Doug - Ruggedized DSLR

[HardcoreOutdoor]

Doug,

Looking for an alternative to my tried and true ruggedized Olympus Stylus 790SW pocket camera for certain situations and wanted to move up a couple levels to a good DSLR.

It needs to have some prosumer features but a really good auto/point and shoot/idiot button program because I am not a photographer. However, I still want a ruggedized camera to use in the backcountry. Suggestions?

Thanks.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[redrabbit]

Wade,
Are you willing to give up the compactness of a PnS for a DSLR?
What focal length will you need? For landscape, wildlife, both?
Are you primarily looking for better image quality than the Oly?

RR

View my Photo Gallery here http://dougkoepsel.smugmug.com/

 

[SteveOz]

Doug,

What would you suggest? I am in the same situation. I have a 790 that I will keep on my person, but would like to add a DSLR for some higher quality camp and scenery photos. I like the 790 because I can't hurt it. I'd have to keep the DSLR cased up or spend another $2-300 for an underwater housing???

I was looking at Nikon D3000 or Canon EOS 2Ti

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

I was hailing Doug at Camera Land but any Doug with photog experience will do I guess.

I want both a DSLR and a point and shoot. Look at my site for the kind of pictures I take. It runs the full range. The determining factor for me is size and weight meaning I will use the best camera for the situation. Sometimes size and weight is an issue sometimes it isn't but I always want something that is "ruggedized".

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[redrabbit]

Wade,
Just some thoughts.
Some camera bodies are weather sealed against moisture and dust (eg.-Nikon D300s, Canon 70D), and some are not (like the Nikon D90, Canon 500D). DP review refers to it as "environmentally sealed" seen towards the bottom of the camera spec lists.
http://www.dpreview.com/

A heavier body weight may indicate a heavier/thicker metal chassis, thus being more stout.

Choose a pro-grade lens like the Canon L series, instead of the less expensive, more plastic, consumer lenses in their line-up. Some third party lenses like Tokina are noted for their good construction.

lens reviews: http://www.photozone.de/all-tests

Keeping the camera in a Pelican may help versus padded soft cases.

They do make rubber coverings for over the bodies to help with knocks.

You might give Joel at CameraLand a call for his recommendations. Or Tony Bynum and Rod Sinclair from here on MM for what they recommend and don't for the outdoors.

As you know, you get what you pay for.

View my Photo Gallery here http://dougkoepsel.smugmug.com/

 

[flyingbrass]

I don't think there is a rugged DSLR but Olympus E-420 is what I have because it is the smallest when you add the pancake lens to it. For toughness, I got the Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 but it's point and shoot.
flyingbrass
cold dead hands
NRA Life Member