Replies

1. 
   jonblakemore | Jul 11, 2007 02:41pm | #1

   I know this isn't exactly what you're looking for, but I've given up on using "rugged" electronic equipment unless it's really, absolutely necessary. I'm typing on a notebook computer (a convertible tablet, actually) that is not a rugged version. I could probably get the same specs with a Panasonic Toughbook but it would cost 3x-4x more. So I bought a machine for $1k and am careful with it. If it breaks I will replace it.

   I've been through two cameras in about three years. The first was a Kodak 3 megapixel and the second a Nikon 4 mp. So far I've been pretty lucky with the current one.

    

   Jon Blakemore

   RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

1. 
   MikeSmith | Jul 11, 2007 03:10pm | #2

   one of the best protections for any camera is to keep it in a camera bag... after you take your pics....put it back in the bag

   none of mine has ever been damaged and i've had cameras on the job since  '75Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   mackzully | Jul 11, 2007 06:06pm | #3

   I know that Olympus has just released a new weatherproof camera, so that might be of interest to you. On the other hand, I just picked up a Kodak v705 digital camera for $200 that I'm loving. It's one of few compact cameras with an ultrawide lens (23mm in this case), so it's great for renovation shots (which I bought it for). The zoom lens on it is also completely internal so the only thing that moves on it is the lens cover that completely shields both the UW lens and the zoom lens. It also allows you to take 180 degree panoramic shots using the UW lens in only three photos... The camera then automatically stitches them together to form one large image. Only problems with it are that the buttons are small and it's a bit small and slick for my large hands...

   http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/V705.html

   As for protection, I've found nothing better than a Pelican Micro case or Otter box for my cameras. I can throw it in the bottom of my bag and never worry about it.

   http://www.cases4less.com has given me good service in the past.

   Z

3. 
   simple_man | Jul 11, 2007 06:09pm | #4

   Look at the Olympus Stulus model line. They make shockproof- to 5 feet - and waterproof line of cameras. Here is one from their website.

   http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1225

   Simple

4. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Jul 11, 2007 07:21pm | #5

   From http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/

   The Canon PowerShot A70

   Yes, it may be hard to believe for users of the Canon A620 or SD700 IS, but Canon made a really bad camera. The Canon A70 had a very auspicious start, garnering 4 and 5 star reviews from eminent professionals like CNET and Imaging Resource. At the end of an exhaustive and comprehensive technical review, Steve's Digicams called it "a great camera for the point-and-shoot crowd." On the strength of these early reports, and the general strength of Canon cameras in general, consumers flocked to buy the A70, and it became a very successful and widely-used model.

   What nobody knew at the time was that there was a little gremlin lurking deep within the A70 that would result in one of the biggest digital camera disasters we've ever seen. Like clockwork, after about a year of picture perfect operation, users began experiencing problems with their cameras. Strange purple lines began appearing across the LCD screen, obscuring the display. Photos became fuzzy and blurred, and often distorted with unusual colors. Then the dreaded "E18 error" made itself known, causing the camera's lens to become stuck while extending. User A. Meza gives a good timeline in their review, saying "This camera was great for about 1 year. For the 2nd year it had the purple lines across the screen which were recorded with each picture rendering it useless. It stopped working altogether with the e18 error after a year and a half."

   Eventually, the noise being made by angry users grew so loud, that Canon was forced to do the right thing, and offered a free repair for the A70. Note however, that their service notice seems to only address the malfunctioning CCD sensor, and not the E18 error. The number of reviews we have received regarding this camera and its problems is tremendous, and the volume is so great that we've had to choose only a select few to display so as not to clog up the page. Much of what isn't visible, however, can be easily summed up by user Lionel, who said, "You can bet that I will never purchase another Canon product."

   Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Captain America!  I command you to... WANK!

1. 
   stevent1 | Jul 12, 2007 03:13am | #6

   What Mike Smith said.

   How do you take care of your laptop?

    

   Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

2. 
   holy hammer | Jul 12, 2007 04:34am | #7

   I'm sending in the Canon since it falls under their recall. Thanks for the info and link. I'm going to buy the shockproof Olympus while the Canon is in the shop. I do a lot of documentation in crawlspaces and that is where it gets the most abuse except when it falls out of my briefcase.Constructing in metric...

   every inch of the way.

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Jul 12, 2007 05:01am | #8

   Take a look at the DigiPac waterproof cases.  Basicly a canoing dry bag with a nice lens port, just for keeping your camera clean and dry.  Only $35.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Captain America!  I command you to... WANK!