film, for the most part, is going the way of the dinosaurs, but I still enjoy it. It's just another way to make an image...it's not as though modern litho presses and inkjet printing stopped people from continuing to work in comparatively ancient forms of printing like etching and woodcuts. I doubt making images with film will die out the way some people think it will.

You inadvertently brought up another point as far as durability goes...my Canon is over 20 years old and still going strong, despite being dropped more times than I can count! The Pentax I used in college worked just fine without a battery and it too was built like a tank. If someone makes a digi cam just half that durable, I'd like to know.

[Duv]

I've played with a lot of digitals and most seem built pretty cheaply, especially when compared to my old Nikon FM2. The only 2 I would recommend are the Canon G series and the Olympus E10. Both are quite sturdy but maybe a little more than you would like to spend.

Cheers
Duv

[Duv]

Just another thought. I you have Canon lenses maybe the digital Rebel is worth considering.

Cheers
Duv

[chris h]

My Digital Ixus V3 is pretty bombproof Greg, in effect its a stainless steel box so it can take a battering. My brother who's accident prone has one and its lived to tell the tale despite being covered in dents and scratches.

[BigAl]

Just another thought. I you have Canon lenses maybe the digital Rebel is worth considering.

I think the Rebel's plastic body goes against what Greg is looking for. But then on the other hand...

[JadeCat]

Digital Cameras are not *that* rugged

If you're looking for something that is going to take a beating, then Digital Cameras aren't the best for that sort of thing, esp ones with LCD displays or extending lenses.

If you're just taking snapshots, something with a fixed focal would be best, and those are capable of being thrown into a backpack (with a little care of course...ie: neoprene or hard case shell) and still working after biking etc. I'm *not* sure about being dropped once or twice tho.

Persoanlly, I'm a Canon fan, so you might want to look at either the A-series or S-series.

However, remember that all digital cameras come with sensitive sensors and high-tech chips that can damaged. With film cameras, you can whack someone over the head with it, or drop it 1-2x and still have it working; the digital cameras require a bit more care.

A little pre-planning and care will ensure a long life for the camera and make you happier. There are enough products out that will ensure that!

But, check out the Digital Review Forums

http://www.dpreview.com

and do a search. You might just find a camera that fits you.

[LindaJ]

same need but for a 6 year old

I've been thinking about a digicam for my 6 year old granddaughter. I'm not terribly concerned about megapixels - durability is the issue. Has anyone bought or made a padded case that would help reduce damage if dropped? My first goal is just to get her started taking photos. I've even thought about getting a used camera to keep the cost down.

I love to look at shots taken from a kid's-eye view. One of my favorite all-time pics is the turkey carcass shot taken by my stepdaughter the Christmas she received her first camera!

LJ

[catia]

I saw a little girl with one of these the other day. It is a 35mm though.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/mypolkadots/35eacamchca.html

Catia

Just found this on WalMart's site

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2458432&cat=3959&type=0&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3959%3A4468&xsell=2458433

[JadeCat]

Re: same need but for a 6 year old

Originally posted by LindaJ
I've been thinking about a digicam for my 6 year old granddaughter. I'm not terribly concerned about megapixels - durability is the issue. Has anyone bought or made a padded case that would help reduce damage if dropped? My first goal is just to get her started taking photos. I've even thought about getting a used camera to keep the cost down.

I love to look at shots taken from a kid's-eye view. One of my favorite all-time pics is the turkey carcass shot taken by my stepdaughter the Christmas she received her first camera!

LJ

Why a digital camera for a six-year-old?
That's quite an expensive toy!

You can easily purchase those disposable cameras and get the pictures placed on CD, which...is considerable a LOT cheaper than buying a digi cam for someone so young!

Then if she REALLY gets into photography, then think about getting her something she can use that won't break your bank or be too disappointing if she breaks it or loses it.

[LindaJ]

Hi JadeCat - I don't disagree with you on the expense part. She has used the disposables - the problem comes in when mom & dad have to get the film developed and see a series of nothing or blurs etc. That discourages further film/disposable camera purchase and experimentation. I was just trying to find a solution that would let her shoot pics. Many people are trading up so I thought it might be possible to find a used 2.1 megapixel that could be a good choice - they can be found for $125.00 or so and I expect the price to keep dropping. Only problem was the very high likelihood it will be dropped. Guess I'll wait awhile. I wish there was the digital equivalent of the Kodak Brownie!

Thanks for your note.

Linda

[Crone]

Maybe, rather than an indistrucable camera, you need a shock proof case. Something with so much padding it will take the abuse you throw at the camera.

[LindaJ]

...like a red rubber ball...

My husband suggested I get some of those red rubber bouncy balls and fit them to the corners! Then it would just be a matter of the kid chasing the camera down the sidewalk! Boing!

Guess I'll keep mulling it over and let her use my camera when we are together.

Linda

[coilte]

A few rugged digicams

Nobody seems to buildign the rugged digicams anymore. Some of the waterproof camers have extra tough cases. The only camera that I could find that was specifically mentioned for enhanced shock resistance was a Casio GV-10. It is not very fancy and on the low end of the megapixels. Steves-Digicams has a review of it and stated the following.

"The Casio GV-10 is a very rugged little digicam and will be perfect for the "eXtreme Sports" folks out there. To paraphrase the old Timex adverts, "It takes a licking and keeps on clicking!" For those interested in a rugged camera that they don't have to "baby" and never print anything bigger than 4x6" -- the GV-10 may just be the ticket for you. There are only a few "rugged" digicams out there, others are the Kodak DC5000 or the Fuji Big Job"

The Kodak and the Fuji mentioned are both superior but I don't think you can find any of the 3 for sale anymore.

Ricoh announced a waterproof, rugged model in Jan Dec2003 called the Caplio 400G but it is not for sale yet and was announced only in Japan as far as I can tell.