tonal Loc: Greece

Hi everybody,
I am looking for a compact camera (preferably waterproof/rugged) with decent image quality, optical image stabilisation with an as fast as possible lens
with decent zoom range (5x or more) so that I can have it with me when I am not willing to carry my DSLR kit (Canon 600D with 10-18mm STM, 18-55mm STM,
55-250mm STM, 50mm 1.8 STM, 35mm 2.8 macro STM).

I had a Fujifilm XP150 (water resistant camera) but a couple of days ago the seal broke and sea water entered the SD/battery compartment and I don't know if I can fix it.
The zoom button was not responsive on the tele end and the camera would stall before I realised what has happened.
I removed the battery and the SD card, spilled some table water inside and left it standing upright to drain the water (it was the only thing I could do since I was on vacation).

This camera was not something special (just OK image quality with very poor low light performance and unusable audio when capturing video in concerts and festivals) but I could carry it around wherever without any worries if it would break (it was on the cheap side but it was rugged enough the 4 years it lasted).

Now I plan on buying first a compact rugged camera and maybe later on getting a second more advanced compact with more manual controls so it can replace up to a point my DSLR kit.

My budget is tight at the moment and I would not like to spend more than 300 euros/$.

On the low end I can see one of the following options:

1) Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT30
2) Fujifilm FinePix XP130 (I would not expect this to be an improvement towards the XP150)

For a faster lens within my budget I consider:

3)Nikon COOLPIX AW130 but it seems like this is an e.o.l. model but meets the criteria for image stabilisation and F2.8 aperture on the short end and 24mm to 120mm (35mm equivalent).

Does anyone have experience from these cameras?

Are there any other suggestions?

Thank you for your time!!!

tonal Loc: Greece

I can also get Olympus TG-4 (whithin budget) that has a F2.0 max on wide and RAW capability as I can see in the tech specs.

LDB415 Loc: Houston south suburb

What about the Nikon W300?

tonal Loc: Greece

I have considered it but it is 100 euros above my budget (I can get it for no less than 400 euros).

LDB415 Loc: Houston south suburb

That is interesting. I checked dpreview and they are showing US dollar prices of $387 for the W300 and $599 for the AW130. Checking a bit more I can find the W300 at most retailers for $389 and none show the AW130. Have you considered the W300 as a refurb from Nikon? It's $320 which I think is around $280 Euros. That includes a 90 day warranty so there should be plenty of time to test it and be sure it's good.

LDB415 Loc: Houston south suburb

Nikon also has the AW130 refurb for $300. I don't know enough of the two models to know which is a better deal at such a similar price.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

So many choices, take your time, go to a physical camera store, hold them, see them, do your own personal research. Check all camera stores online too.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

We have an Olympus TG-5 we use for underwater and it's decent. None will be DSLR quality, but we've been happy with the Olympus.

tonal Loc: Greece

I would not expect DSLR quality from a compact camera of that kind but I prefer to be worry free and a rugged camera is fine (???) for this when I do not carry my DSLR kit around when camping/hiking/at the beach.

Olympus TG-5 and Nikon AW300 are still out of my budget.

Olympus TG-4 and Nikon AW130 are 2015 models and are already replaced by newer but more expensive ones but fit my budget and do offer more or less the same features.




Indeed the choices are many and the price spans from 130 to well beyond 300 euros.
Finding these models where I live is probably out of question and going to a physical store where I can find them is not that easy.

On the other hand from the owners' reviews in amazon I see that almost a 10% have a leakage failure within the first uses which is a risk that I have to take in general even when using a waterproof camera
in the water and the choice of the Panasonic seems more attractive since it is one of the cheapest in my list and a failure would not break the bank but image quality is poor (CCD sensor and narrow aperture).

I even consider getting a Chinese GoPro rip-off with water resistant case that would cost me around 50 euros and save the rest for a higher quality 1" sensor "manual" compact camera with better image quality.

Too many options and alternatives that have me already confused.

The best for me is to let it rest for a while and decide later what to do without making an impulse driven buy.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

On Oahu, I entered a B&M (actually beautiful barn wood) store and was looking at a beautiful Nnikonos V. When I opened the film compartment, I noticed that one of the seal rings had been installed in two pieces; there was a joint. When I asked the owner about it, she then understood why she got it so cheap and told me that it would fail at about 30-35 feet. She offered to install a new whole ring (they had boxes of them), but then I asked about a tiny grain bit of corrosion. She got so mad (not at me), she took a ballpeen hammer to it. She then poured two glasses of rum; any reason for a celebration. Suck 'em up!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I'll bet dollars to donuts that you won't be able to save the one with the salt water leak. Been there, done that.

11bravo

I've used a TG4 for a number of years, it's my tough "in your pocket" camera. Will carry it to dinner if I don't want to carry my Panasonic FZ1000 or if I don't want to be too conspicuous. Takes decent photos and the RAW is an advantage. Limited apature settings, and no shutter speed settings (use apature and ISO to adjust speed). The GPS quickly drains the battery, so I keep it turned off. Don't use it underwater, but for rain or snow, no problem. I like it though buy an extra battery or two because it does seem to need another after a couple of hundred shots. All the doors have double latches. Have traveled with it extensively and glad I have it.

Alex A

Pentax WG-3 GPS is brilliant too

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Olympus make a tough camera which could suit your needs, it's known as the TG series and is now upto TG5, why not have a look at one.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some choices -

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders