In the face of momentous changes in the imaging field, active lifestyle cameras have maintained their position as a highly successful market segment. This is largely because point & shoot outdoor cameras combine high performance with robust, waterproof, impact-resistant body builds.
These broad-spectrum digital compacts are perfect for photo shooting while skiing, surfing, at the beach, on the boat or on a woodland hike. Or any other place one might think twice about taking an unprotected DSLR or mirrorless camera—or even a smartphone!
Indeed that’s why there are new or updated adventureproof point-and-shoot models from virtually every major camera maker. While Canon is phasing out of this category, Nikon, Fujifilm, Ricoh, Panasonic, Olympus and Leica continue to vigorously support it. In addition, both Polaroid and Sony introduced innovative models that take it in exciting new directions.
Most of the models covered here deliver an impressive array of tech. They boast Full HD video (or even 4K) capabilities; high-res sensors; big LCDs or OLED monitors; built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity plus GPS; and enhanced waterproof ratings to appeal to scuba divers. These audaciously attractive cameras deliver a satisfying blend of performance and shooting flexibility that makes them high-value propositions for consumers who want to go anywhere, in any weather, and bring back memorable images and videos.
Here are our picks of the most fascinating adventureproof models, all of which are superb choices now that this year’s outdoor picture-taking season is in full swing.
Top Rugged, Outdoor Cameras
Nikon Coolpix W300
Sleekly stylish but with plenty of attitude, the upgraded W300 features a 16 megapixel, 1/2.3-inch backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and a 5x, 24–120mm f/2.8–4.9 zoom lens.* It also sports a new, higher-res 3-inch, 921K-dot LCD monitor with six levels of brightness adjustment.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 100 feet
• Freezeproof to 14ºF
• Shockproof to withstand a 7.9-foot fall
• GPS for geotagging, eCompass, altimeter and depth gauge
• A built-in LED light can be used as a flashlight or to illuminate close-up subjects
Other features include hybrid (optical plus electronic) vibration reduction and built-in SnapBridge with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote control via a smartphone or tablet. Additional niceties include 4K UHD video recording at 30 frames per sec; a 7-fps maximum burst rate for stills; and sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to 6,400. Creative modes include smart portrait, glamour retouch, time-lapse video, music montages, plus various special effects. Orange, black or yellow, $389.95. nikonusa.com
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30
This stalwart, chic compact is waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof and shockproof. It has a 16.1MP, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor. And its 4x, 25–100mm Lumix DC Vario lens uses optical, 5-way MEGA OIS image stabilization to capture sharp, shake-free images and videos even in low light.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 26 feet
• Freezeproof to 14ºF
• Shockproof to 5 feet
• Dustproof
• Underwater mode to compensate for lost red tones
A digital intelligent zoom function extends the effective reach of its lens to 8x, while a bright, 2.7-inch, 230K-dot TFT LCD facilitates composition and image review. Moreover, a 23-zone AF system plus quick AF feature combine to deliver fast, precise autofocus with a wide variety of subjects.
Other features include: intelligent auto mode that automatically selects the optimum scene mode; an 8-fps maximum burst rate; creative control mode, which enables time-lapse sequences in standard and panorama formats; and 720p HD video capture in the MP4 format. Blue, red or black, $139.99. panasonic.com
Polaroid iE090
No, it’s not an instant-picture camera, but it is an irrepressibly cute, rugged, dual-screen, compact point and shoot that’s optimized for getting the perfect selfie. The front-facing, 1.8-inch LCD lets users compose selfies very precisely, while the rear 2.7-inch LCD is ideal for live view shooting and image review.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 10 feet
• Shockproof to 5 feet
The iE090 has an 18MP CMOS sensor, a wide-angle lens with 4x digital zoom and a macro mode. It can also capture JPEGs or VGA (640×480) video in the AVI format. In addition, it has ISO settings of 100–800 and a built-in flash. Three AAA cells provide the power. Blue, red or yellow, $65.95. polaroid.com
Fujifilm FinePix XP130
With a perky, eye-catching design, the latest version of Fujifilm’s cool, go-anywhere P&S has an upgraded 1/2.3-inch, 16.4MP BSI CMOS sensor. It’s claimed to deliver ultrafast start-up and shoot continuous, full-res bursts up to a blistering 10 fps.
