Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 vs. Panasonic DMC TS2

[FlexyRacer]

Anyone have any constructive input as to which "outdoor tough" camera is better? Both good to 33' underwater and 6.6 feet drop distance. Any pic quality / speed differences worth noting? My Nikon Coolpix S230 developed a lense error after just 13 months of gentle use.

Who's got the best camera internet prices right now? Seems like Abes of Maine is a contender.

[Old2wheeler]

I'd give the Panasonic a lot of "points" for using a Leica lens!!!!

Other than that I'm clueless as to the differences between them.

Whichever one you get, you'll probably be happy with it.

Rod

[Bones]

I've had an Olympus SW camera (now the Tough series) and like it a lot. Small, waterproof (submersible to 3 meters), good range of modes including video with audio, takes good pictures.

No experience with the Panasonic, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Olympus.

[scootac]

Don't know anything about the cameras, but check bhphotovideo.com for pricing. Might not be the lowest, but good service!

[EASt]

I'd also support the Olympus models.

[start Canon rant] I have gone through three Canon cameras in five years. I buy them because they use batteries in lieu of rechargables.

On the road, I can always find fully charged AA batteries. Can't often find an hour to sit next to an outlet.

But, they sure do break easy. [/rant]

The Oly, though, has been rock solid. It's a rechargeable, but it won't seem to quit. A good compromise.

[OMJunk]

I have not owned a newer Panasonic, but the one I did have was the only digital I have owned that exhibited lens flare. Having been a camera repair guy for 30 years, that tells me the lens coatings are not adequate. I have owned Nikon, Olympus, Fuji, and Canon and have been happy with all of those.

[step.leahy]

I think my Olympus 8000 is fantastic. Had it just over 12 months and it survived well visiting all the theme parks with the kids in Queensland last year (Even the water slides). It even survived my collision on my K1100 in March. (Why I'm now looking at ST1300). I flew superman over the car I wrote off then landed face down with the camera in my breast pocket. It suffered some damage to the case which tore through the pocket on my dry rider extreme jacket. So I basically landed on the camera then slid along the road. It still worked after the collision so I could use it to photograph the results of the collision and my injuries as I was patched up at hospital. The camera cost me less than AU$100 to replace the case components. Photo quality is decent, I'm no photography expert but they're more than good enough and it certainly lives up to it's tough advertising. The image has been edited down to size but shows the damage to the camera after a fairly decent crunch.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1689&pictureid=
15992 http://www.st-owners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1689&pictureid=15992

[FlexyRacer]

I think my Olympus 8000 is fantastic. Had it just over 12 months and it survived well visiting all the theme parks with the kids in Queensland last year (Even the water slides). It even survived my collision on my K1100 in March. (Why I'm now looking at ST1300). I flew superman over the car I wrote off then landed face down with the camera in my breast pocket. It suffered some damage to the case which tore through the pocket on my dry rider extreme jacket. So I basically landed on the camera then slid along the road. It still worked after the collision so I could use it to photograph the results of the collision and my injuries as I was patched up at hospital. The camera cost me less than AU$100 to replace the case components. Photo quality is decent, I'm no photography expert but they're more than good enough and it certainly lives up to it's tough advertising. The image has been edited down to size but shows the damage to the camera after a fairly decent crunch.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1689&pictureid=
15992 http://www.st-owners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1689&pictureid=15992

GOOD GRIEF! Now that is a testament to the Olympus. There seems to be more info out there on the Olympus too. I'll have to go down to Best Buy this morning just to do a final comparison before buying online. The Nikon is undergoing repair ($87.) and will become my wifes. Hopefully, whichever tough I get will serve long and well. I tend to carry a camera with me wherever I go. Thank you for the input fellows.

[sennister]

My only gripe about Olympus is that they have been using the XD memory cards for a long time. They are a proprietary card that is on average more expensive than the common SD cards. It did a quick search and it appears that this Olympus uses SD cards. If that is the case then I would consider it.

Personally I am a Canon user. We started out with the A80 that was abused and eventually pretty much destroyed when it fell about 4 ft to asphalt (cracking the case) then later left out on the deck overnight in the rain. It actually still works but I wouldn't trust it on a trip. There are also lines in the LCD on the back. But it still takes photos. We replaced that with the A640. It is a pretty good camera but I don't get as good of results with that one as I did with the lower resolution A80. Then we jumped to DSLR with the XSi. We love this camera but it is too big and bulky for the wife to carry around everyday. So we bought a SD980 IS. This is also a great camera. Like EASt said we always liked the fact that the first two cameras were AA powered. The last two have been lithium. We just have an extra battery pack. They last forever. The big thing for us was to stick with the same brand so that all the menus are the same. My wife learned the A80 and from what she knows about the menus of that one she can pick up any of the other cameras, even the DSLR, and start taking good shots.

[Bones]

I'm with sennister on the xD cards. SD cards are ubiquitous and can be had with way more capacity. That would be a decision factor for me if I were to buy a new "tough" variety of point and shoot.

If I were to buy a new DSLR (a bit off topic) I would not get another Canon. I've just sent my Rebel XS back to Canon for a second time. First time was for a "Busy" error message. It was still under warranty. The body that came back had a different serial number so apparently they just sent a replacement. Second time was for "Error 99". Search the shutter bug forums and you'll find lots of references to this problem. Supposedly a firmware upgrade fixes it, but it didn't work for my camera. In both cases, the camera was rendered useless by an electronic gremlin...doesn't inspire confidence in Canon from me. YMMV

[sennister]

I'm with sennister on the xD cards. SD cards are ubiquitous and can be had with way more capacity. That would be a decision factor for me if I were to buy a new "tough" variety of point and shoot.

If I were to buy a new DSLR (a bit off topic) I would not get another Canon. I've just sent my Rebel XS back to Canon for a second time. First time was for a "Busy" error message. It was still under warranty. The body that came back had a different serial number so apparently they just sent a replacement. Second time was for "Error 99". Search the shutter bug forums and you'll find lots of references to this problem. Supposedly a firmware upgrade fixes it, but it didn't work for my camera. In both cases, the camera was rendered useless by an electronic gremlin...doesn't inspire confidence in Canon from me. YMMV

Like I mentioned the comments by me before were really directed at XD format. I t appears that the Olympus model mentioned here isn't using that format but I would double and triple check that. As with Bones that would be a decision point for me.

Sorry you had issues with your DSLR. Our XSi has had a little over 15000 actuations last I looked and it is still running great. My parents just picked up a XSi on clearance as it is being discontinued. The T1i has been moved down in price to replace the XSi and the new T2i just came out. The XS is still a current model from what I could see.

[STeve1300]

Like I mentioned the comments by me before were really directed at XD format. I t appears that the Olympus model mentioned here isn't using that format but I would double and triple check that. ...
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1497&page=specs

Mfg site specs... uses SD/SDHC Card

[sennister]

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1497&page=specs

Mfg site specs... uses SD/SDHC Card

Then I would say there is nothing wrong with it. I hope Olympus finally gives up on the XD format. To be fair, I won't buy a Sony for the same reason. I am not buying Memory Sticks either.

[Bones]

...uses SD/SDHC Card

Hooray!

[mitchnj]

I've had the Panasonic DMC-TS1 for a few months. The waterproofing works well as I've taken pictures in the pool and beach. Low light photos are not so great. However bright conditions and the video work well (probably true with most compact cameras.)

Overall the camara works well and is very rugged, the buttons have a solid feel. The camera turns on quickly to help get the shot. Batteries seems to die quick and with no viewfinder you have to use the led screen.

When it breaks or I lose it whatever comes first I'll try the Olympus but for now I'll keep the Panasonic.

