New Rugged Camera

Off-topic Chatter
1

I'm finally going on a Vacation (Cancun, Mx). I need to obtain a new camera. I have narrowed down the list to a Nikon AW120 or the Olympus TG-3. These are "Point n Shoots" Rugged, waterproof, and produces very good shots. Price points are very close (within a few dollars) of each other. Specs are so close.

I wonder if any BLF members have one, or have used one and would help with my decision.

Thanks for your input.

2

I got last year’s Tough model and I can’t really fault it. It takes good pictures and I did find its ability to take quick pictures in succession no gimmick as I have used it often. However, I did have to take it for repair due to my mistake of using/bringing it to depths of 20 meters. That stuffed up the seals. But before then, it worked really well…also after the repair it is as good as new!

3

I have the Nikon.
Worked well on vacation to the tropics, including shallow reef diving.
Has a translucent silicone rubber case, not sure if that’s standard.

Not impressed with the quality of the shots, my phone is as good or better, but I’m used to DSLR quality.
The bigger superzooms are better value if you don’t need waterproofing.

Also I suspect the gopro type cameras offer similar functionality.

I will be taking it on my next vacation, but will also use phones and a DSLR.

4

If a Gopro type camera is good enough, but you don't want to spend Gopro money, take a look at the SJ4000.

5

I have an older (~3 years?) Tough TG-610, and am very happy with it. I even dropped a powertool battery on it from hip height (18v dewalt, so not featherweight), which faintly dented the case but had no ill effects.

At the time I was buying, something like the 310 apparently didn’t produce images that were as good. This is probably no longer useful information, though, considering the pace of change.

6

Thanks Everyone,

Very useful information, appreciate the candid comments.

I realize these are point n shoot, not DSLR quality, but I'm not lugging 10 lbs of expensive gear.

I'll share the photos when I obtain my setup.

7

with close up lenses. Total underwater hockey puck…if you still shoot film. If Nikon would stuff it with non-mirror electronics it would rule as to lugging DSLR with Iklite case. Sad to say my used copy has been retired for 20 years but functions fine and never flooded.