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Olympus Toughen’s Up

This month Olympus shows that it is still going tough. The Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850, which comes out this month (MSRP: $249.99) can record video with natural motion via 60p recording at 60fps in Full HD 1080p, as well as high-speed via 120 fps at 640 x 480 or 240 fps at 320 x 240.

But more importantly this one lives up to its name. It is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof camera employs True-Pic VII processor and wide-angle 21–105 mm 5x optical zoom lens. Other features include 180 degree flip LCD monitor and 16 MP backlit CMOS sensor.

Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850 Official Website

Bravo, the Case to Cheer

Bravo is typically used to express approval when a performer or other person has done something well, but few are likely to express approval when their iPhone 5 meets with a disaster. However, Bike2Power has announced that it will distribute the fully waterproof and shockproof Bravo case for the handset. It can protect the device from water, dust, dirt, mud, snow and impact.

It is waterproof down to six feet, and can withstand the impact of a free fall from more than six feet on a hard concrete floor at multiple angles. Despite all this heavy protect the company notes that all the phone features are fully accessible.

Now that is something to cheer.

Bravo Case for iPhone 5 at Bike2Power

Nikon Changes it Up

There is no shortage of rugged cameras on the market, and while most of these can endure an adventure these often leave something to be desired when it comes to photos. Fortunately Nikon has realized that a point-and-shoot camera in a rugged body simply won’t do.

The company has introduced the Nikon 1 AW1, the world’s first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera. This is the latest addition to the camera maker’s popular Nikon 1 system that offers versatility with functionality. It is waterproof to 49 feet, shockproof to about six and a half feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees. In other words you might give up before the camera does! Continue reading Nikon Changes it Up

2013 CES: Mount Olympus

If you were to take a camera on a climb to the top of Mount Olympus the one to take might just be the Olympus TG-2. This 12MP rugged camera features a 3.0-inch OLED screen to preview your shots, while the built-in GPS tagging can help keep track of where you were on your various adventures. The camera can’t handle a fall from the top of a mountain, but it will survive drops up to seven feet. It is also freeze proof and crushproof. And when you’re back down from your climb the camera is one for the beach as it is waterproof up to 50 feet!

Olympus Official Website

Olympus Delivers More Rugged Cameras

Last month we reported that Olympus had shown off its Tough TG-320 rugged camera. Designed for the budget conscience consumer this one still was loaded with some great features. But apparently Olympus wasn’t done, and the company has also introduced two other lines – the Tough TG-820 and Tough TG-620, which will hit stores in Japan beginning later this month.

Both series will feature iHS technology with 12megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, and advanced features including Magic Filters and Beauty mode/Beauty make. There is even a “Pet Mode” that automatically detects the face of a cat or dog and focuses before shooting the photo. Both the TG-820 and TG-620 lines can capture 3D photos, and feature 5x optical zoom, along with Full HD movie (1,920×1,080) video recording with encoding in MOV/H.264 format. More photos and press release after the jump

CES 2012: Fujifilm Get Rugged

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Fujifilm is showing off 19 new digital cameras, and these include the ruggedized FinePix line, with the XP150, XP100 and XP50. The former two are waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof to a 6.5 foot drop, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and of course dustproof, so these are pretty much ready for just about any excursion. The XP50 will be for the budget minded offering a little less protection but still rugged enough for most adventures. It is waterproof to 16.5 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, with the same freeze- and dustproofing.

All three cameras will be driven by 14 megapixel CMOS sensors, with continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, and will feature 5x wide angle lenses. The cameras will be able to record 1080p video with sound, even underwater, captured at 30 frames per second. The XP-series will also feature dual image stabilization to mechanically stabilize the sensor while also adjusting shooting variables to compensate for camera shake or movement.

The FinePix XP150 and XP100 will be available in March for $279.95 and $249.95 respectively. The XP150 will be available in black or orange, and the XP100 will be available in black, blue, orange, silver, or green. The XP50 will also be available in March, for $199.95, and will also be available in black, blue, orange, silver, and green. Additional images and Press Release after the jump

CTIA Honors Rugged Case With Hot for the Holidays Award

The idea of “life proofing” portable electronics is a good one, especially with mobile smartphones. These things get dropped, get spilled on and get put through conditions that frankly they weren’t designed for. After dropping an iPhone many users probably have a moment of fear and do a quick “proof of life” test to see if it still works. Instead of worrying whether that fall or spill “killed” the handset, LifeProof it instead.

(Video after the jump) Continue reading CTIA Honors Rugged Case With Hot for the Holidays Award