When it comes to tough cameras, not all models are created equal. Choosing from the vast rugged digital camera line-up can be a bit confusing so before you go shopping, arm yourself with a bit of knowledge. Think about what you will be using the camera for and you will already have a better idea of which tough camera is the best unit for you when it is time to make a purchase.
Ask yourself if you are just going to be using the camera for photography with the kids in the backyard or at sports games; in which case the key features you cannot compromise on are shockproof and waterproof. Or are you looking for a compact digital camera that will deliver professional photography results in any environment from snowboarding down the Alps to diving on a gorgeous coral reef? If so, you know straight away that in the very least your ideal camera needs to combine High Definition image capabilities with waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof rugged camera features.
With Digital Cameras, Waterproof Isn’t Always a Guarantee
Plenty of tough cameras are billed as waterproof, which is a must for anyone who wants to snorkel, dive or get great shots at the beach. However, if you take a look at rugged camera reviews, many consumers say that their unit passed the waterproof test in a swimming pool - but not in sea water. The problem many of these reviewers identify with ‘waterproof’ digital cameras is that the fine sand being churned up in the ocean can jam the battery and latch compartments, as well as cause the buttons to jam. After being compromised by sand, sea water can also slip in and corrupt the internal camera mechanisms. If you are planning on taking your camera beyond the backyard, make sure the body is also dustproof. This will ensure than it is well-protected against sand, not just when you are underwater in the ocean, but also when you are cavorting on the beach. A dustproof camera means that you can throw your wet camera into the sand and know that it will still work perfectly when you pick it up to shoot.
At Some Point, You Will Drop Your Camera
That is just a fact you have to face. Whether your camera tumbles from your hand as you try to get an action pic of your kids playing footy, or hits a rock platform when you are capturing a shot while mountain biking, you will certainly appreciate a good-quality shockproof unit.
A tough camera that is shockproof for falls of up to 2 metres is a must. You also need to make sure that the lens can survive being knocked about or taking a major fall. Try to find a tough camera which uses folded optics to prevent damage to the lens unit if you drop it during operation.
Seek Out The Perfect Photography Features For An Active Lifestyle
A quality GPS should be an essential item on your tough camera checklist. Having a GPS unit built into your digital camera means you will never again look at a picture and wonder where it was taken. Each picture can be geotagged with precise location data and then when you upload your snaps to Facebook or Flickr your images can be pinpointed on social media maps. You can even go one step further with a camera that incorporates advanced measuring equipment like an altimeter, compass and barometer, so that every picture can record the exact altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data.
Never Sacrifice Picture Quality For Camera Toughness
What is the point of owning a tough digital camera if the image quality in your photography isn’t up to scratch? Sure, you can capture the scenery flying by as you ski down a mountain, but you are only going to be disappointed if the resulting images are not naturally crisp and clear. As your camera can only record what is going through the glass in front of it, be fussy about the lens. LEICA sets the global standard for superior camera lenses, so it makes good sense to insist on a tough camera with a superior LEICA optical system. You should also be certain that in addition to outstanding still images, your camera is capable of recording brilliant high-definition video. If you look for one that can record AVCHD movies in 1920 x 1080 Full HD, your movies will be worthy of showing off when you get home. Another thing to remember is that when you are caught up in the action, the last thing you want to be doing is fiddling with buttons on the camera and trying to switch between settings. Acquiring a digital camera model that includes automatic image stabilisation, a range of scenery modes and a lightning-fast auto focus speed means that you will capture more shots and be proud of the finished product.
Introducing the new Lumix Tough FT3. It’s waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof and features an altimeter, compass, barometer and GPS - so you’ll never be lost for photographic inspiration.
Jack McCoy puts the Lumix FT3 Tough camera through its paces, giving its waterproof credentials the ultimate workout, and testing image and video quality both above and below the waves.