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Best Cameras For The Outdoors | Digital Camera HQ's Buyer's Guide

Last Modified: 10/22/2009

Most cameras are sensitive objects. That's why we need wrist straps and carrying bags. But some cameras are built to withstand water, weather, and general abuse. We've picked the best of the bunch. If you're looking for stunning image quality, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a camera that you or your loved one can bring on a hike, to the beach, or drop off a table, then consider the cameras here.

Olympus Tough 8000

Takes A Real Beating

Olympus 8000

from $379.95 Check-best-offers
[Read our full Olympus TOUGH 8000 review] The name says it all: The Olympus TOUGH 8000 is one sturdy piece of machinery, easily the most durable of the all-weather bunch. It's waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof, so it should work anywhere short of an active volcano. Our reviewer had issues with the image quality, but the overwhelmingly positive user reviews suggest that it does what it's designed to do: take a licking and keep on ticking.
Canon Powershot D10

For The Beach

Canon D10

from $289.95 Check-best-offers
[Read our full Canon Powershot D10 Review] The Canon D10 is perfect for a day at the beach. The aesthetically pleasing design (at least compared to the other all-weather models) is rubber sealed and waterproof up to 33 feet, so you can build sand castles, play in the surf, and generally capture a carefree day on the shore. The image quality is better than the TOUGH 8000 and the interface is easy to use, so this is worth the money.
Fuji FinePix Z33

Well, It's Cheap

Fuji Z33

from $132.95 Check-best-offers
The Fuji Z33 is certainly flawed, but it is by far the least expensive waterproof camera on the market. The picture quality rivals that of a camera phone and the body looks like a toy, but it'll get the job done on the cheap. It isn't shockproof, but you won't have to feel bad if it breaks. It's a good gift for a total novice or a child.

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