A few weeks ago we presented current models of rugged outdoor cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT 2 and the Sony DSC-TX5. Now the current issue 07/2010 of the German magazine Chip Foto-Video Digital carries a group test, “Rugged cameras for outdoor photographers“, covering eight models. It largely confirms our own experience with outdoor cameras.
These are the models in the test:
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT 2
(14 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, 6.8 cm display, image stabiliser, waterproof to 10 m) - Sony DSC-TX5B
(10.2 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, 7.6 cm / 3 in display, touchscreen) - Olympus µ Tough-6020
(14 MP, wide angle, 5x zoom) - Casio EXILIM EX-G1
(12 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 6.4 cm / 2.5 in display, waterproof to 3 m) - Olympus Mju-TOUGH-8010
(14 megapixels, 5x zoom, 6.9 cm display, waterproof to 10 m, shockproof from 2 m) - Samsung WP10
(waterproof to 3 m, 12 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, digital image stabilisation) - Pentax Optio W90
(12 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, 6.9 cm display) - Fujifilm Finepix XP10
(12 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, 6.9 cm display)
The test broadly confirms our experience with cameras in this category. Manufacturers have long put a lot of effort into rugged housings, which in some cases kept the cameras working without complaint even in extreme conditions. Unfortunately image quality usually fell by the wayside. Handling and the available settings were also completely inadequate for the ambitious photographer. Particularly annoying was that on many cameras the shutter lag was unacceptably long.
In the Chip Foto-Video Digital 07/2010 test of current outdoor cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT 2 pulled clear of its competitors.
That result matches our own research and experience. Overall the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT 2 looks like a good choice for hiking and trekking trips where things get a little rougher. Besides image quality that is comparatively good for an outdoor camera, the FT2 has a large, capable battery that delivers plenty of shots per charge. For action shots it helps that the shutter lag is quite short. Despite the good protection against knocks and water ingress, the body is still compact enough, and at just under 190 g it is not too heavy. The zoom lens covers a practical range from wide angle to short telephoto (28-128 mm).
If you do not actually need the rugged build, it is worth considering alternatives to the outdoor cameras. I have had good results myself with the following current compacts:
Canon IXUS 130 (14 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, 6.9 cm / 2.7 in display, image stabilised)
The ideal camera when weight and packed size come first. Image quality from the little one is convincing, and battery life is respectable too. The right choice for ultralight trekking.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (10 megapixels, 2.5x optical zoom, 7.6 cm / 3 in display, image stabiliser)
My favourite when the best compromise between image quality and weight or packed size matters most. Image quality is on a very high level. There are plenty of manual settings for the ambitious photographer, and the fast wide-angle lens allows shots that are hard to get with any other compact. The right camera for hikers who want high image quality but do not fancy carrying an SLR.
