If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, your standard camera might not be ideal for activities like skiing, mountain climbing or scuba diving. Here are some top picks for rugged cameras that can withstand extreme conditions.
Underwater cameras
If you need an underwater camera, Gizmodo recommends the Canon PowerShot D30 ($330). It’s waterproof and capable of withstanding depths up to 82 feet, freeze proof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and it can handle a drop of up to 6.5 feet. Other features that make this an ideal camera for traveling are its compact size (4.3 by 2.7 by 1.1 inches) and light weight (7.7 ounces). It also has a built-in GPS for geo-tagging photos and videos.
After 170 hours of research and testing various cameras, The Wirecutter named the Olympus Tough TG-3 ($350) “the best waterproof camera today” and “the best rugged camera for most people.” This pocket-sized camera is waterproof up to 50 feet, can withstand a drop from seven feet and freeze proof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Most remarkably, it’s crush proof up to 220 pounds. The Wirecutter also praises the sharp image quality, the fast f/2.0 lens and a speedy autofocus and a first-rate macro mode.
Tough outdoor cameras
Even if you’re not going underwater, a weatherproof camera is ideal for shooting in inclement conditions. The Olympus OM-D E-M5, a Micro Four Thirds camera, is PC Magazine’s Editors’ Choice for a high-end, compact interchangeable lens camera. In addition to a slew of impressive features like high ISO, sharp LCD EVF, fast autofocus, shooting capacity at nine frames per second and in-body stabilization, the E-M5 is fully weather sealed, which means you can use this camera to shoot in most types of weather.
As an alternative, consider the Pentax K-50. According to Outdoor Photographer Magazine, it’s one of the cheapest weatherproof DSLRs and also one of the best performers in its price range. In addition to being fully weather sealed, it’s dust proof and freeze proof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a large optical viewfinder, fast 5.9fps shooting capability, noise reduction and in-body shake reduction. The Pentax K-50 comes in 120 color combinations and can be used with nearly 40 interchangeable lenses.
Read This Next
Alternatives to the GoPro
Entertainment
Nov 3, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
ShareThis