Ask Engadget: Best rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot camera?
By Darren Murph 
posted February 21st 2009 4:04AM
posted February 21st 2009 4:04AM
In the spirit of winter, we felt that Ben's recent question about a camera fit for the slopes was just perfect. And if you'd like to toss out a warm and fuzzy question of your own, just send one to ask at engadget dawt com and keep tuning in. "I'm going skiing over spring break, and I've been reading a lot on some of the newer waterproof, rugged cameras. There are just so many out there to choose from, I was wondering what you guys thought about some of the better ones."
So, what camera should Mr. Ben procure in order to have worry-free shooting days at the slopes? He probably wouldn't mind one that withstands minor bumps and bangs either, 'cause we all know what inevitably happens the first time down a new double black.
Santo Xacti ftw.
That new Canon D10: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021805canond10.asp
Pentax Optio W60!
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=pentax+w60&hl=en&cid=3031519011023197488&sa=button#ps-sellers
I recommend the Olympus Stylus 1000. When I went campus, I slipped on a log and dropped it in a moving stream. The case got slightly scratched, but other than that it works perfectly. I don't think there'd be a much better test for rugged and waterproof than that.
I have the 1050SW and one thing you might really like, because you are going skiing, is the tap feature. In Snow mode you don't have to hit a button, just tap the screen to take a picture. You can even tap the bottom, top, and sides to change settings without having to take your hands out of your gloves.
I have the 1030sw primarily for rafting and scuba/snorkeling and while the ruggedness is awesome, the picture quality is crap. I detest the pictures but I love how durable it is. Like other people have said unless you REALLY need waterproof/shockproof (which you really DON'T for skiing) go for something with great image quality.
i love my first gen Stylus SW. The original 720 SW has served me well over the years. Picture quality is nothing special, but if you're just looking for a simple point and shoot that can stand up, its the way to go.
Olympus 1030W is great!!!
I made lots of very good pics and movies diving!!!
The good thing is: movies underwater!!
It goes deeper than others, is also very good when skiing and totally shockproof...my one can tell!!!
Canon G10 with canon waterproof case. You get a small top end camera which beats any point and shoot waterproof in image quality and usability. Add the case and you are safe around and under water to any depth you can swim.
Sanyo Xacti E1
I have an olympus SW and love it, and I've been mean to that thing. There's no party trick better than dropping your camera in your drink or stepping on it. I also just recently picked up a Sanyo Xacti and the quality of it's stills are shockingly good. It's not quite as rugged as the olympus but is an amazing little camcorder. Needless to say you'll be happy you choose a waterproof option.
I highly recommend Pentax for any outdoor photography where water may be involved. I've had my Optio W40 for five years now and It's been everywhere: Japan, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, and Grand Canyon National Parks, and Puget Sound. The Grand Canyon is where it really shined: the photography was excellent, and even with me dropping it on the shale rock and my boat flipping over while filming a quick-time movie, it held up beautifully. The results were fantastic. No compromises!
They (waterproof cameras) are not always great for city environments: they're bulky, oddly shaped, and their settings are geared for different conditions. But, for the $400 I spent in 2004, I've more then got my monies worth, and could not recommend another brand higher.
Pentax Optio W60. Nice camera use while skiing all the time.
I just traded the wifes Canon Elph (not waterproof and dunked in the pacific while ON) for the Olympus 1030 SW. I'm impressed. It's a noisier (the pictures, not the mechanics) than a Canon, but I've been able to fix anything I've come accross in Adobe CS or Gimp. Waterproof to 30 meters (tested in the Bahamas off of Paradise Island) and gravity proof to about 6 feet (not tested...nor do I WANT to test).