Fujifilm has announced two new consumer-level cameras that go extreme in different ways. The first is the new FinePix XP200, a new rugged cameras for outdoor environments. The second is the FinePix S8400W, a bridge camera that packs a massive zoom for photographers who are always shooting faraway subjects.
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Pentax has announced its latest line of uber-durable “adventureproof” compact cameras. There are three distinct cameras in the lineup: the WG-3, the WG-3 GPS, and the WG-10. All three are designed to take a beating and survive in locations that would be hazardous to other cameras’ health.
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A few days ago we shared the story of a memory card that stayed alive after three years at the bottom of a muddy creek. What’s important to note is that the card had the luxury of being protected by the Canon XT it was inside — a camera that was utterly destroyed during those three years.
What if memory cards could be as durable as the weatherproof cameras that are becoming popular amongst compact camera users? That’s what Panasonic is trying to do with its new line of sturdy SD cards.
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Samsung has released a new line of SD and microSD memory cards that focus not only on speed and durability but appearance as well. They come with a brushed metal look in silver or black, and are able pretty dang tough as well:
In order to ensure their reliability, Samsung has designed both lines of memory products to be waterproof, shockproof, and magnet proof, allowing them to withstand some of the harshest conditions. All models are guaranteed to survive up to 24 hours in water, withstand the force of a 1.6 ton vehicle (3,200 lbs), and resist up to 10,000 gauss (slightly less than the power of a medical imaging magnet).
Prices range from $10 to $90 for 2GB to 32GB cards.
(via Engadget)
So we know DSLR cameras can survive plunges down cliffs (but not being trapped in a burning car), but what about being dropped onto pavement while traveling at high speeds? Shahrizan Jeffri Aziz was covering the Tour de Langkawi on a motorcycle when the unthinkable happened: his Nikon D3S and 300mm f/2.8 lens flew out of his hands and “spread all over the road”.
Miraculously the camera still functioned perfectly and, after having its “flesh wounds” covered up with duct tape, was soon back in action.
(via Nikon Rumors)
Olympus announced new compact cameras today. The SZ-30MR (on left) is the world’s first compact that can shoot both 1080p Full HD video and 16 megapixel stills at the same time. What’s more, the camera can record two different videos at once — videos that differ in zoom, quality, or filters.
Next, the TG-810 (on right) is supposedly the “world’s first 100kg crushproof camera”. While we’re not so sure that it’s the world’s first, it certainly seems to be one tough camera. This 14 megapixel camera capable of 720p HD video is crushproof up to 100kg (~220lb), shockproof from a distance of 2m (~6.5ft), waterproof to 10m, and freezeproof to -10°C. Both cameras will be available in April 2011 for $400.
The SeaLife Mini II is a digital camera meant for the outdoorsy type of person — the kind that risks freezing to death, being eaten by sharks, or having a boulder fall on them. The 9-megapixel camera is waterproof to 130 feet, shockproof from drops of 6 feet, and has a rugged, unbreakable, crushproof build that can apparently survive being run over by a car. It’ll be available starting in March 2011.
