Henry Wattenbarger

I do some old machinery & old buildings photography. My primary activity is as a Building inspector. Lots of photo's; quantity over quality. In some adverse conditions---rain, mud , bright sunlight. Equipment gets banged around, even dropped on concrete or mud! Looking for a upper level p&s or low end Mirrorless. An optical viewfinder, or electronic is important in bright sunlight. Would like to stay no more than $500. I'm tired of pawn shop cameras. Any recommendations greatly appreciated. Henry IX

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Henry consider this Panasonic. Meets your $500 budget
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1148282-REG/panasonic_dmc_g7kk_lumix_dmc_g7_mirrorless_micro.html

ALSO use a rain jacket protector for the camera.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609144-REG/LensCoat_LCBGPCBM4_LensCoat_BodyGuard_Pro_with.html

Vietnam Vet

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1335060-REG/olympus_v104190ru000_tg_5_digital_camera_red.html

Tough Design
The TG-5 is designed to withstand a wide variety of conditions, ranging from harsh climates to everyday mishaps:
Waterproof-rated to IPX8 for use underwater to depths of 50' / 15m
Freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14°F / -10°C
Shockproof to falls from 7' / 2.1m high
Crushproof to withstand up to 220 lbf / 100 kgf of pressure
Dustproof-rated to IP6X to protect the internal components of the camera

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

https://petapixel.com/2019/05/22/olympus-unveils-the-tough-tg-6-rugged-compact-camera/


Dont know what your budget I think this is more expensive then the early one
I bought for my grandaughter. It was about $150. I thought images good it could
go underwater and it was a compact fit in your pocket.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have a TG-5. Besides all the tough stuff, it takes great pictures.

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

50 years in construction - hundreds of job site photos in all kinds of weather back in the film days with a Olympus OM 1n in all kinds of weather. Today I would go with the Olympus TG6 - being released on June 26 on Amazon for $449.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Try the brand new Olympus TG-6. It can be preordered for $449.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

I have used this camera and we are in Firm agreement on this camera and the intended use.
By the way, it is currently $429 at Costco.
While I'm curious about the newer TG-6 coming in June, this TG-5 will not disappoint you.
This camera was built for your intended use!!!
Smile,
Jimmy T Sends
TG-5

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Olympus Tough TG 5. It’s made for you!

joelbolden

The Fujicolor XP series has been my mainstay for years for my kayaking/hiking/camping/always in the truck camera. from XP-90 on it has a super bright LED that can take pics in considerable sun glare. Waterproof/shockproof/dustproof/cold proof down to decent numbers. If you want WIFI buy one with a number that ends in 5, i.e. XP-90(no wifi/XP-95 wifi. The latest is the XP-130/135 which has considerable post processing capability. Cost: Walmart has it for $142(normally $240)...Best Buy about the same.

wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

I got a Fuji XP-120 for my wife, who tends to drop a camera in her purse without ever thinking of a lens cover. It has stood up well for several years and takes very nice pictures. My only "problem" with it is that you can't remove the battery - you charge the battery through a USB port. As a decades-long believer in carrying a spare battery for any camera I'm using, I wouldn't like that personally.

So if I were looking for a ruggedized camera, I'd be considering the Olympus TG line. With the TG-6 just announced, I would hope to start seeing bargains on the current TG-5 model, which has looked like a terrific tool for several years. It has a removeable battery - you can charge it in the camera through the USB port, and you can get spares and third-party chargers if you want to carry a backup.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

TG-5 or the new TG-6 coming in July

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Not that it would conform to your specs, but I have to say that my Fuji X-t2 has been dropped on the kitchen floor once and outdoors on concrete, In the kitchen, my lovely little Nissen flash was shattered, but the xT-2 was just fine. On the concrete, post concussion, it also functions normally and not a scratch. I am impressed with the sturdiness of this little machine. I do not think a mirror and prism model would have held up so well. Too many fine mechanics to be jogged out of place.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The iPhone is used by most building inspectors I've encountered. It's fantastic for quick and easy photos and videos.

If you want something with interchangeable glass, I'll second the recommendation to look at a used Lumix G7. Put a short zoom on it and it's great. (Any lens you get for it will fit any Micro 4/3 camera from Olympus or Panasonic. There are over 100 different types of native lenses available, new and used. See http://hazeghi.org/mft-lenses.html)

https://www.keh.com/shop/panasonic-dmc-g7-black-digital-camera-body-16-m-p-1.html
https://www.keh.com/shop/panasonic-12-60mm-f-3-5-5-6-g-vario-aspherical-black-autofocus-lens-for-micro-four-thirds-system-58-1.html

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

Henry:

I was a contractor for many years; and, then, opened a practice as a "Forensic Construction Expert". . .Did all my own photography for courtroom exhibits and testimony for over 20 years. . .Began with a Nikon F-3 and a 85 MM f1.4 & Tamron 28-300 for film use; and, switched over to a D70 using the same lenses. Now, I use a D7100 with those same lenses. . .Great for archival photos; AND, the court room (when necessary). . .The old word about "rugged". .You could pound nails with the Nikon and it would still produce great photos in ALL extreme conditions! [Though I prefer to use a hammer when I gotta pound nails!] I've used my Nikons in Africa AND Alaska; and, all points in between PLUS taken photos of the kids in the delivery room(s) and on skis! . .ALWAYS dependable; and, never "lost" a shot!!!! And, because these were my "working tools," I had the added advantage of the I.R.S. "paying" for them! [When asked during a tax audit "What camera do you use for family photos?" I replied: "I use this cute little pink Kodak Instamatic!" The tax lady said: "Good answer!"]