[MeanST]

I finally gave up using conventional point and shoots for bike mounted shots. Bugs and weather finally put a crapper on several machines. I use a RAM camera on three bikes.

I went with a Fuji waterproof camera which does not have mechanical zoom bug and dirt catching lens. The latest model is both waterproof to 10ft or so and shock proof. Resolutions are so good these days that just a digital zoom is not a liability for wide angle shots if you want to crop a picture.

This leaving Big Bend...
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/43724/2109848010099738507S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2109848010099738507dNCNvQ)

instead of ...reminds of getting up with a hangover....I am told as I never had one. :bow1:
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/46207/2555962440099738507S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2555962440099738507kEMjcj)

Fuji uses standard SD card

[drrod]

FWIW - my son has had 2 of the Olympus "tough" series and both have turned out not to be 100% waterproof, especially in salt water. He ruined both of them while snorkeling and not going below 10 feet. He now uses one of these
http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/waterproof-camera-camcorder-cases-588-0.html

and has had no issues.
Rod

[bdalameda]

The newest Olympus Tough cameras use SD cards.

[chokozip]

I have the Oly as well.I like it.
I use it when fishing and take some under water shots with it.I bang and clang it all over and it rides in my tank bag as well.
Battery life is great.I can run thru almost a 1gig card on one charge.
Lots of diffrent settings in the user menu make it very friendly to a new shooter.
It has earned a permanet home in my world.

Sean:biker:

[FlexyRacer]

It's ok guys. One Superman camera test is ENOUGH! I am getting pretty close to ordering. I am leaning toward the Oly 8010 with SDHC card. I will sleep on it tonight and commit tomorrow. Thanks again.
Mark-

[ST_Jim]

I've been thinking about a Sony HX5V or a Panasonic LX7, so that I can play with the geo-tag feature (they have built-in GPS). Neither of them is rugged or waterproof. But my old Canon S400 4mp camera keeps ticking and ticking...

[FlexyRacer]

Well, I ordered the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 and an 8 Gig Lexar SDHC high speed card. That should do it.

[FlexyRacer]

Received the new Olympus Stylus Tough camera on Wednesday, just in time to be tested during my MC crash on Saturday. After the ambulance crew checked me out, I activated the new Olympus and took the pics of the bike damage and accident scene. I am still learning all the features of this one but I am happy with the quality of images so far and it DOES withstand a pretty decent shock too.

The front of it is slightly dented but it works perfectly. There is no damage that would compromise the water tightness.

[Bones]

I've just sent my Rebel XS back to Canon for a second time...

Since I wrote this post, the my Canon XS went back to Canon for the third time. FedEx had a LARGE package for me today which has a new (refurbished) XSi including a kit lens and everything that comes in the box. Next step up in Canon's USA product line, 4 steps up globally if I am to believe the website listing. No cost to me except some aggravation. More megapixels (12.2 instead of 10.5), more frames per second, live view, and a bunch of other stuff I'm going to need to play with to figure out.

I must have had a bad XS. Still disappointed that my XS had to go back three times but I give Canon credit for providing a new camera after my warranty was up. Hopefully it works!

[wjbertrand]

I've had a number of Olympus film and digital cameras, going all the way back to my OM-1 MD. My experience has been positive and I have found them all to take a beating and keep on clicking. Glad to hear Olympus is finally adopting SD cards, that's been a stickler for me in the past. Among the extended family we've also owned a Casio a couple of Canons (my latest is the SX20is) a Nikon super zoom a couple of Kodaks and a Sony.

I tend to favor cameras that come from established camera companies (the Casio and Sony being exceptions). Of the list above, the Nikon and the Kodak super zoom have been troublesome and had to be repaired. Only the Sony has completely crapped out for no apparent reason, never dropped, gotten wet, been left in a hot car. One day it just wouldn't turn on. I dunno, lots of folks love them but have the absolute worst luck with Sony products of all kinds and have sworn off them. Everything else has been pretty solid, though my latest Canon is still young.