It also offers a new 3-inch, 920K-dot LCD with antireflective coatings. Its Fujinon 5x, 28–140mm f/3.9–4.9 zoom lens has aspheric elements for enhanced image quality, a hardened glass lens barrier and a water-repellent coating.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 65 feet
• Freezeproof to 14ºF
• Shockproof to 5.8 feet
• Dustproof
• Underwater and underwater macro modes
Other features include: Full HD 1080p video capability at 60 or 30 fps; advanced optical image stabilization; an electronic level; double exposure capability; interval timer and time-lapse movie modes; motion panorama mode; and 11 creative filters. Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE (low energy) connectivity provide automatic wireless image and video transfer. White, silver, yellow, green or blue, $229.95. fujifilmusa.com
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5
This slick adventure camera incorporates the same fast, water-repellent, 4x, 25–100mm f/2–4.9 zoom lens as its predecessor. However, the latest flagship of the iconic Tough line sports a new 12MP, 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor for improved low-light performance and noise reduction.
It also provides sensitivity settings to ISO 12,800 as well as an upgraded dual quad core TruePic VIII processor for RAW image capture and 4K/30p video capabilities.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 50 feet
• Freezeproof to 14ºF
• Shockproof to 7 feet
• Crushproof to 220 pound-force
• Underwater and underwater macro modes
• GPS, eCompass and manometer
The TG-5 records 4K/30p as well as 120-fps high-speed Full HD video. It uses a 25-point AF system, and its pro capture mode minimizes shutter lag while sensor-shift image stabilization ensures blur-free content. Its upgraded Field Sensor system includes a temperature sensor and provides on-screen data displays.
It also features: a 3-inch, 460K-dot LCD monitor; an impressive 20-fps burst capability; four macro modes, including focus stacking and focus bracketing; and Wi-Fi. Its robust, ergonomic body has convenient dial controls, a handy zoom lever and an accessory lock button. Red or black, $449.99. olympusamerica.com
Ricoh WG-50
Carrying forth the distinctive styling of the legendary Pentax Optio WG series, this is a rugged “everything-proof” camera for worry-free shooting. The striking classic has a 16MP, 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor and a 5x, 28–140mm lens. A newly designed image processor enables low-light sensitivity up to ISO 6,400 as well as continuous, 10-fps, full-res shooting.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 46 feet
• Freezeproof to 14ºF
• Shockproof to 5.2 feet
• Crushproof to 220 pound-force
• Digital microscope mode for 0.4-inch close-ups
• Six LEDs surround the lens for added illumination
Enhancements include built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to permit wireless image transfer as well as remote control of camera functions via smart devices. Other features include: Pixel Track and Digital Shake Reduction technologies; Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps; a 2.7-inch, 230K-dot LCD; interval shooting; and high-speed video capture in MPEG-4 and AVC/H.264 formats for slow-motion capability. Orange or black, $249.95. ricohimaging.com
Nikon Coolpix W100
This cute little compact P&S is tougher than it looks, boasting a rugged, go-anywhere body. Its 13.2MP, 1/3.1-inch CMOS sensor and 3x, 30–90mm f/3.3–5.9 Nikkor optical zoom lens deliver satisfying performance. The zoom extends to 6x via built-in Dynamic Fine Zoom technology. It also employs a contrast-detection AF system with an electronic VR (vibration reduction) image stabilization system.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 33 feet
• Freezeproof to 14º F
• Shockproof to 6 feet
• Dustproof
Other features include: a 2.7-inch, 230K-dot LCD monitor; Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps; a built-in flash; and SnapBridge with Wi-Fi, NFC as well as Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The W100 provides dedicated one-touch buttons and an easy-to-use interface. It even has a friendly welcome screen as well as cartoon and neon effects. Blue or white, $159.95. nikonusa.com
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX0
Sony was clearly thinking outside the box when they came up with the RX0 (as in zero). This really tiny (2.4×1.6×1.2 inches, 3.4 ounces) miniature camera employs a 1-inch, 21MP stacked CMOS sensor as well as a six-element 24mm f/4 Zeiss Tessar T* lens. Moreover, it can record Full HD 1080p video at 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps internally, output 4:2:2 4K UHD video via HDMI and capture full-res stills at 5.5 fps.
Adventure Specs:
• Waterproof to 33 feet
• Shockproof to 6.5 feet
• Crushproof to 400 pound-force
In addition, the RX0 can time-code sync to multiple cameras, and it provides S-Log2 Gamma and picture profile settings. The RX0’s Exmor RS CMOS sensor minimizes rolling shutter artifacts as well as captures an extended dynamic range even at super-slow motion rates of 960/1,000 fps.
Moreover, its anti-distortion shutter provides speeds up to 1/32,000 sec! Up to five RX0s can be connected via time-code sync, making it a great choice for videographers. Additionally, it can be controlled via iOS or Android apps and has a 1.5-inch LCD. $699.99.
*All focal lengths are 35mm equivalents unless otherwise noted.
