Robust Digital Camera for Camping

[TC_Z]

I searched and didn't find any info on this topic...

I use a digital camera when we go camping in our MH. I have had 2 fail on me in 3 years. Most recently when we were camping in Florida. Both were kept in a zipper padded camera case. Neither were abused, dropped or rained on. New batteries did not fix them. Both just stopped working due to some internal failure. One was in the optics, the other in the power. Don't know for sure but my suspicion is it somehow humidity related due to taking camera from cool temp in the MH to hot humid outside and perhaps condensation inside the camera causing electrical shorts, issues. I searched internet and found many posts of others with similar problems but none listed their solution.

I believe I can take steps to store the camera differently in the MH, keep it on a heating pad while inside, etc but I also want to get a more robust camera.

I know I can go to the extreme of an underwater style but those are big and bulky and expensive.

Can anyone recommend a reasonable robust fit-in-your-pocket digital camera for camping outdoor use? Advertised as built for camping or hunting outdoor use.

Appreciate any suggestions, thanks

[Bumpyroad]

today's baltimore sun has a blurb on a olympus stylus tough TG-860 for $279.99. a quick read seems to indicate that there is no zoom lens.
bumpy

[Bumpyroad]

I forgot to mention that that fujifilm has a 5 x optical zoom.
bumpy

[RVcircus]

We've taken our GoPro in the ocean, bay, pool, beach, mounted it to cars, boats, tractors, bikes, dogs, dropped it, kicked it, almost burnt it and it still works great. I think it's the ideal adventure camera for our family and it takes awesome video.

[Bumpyroad]

Sam's has a fujifilm XP80 for $160. water proof, dust proof, impact resistant, freeze proof, etc.
bumpy

[Dakzuki]

Bumpyroad wrote:

Dakzuki wrote:
My dearest is very hard on cameras so we got her a Panasonic Lumix rugged waterproof camera a few years ago. She hasn't killed it yet. That's a point and shoot sub $200 option. For real cameras (SLRs) the only solution is money and taking care of your equipment. Higher end cameras have better weather sealing but you pay for it.

Actually a "real" camera is a mirrorless either APS-C or full frame.
bumpy

I also have SLRs in APS-C and full frame. Those are my "real" cameras. I am brave enough to take the APS-C in the kayak in a padded dry bag.

[wbwood]

Grit dog wrote:
Do they even make digital cams any more that aren't SLR?

Yes they do.

[wbwood]

Fizz wrote:

wbwood wrote:

Fizz wrote:
There is no such thing as a rugged digital camera.
I'm on my sixth camera, all have failed in one way or another.
Two Nikons, three Canons, one Panasonic

I beg to differ...Have had numerous digital cameras over the last 16 years. All are working. Well all that I know of. I sold one (DSLR) because I upgraded.

What's your point?
I simply stated my past experience with digital cameras.
You had good luck, does that make me a liar?

You said there is no such thing as a rugged digital camera. There are. Just because you feel like you never had one, doesn't mean there aren't any.

[Grit_dog]

Do they even make digital cams any more that aren't SLR?
Just use your phone if you're looking for a quality, simple rugged camera.
My iPhone has been from -45 to 100 deg, dropped, kicked, gotten wet etc.

[Fizz]

wbwood wrote:

Fizz wrote:
There is no such thing as a rugged digital camera.
I'm on my sixth camera, all have failed in one way or another.
Two Nikons, three Canons, one Panasonic

I beg to differ...Have had numerous digital cameras over the last 16 years. All are working. Well all that I know of. I sold one (DSLR) because I upgraded.

What's your point?
I simply stated my past experience with digital cameras.
You had good luck, does that make me a liar?

[wbwood]

Fizz wrote:
There is no such thing as a rugged digital camera.
I'm on my sixth camera, all have failed in one way or another.
Two Nikons, three Canons, one Panasonic

I beg to differ...Have had numerous digital cameras over the last 16 years. All are working. Well all that I know of. I sold one (DSLR) because I upgraded.

[seaeagle2]

We've had good results with a pentex optio waterproof camera we used it on our boat fishing in salt water nad it's held

[wilber1]

GoPackGo wrote:
The problem with using a phone for a camera is water intrusion. For example, I would not take my $500 phone on a kayak ride, especially in salt water.

LIFEPROOF case for IPhone. Good to 2 meters.

[Bumpyroad]

Dakzuki wrote:
My dearest is very hard on cameras so we got her a Panasonic Lumix rugged waterproof camera a few years ago. She hasn't killed it yet. That's a point and shoot sub $200 option. For real cameras (SLRs) the only solution is money and taking care of your equipment. Higher end cameras have better weather sealing but you pay for it.

Actually a "real" camera is a mirrorless either APS-C or full frame.
bumpy

[Dakzuki]

GoPackGo wrote:
The problem with using a phone for a camera is water intrusion. For example, I would not take my $500 phone on a kayak ride, especially in salt water.

I carry all kinds of stuff in the kayak (including my iPhone) but they are in waterproof containment.