Best Rugged Cameras

It may be the lowest-cost option in this roundup, but Fujiu2019s colourful XP90 is a highly capable device. Built around a 1/2.3in BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, it captures reasonable quality 16.4MP JPEGs, and Full HD (1080p) video at a rate of 60fps. While RAW shooting isnu2019t possible on any of these cameras, a full-resolution burst of stills can be captured at a speedy 10fps. The camera has 22 fully-automatic and scene-based shooting modes to choose from, including Underwater, Beach and Sport options. A Manual shooting mode is not present, however. Itu2019s waterproof to 15m, freeze-proof to -10u00b0C, shock-proof to drops of 1.75m and dust-proof.

With GPS built-in, the AW130 can log the route you travel and record location information as you take your photos. It also touts an electronic compass to aid orientation, an altimeter, barometer and depth gauge, from which readings can be recorded as part of a fileu2019s information. With its 1/2.3in BSI CMOS sensor it produces high quality 16MP JPEGs, and Full HD video at 30fps (interlaced footage can be shot at 60fps). The camera has two continuous shooting modes available at 7fps and 2.2fps, the first with fixed AF and exposure.

While it canu2019t go quite as deep as some of the others here, itu2019s waterproof to 13m, shock-proof to 2m, freeze-proof to -10u00b0C, pressure resistant to 100kg and dust-proof as well. Fitted with a 16.1MP 1/2.33in High Sensitivity MOS sensor, it captures JPEG stills and Full HD video at 50fps with stereo sound. 10fps burst shooting is possible with the autofocus locked, while 7fps is possible with the camera set to its tracking mode.

Roughly 40% smaller and lighter than itu2019s predecessor (the WG-M1), Ricohu2019s WG-M2 is a video-focused, rugged action cam that impressively captures 4K footage at 30fps. Fitted with a 1/2.33in sensor, it carries an 8MP resolution u2013 lower than others here. This makes its JPEGs less suitable for larger prints. Slightly u2018boxyu2019 in design, it features just six large buttons on its sides. This keeps handling simple, but makes the menu system slightly slow to use. Its shooting modes are mainly automatic, but the camera does allow Exposure Compensation by +/- 2EV. Burst shooting at 8fps is possible through a dedicated setting.

Part camera, part adventureru2019s tool, the TG-Tracker is Olympusu2019 newest Tough camera release. It boasts 4K video recording at 30fps, Full HD at 60fps and a stereo mic. Alongside its digital 5-axis stabilisation system, itu2019s shipped with a separate Steady Grip handle to help keep handheld footage smooth. With a 7.2MP 1/2.3in BSI CMOS, it outputs 8MP JPEG files through interpolation u2013 the same resolution as the Ricoh WG-M2. Stills and video shooting modes are mainly automatic, but White Balance and Exposure Compensation can be easily adjusted. Itu2019s waterproof to an impressive 30m, freezeproof to -10u00b0C, shockproof to 2.1m, crushproof to 100kg, and dustproof, too.

It may be the most expensive option in this roundup, but the Sony FDR-X1000VR is worth considering for any aspiring videographer. It captures 4K footage at 100Mbps when used with U3 memory cards, and uses the sensoru2019s full-pixel readout to ensure optimum frame quality. It can also shoot Full HD video at 120fps, giving smooth slow motion, and outputs 8.8MP JPEGs. Its 1/2.3in CMOS sensor is paired with an f/2.8 lens that has a 17.1mm equivalent focal length. This provides an ultra-wide, 170u00b0 angle-of-view, and thereu2019s the option to use a narrower 120u00b0 angle if desired. Minimum focus distance is 50cm, making it less well-suited to close-up shots. The camera uses SteadyShot electronic stabilisation to help give results free from camera shake.