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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> What's a good camera for runners?
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 01/29/2009 05:35:00 PM · #1
I have a friend who runs marathons and also does trail runs and wants a decent camera that is "shock tested" in the event that they fall or stumble. Anybody have any recommendations?
 01/29/2009 05:39:32 PM · #2
Assuming he wants a P&S, the Olympus Stylus cameras that are water-resistant are also shock proof as far as I know.
 01/29/2009 05:40:40 PM · #3
Olympus Stylus 850 SW

ETA: Seems like Olympus is between models on what seems to be called their "tough series". The new ones look really nice but aren't in stock anywhere yet, while the old ones are mostly out of stock.

Message edited by author 2009-01-29 17:46:32.
 01/29/2009 05:46:02 PM · #4
There are specialty cameras for shock/water proofing, but I would suggest a cheap canon point and shoot. I have a 4 or 5 year old 3MP Canon Digital Elph that goes EVERYWHERE with me and it's still going strong! I've carried it with me during a whitewater rafting trip, hiking trips, I've recorded video while skiing down black diamond trails at Killington. I recorded a ride on every roller coaster at Six Flags one day, that was fun: Video Here

Anyway, if you get any small, cheap, P&S Canon that can slip safely into a pocket, I think you'll be fine.
 01/29/2009 05:58:54 PM · #5
I think she wants to go the olympus 1030sw route because it has been tested for being dropped, or getting wet.

Thanks. Any other suggestions?
 01/29/2009 06:57:33 PM · #6
I have the Olympus 850. I got it for taking skiing, to the beach, etc. It's as durable as anything I can imagine. The photos are pretty decent, but it doesn't do well in low light. I love shooting underwater shots in the pool.



I used it during the hurricane that blew through this Summer. It handled the rain well, and its video mode was fun too.

Message edited by author 2009-01-29 18:59:31.
 01/29/2009 09:41:52 PM · #7
I've been running for well over 15 years (including lots of trail runs and 4 marathons), and have been rained on countless times but have only fallen 4 times. Thus my suggestion for priorities would be #1 water proof and #2 shock proof. I would not recommend a cheap P&S, as suggested by Andrew1023, because a single hard rain will destroy the camera -- and it seems when running the rains always start when you are far away from your car. From what I can tell from the Olympus web site, the Olympus tough series seems ideal for durability.

ETA: Pentax also makes some waterproof P&S cameras, but they are not shock resistant.

ETA: The Olympus Tough-6000 and 8000 have image stabilization, which some of the other Olympus tough cameras do not, so they may be worth a look as well.

Message edited by author 2009-01-29 21:52:15.
 01/30/2009 10:49:15 AM · #8
Originally posted by Jutilda:
I think she wants to go the olympus 1030sw route because it has been tested for being dropped, or getting wet.

Thanks. Any other suggestions?

If you're running hard enough, you're going to sweat. And even the extra humidity can fog up the lens.

Even if you don't fall or drop the camera (or have it fall out of your pocket) you are going to give it thousands of "micro shocks) every time your foot hits the ground.

I bourght the Olympus 850 s&w moddel for my son. Its a very small, very light camera even for a P&S. And it takes great pictures (its not as good as a DSLR, but its a lot more portable).
 02/18/2009 07:52:29 AM · #9
just announced: canon
 02/18/2009 08:31:22 AM · #10
I've got an 770SW and it really is indestructable. I've dropped it on concrete and all sorts of things. I take it on backcountry backpacking excursions, have taken underwater pictures in very cold mountain rivers, in strong winds with snow, and it hasn't ever malfunctioned after a couple years of rough use. I just throw it in my pack with everything else and don't ever think twice about it. Couple caveats though: As noted, low light is pretty bad. Also, to compound the low light issue, the flash causes some gnarly lens flare in many, many situations. One last bummer: only compatible with Olympus/Fuji propietary XD cards. Having said that though, image quality is otherwise pretty good and I've been more than pleased with the performance.
Also, in a very similar vein to the Olympus, there is the Pentax Optio W series. Check out availability on both W30 and W60. I can't speak of image quality, but in terms of "durability factor," the Olympus and Pentax are comparable.

Message edited by author 2009-02-18 08:36:50.
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