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Question

What is the best waterproof/night-time camera?

Jul 15, 2011 1:04AM PDT

I work on the beaches at night and need a rugged camera that can handle sand, rain, etc. I use the camera to take photos of lights at night (i.e. spot lights on houses, lamp posts, etc), so I need a camera that can take really good, clear photos of the light source and its surroundings (i.e the house the light is on, a street, buildings, etc) while holding up to the natural elements. I've been researching the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010, the Panasonic DMC-TS3, and the Pentax Optio W90, but am unsure which one would be the best at night photos. I also would like the camera to take good macro photos.
I have used the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 previously and the night time photos were not bad, but it didn't take good macros. It also just died on me and I have no idea why.
What camera would you recommend as the best in this situation (not necessarily out of the 3 I've researched)?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Tough Camera
Jul 15, 2011 11:26AM PDT

The camera you describe has not been built yet.

There are only about 6 small cameras that can be described as better than average in low light.
None of them are rated as Tough or Waterproof.

For good macro shots you MUST use a tripod because you will be shooting at slow shutter speeds.

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Answer
Weather Sealed Camera
Jul 16, 2011 1:36AM PDT

The best for the conditions you describe: http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr/K-5/

Of the three on your list, they are about equal in image quality. You could choose based on other features.