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| For Tough moments |
| Priyanka Joshi / New Delhi May 25, 2009, 00:45 IST |
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Durable, all-weather digital cameras are in vogue this summer. Built to last, these cameras come with resilient bodies that are both shockproof and water resistant. So, in effect they are made to handle sandy beaches, muddy hiking trails and even underwater adventures, if you please. But making bold claims through advertising is one thing and proving your mettle is another.
Canon PowerShot D10
PROs
> An accurate autofocus is a handy gimmick
> Waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof
CONs
> A 3x zoom seems insufficient for the price
> Too many hidden features
The Canon PowerShot D10 is a gallant effort by the company, pitching it directly against Olympus’ Tough range. The D10 is Canon’s first native underwater camera and comes with a super-strong wrist leash and optional longer straps. Also, the Canon’s tough, chunky-but-funky chassis keeps safe from water at depths of 33 feet and even from a four feet fall. We tried sinking the camera in a wash basin after knocking it off a table and it came out intact and delivered some great imagery.
The primary issue with many rugged cameras is their picture quality. However, D10 certainly has all the basic components of a remarkable camera, as is the tradition of the Canon’s PowerShot models. Basic specs include a 3x zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, a 12.1 megapixel CCD imager and Canon’s latest-generation DIGIC IV processing. One big plus is the extended battery life that lasts up to 190 shots at single charge. This definitely makes the camera a great outdoor companion.
But a 3x zoom coupled with a 2.5-inch display is not really high-end for cameras nowadays. Thankfuly, a comprehensive range of different scene modes including dedicated underwater, snow and beach modes, are handy for users who just want D10 as a point-and-shoot device.
The price tag of Rs 20,995 is a little steep in these credit-crunching times, but if you are off to beaches, snorkelling or mountain hiking this summer, then do consider the Canon D10.
Stylus Tough-8000
PROs
> Resilient form factor
> Waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof & crushproof camera
CONs
> Too many buttons can be confusing
> Stray noise (grainy images) can be seen in photos
Olympus’s latest launch, the Stylus Tough-8000 is a capable waterproof, shockproof and crushproof digital camera . And we tested it under all the above-mentioned conditions. Although we have to admit that it did take a bit of courage to drop a loaned camera from 6 feet in the air to test its crushproof claim but to our delight, the Stylus Tough-8000 model withstood the fall, making a definite point in terms of its built quality. It’s waterproof up to 33 feet and even includes a manometer that will tell you exactly how deep you are.
For an almost Rs 16,000 camera, the image quality with the Stylus Tough-8000 is a mixed bag. In good lighting, you will get excellent images, complete with good colour and sharpness. However, when the lighting is not as good, you will notice a definite grainy quality in the images. With 12 megapixels, you should have plenty of resolution to get some large, sharp prints. There’s a 3.6x wide-angle zoom lens and a sharp, bright 2.7-inch LCD display.
Obviously, if the Stylus Tough-8000 Digital Camera is constructed to be a tough camera, one can only assume that it will be used in a variety of pre-defined settings that are far from normal. For example, it is much more likely that you will be taking pictures with the Stylus Tough-8000 Digital Camera while rafting or hiking than standing in front of a bright cafe. Thus, the Stylus Tough-8000 comes with action packed features like a dual image stabiliser to help get you clear shots even while in heavy action. Beginners will appreciate the menu structure with the Stylus Tough-8000, which is easy to use and provides access to the shooting modes. The ‘Document’ mode, for example, makes it easy to snap well-focused close-ups.
This tough little guy is supposed to be Olympus’s most indestructible camera to date and we believe so, too. There isn’t much this Olympus unit cannot do for a camera in its price range and there certainly aren’t many places it can’t be taken to.
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