The Toughest Digital Cameras of 2012

In the past, many people who own cameras wished for tougher units that can stand drops, bumps and can be submerged in deep water. This wish has been granted and so we now have digital cameras that are tougher than ever.

And how tough can they get? The waterproof ones can be submerged in water as deep as 33 feet. The sturdy ones can withstand drops from a height of five feet without getting any damage and other units can still work well even in a freezing temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Powershot D20

Canon’s Powershot D20 camera is not only waterproof but it’s also shock-proof and freeze-proof. It has a 5x optical zoom lens, a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processor that contribute to low-noise and quality images. This unit also has image stabilization which allows users to better capture still photos and videos.

canon powershot d20

Canon Powershot D20

This Powershot model is ideal for use outdoors because of its wind-reduction technology. This particular feature reduces noise caused by the wind. Other features include a three-inch LCD, a built-in GPS and an underwater macro mode that helps in capturing close-up shots.

Coolpix AW100

Nikon’s Coolpix AW100 sports a great design with a tough exterior, GPS and gestural control. It is waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof and is lightweight. Other cool features are a 5x optical zoom, full HD movie capability, Expeed C2 image processor and 16-megapixel sensor with ISO sensitivity.

nikon coolpix aw100

Nikon Coolpix Aw100

Available in bright metallic orange, the color has a purpose and it’s meant to keep the camera visible when used in murky deep waters, during winter storms or when placed in dark bags.

Cyber-shot DSC-TX20

This Sony Cyber-shot model is waterproof (up to 16 feet), shockproof (up to five feet) and freezeproof. It has a 3-inch LCD with a resolution of 921,600 dots, high definition video recording capability, a built in microphone and an image that is 16.2 megapixels.

sony cybershot tx20

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20

The camera also has two stabilization features – the standard Optical SteadyShot for still images and the Active SteadyShot. During movie capture, the unit is able to save 12 megapixel images without affecting the video feed.

Lumix DMC-TS4

Panasonic’s Lumix can be submerged at deeper waters compared to the other brands. You can swim underwater for an hour up to 40 feet using the camera and take pictures of the wonderful sea creatures and plants as well as yourself without worry.

It has a built-in GPS, barometer and altimeter and has a full high definition video capability. Other features worth considering are its Auto, Program AE.

panasonic lumix ts4

Panasonic Lumix TS4

What’s great about this unit is that it comes with a wrist strap that will never fall off your wrist. The strap has a sliding lock that you can simply press down and move closer to your wrist to secure the camera on your hand. This is available in orange, blue, silver and black.

While these camera brands have passed the toughest challenge, do keep in mind that they’re not perfect. As such, they still have weaknesses just like any other type of machine.

About the Author:
Kalyan Kumar writes for http://www.42photo.com, a camera store in business for 40 years.

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