Visitor
3
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I am on the fence with this one, need the communities help to decide
Conrad-Wentzel | Asked  over a year ago | Last response was 9 months ago

I already own a Canon Powershot s95.  I love that camera, but it will die a horrible death on one of my outdoor adventures if I keep using it.  

I am looking for a super durable camera to use for general hiking, rock climbing, and most importantly canyoneering.  The camera needs to be dust, water, shock, and cold proof as it has a high chance of falling down waterfalls and banging against rocks. The problem I am having is that both cameras are virtually identical in terms of specs and each camera has features I might be interested in. 

I wish I could combine both cameras into one camera so that I could have all the features.  The Nikon has a superior lens, better light sensor, a cool high-speed film setting, a better macro ability (personal favorite), and a higher quality screen although in the end this option really doesn't matter as it doesn't effect the photos in the end.  The biggest issue I have with this camera is the noise although the Panasonic is not that much better.

On the other hand, the Panasonic has a better battery which might be useful in the outdoors, takes 60s photos for those awesome night sky shots, and marginally shoots slightly faster (I doubt I would even notice the difference though).  I have also heard that the GPS feature is better than the Nikon's and offers more features although having never used a GPS feature for photos before, I'm not sure I would use it much.  I already turn off geotagging on my iphone pictures because I don't want people knowing where I am all the time.

Which camera do you recommend for Conrad-Wentzel?

Nikon AW100 - $221
15.9 MP|5x f/3.9|1/2.5" CMOS|3" LCD
Panasonic TS4 - $249
12 MP|4.6x f/3.3|1/2.5" CCD|2.7" LCD
8 Answers
  1. Beginner I
    4
    Score
    over a year ago Michael-Teegan recommends the Panasonic TS4 / FT4

    I love my Panasonic TS3. The battery lasts forever, the camera truly is water and drop-proof, and the GPS is a perfect feature.  When I import my photos to Flickr they spot directly on the map.  I've used the camera for a year or more and haven't had a single card error or any other issue.  The camera lives in my pants pocket and goes wherever I do: boat, hike, car, mall, etc.  I've been happy with the macro mode on flower stamens.  Check the Flickr Camera Finder (http://www.flickr.com/cameras/) and you can compare photos by each camera model to see real-world results.  Good luck and happy shooting.

    Reply
  2. Beginner II
    2
    Score
    over a year ago Jean-Keks recommends the Nikon Coolpix AW100

    Took the AW100 to take photos during my many thousand kilometers biketrips and I'm very happy with it ! :)

    Very solid & good looking in camo, takes great pictures even in low light... and videos are great too, many well-designed options !

    1. Intermediate III
      over a year ago WaterlooAlex
      Have you tried the AW100's 240fps mode?
    Reply
  3. Beginner I
    2
    Score
    over a year ago BrianVispo recommends the Panasonic TS4 / FT4

    I've been in the same exact situation. I ended up getting the lumix because it takes better shots overall. The only reason to get the aw100 is the gps with map (lumix only gives coordinates) and the 240fps video mode

    1. Visitor
      over a year ago Conrad-Wentzel
      Have you tried the AW100? How is the 240fps?
    2. Beginner I
      over a year ago BrianVispo
      The AW100 is the clear winner for macro shooting, but the TS4 does a satisfactory job as well. I prefer the image stabilization of the TS4; it also has the active video mode that works really great. The TS4 seems to be more rugged to me, and it also can withstand much deeper water levels. The ts3 has 1080p @ 60fps which is really great; however if you are into slow-motion or high speed video, then the aw100 is the one to get. The aw100's images turn out sharper compared to the softer images of the ts4.

      I picked the ts4 because it is tough as nails (slammed it on rocks a couple times and its been in mud and quicksand as well. It also takes really great outdoor shots and since I already have a gps and don't do slo-mo video, the ts4 was the obvious choice.
    3. Beginner I
      over a year ago BrianVispo
      It is really great, capturing the slightest movements, however it can record only in a 320x240 resolution. Search youtube for aw100 240 fps
    Reply
  4. Beginner I
    0
    Score
    9 months ago Arpan-Sinha recommends the Nikon Coolpix AW100

    "same situation here..... but I am at present thinking to go with the Nikon AW100 mostly for the slow motion feature!.. not all cheap cams can do that feat.. and reviewing many youtube videos in slow motion I would say the Nikon's showed better color variation and distinct quality even in slow motion.. which is a bit off quality as it should be at that speed but really beautiful and watchable.." 

    At the end of the day if you really want to fiddle with your plays I feel Nikon's might give a good smile.. :)

    And some where in one of the websites(i don't quite remember) after reviewing compacts and ruggeds for a week or more 10hrs at a stretch a day ,someone said "Panasonics body is not of aluminium etc.. it has gone off afte 30mns in shallow water!!"   .. i was really up to look for this cam bcoz might be its one of the few rugged cams that shoot 1080p @ 60p i hope..... but nikon seems to be of a better built and the door comes with a circular-screw latch to seal things tight... lastly Nikon is in my mind only because I want a rugged "BECAUSE I AM A BIT CREATIVE AND AT THE SAME TIME CARELESS"... and after watching slo-mo in youtube for long... .. I just love that feature... .. :)

    for smoother video quality maybe Panasonics/ Hardy and feature packed maybe Nikons have it... my view... .. no critic business individual choice is last word! Thank you.. 

    Reply
  5. Beginner I
    0
    Score
    over a year ago clynshaw recommends the Panasonic TS4 / FT4

    Lumix hands down. Better and quicker shots. Better colours. Better auto focus. More ergonomic.

    Reply
  6. Beginner I
    0
    Score
    over a year ago Marcin-Mrowiecki recommends the Nikon Coolpix AW100

    Nikon has Cmos in Panasonic you have CCD. 

    The better compare is Collpix or Olympus 820. I choose Nikon last week and i think it was good choice.

    Reply
  7. Beginner I
    0
    Score
    over a year ago Ramon-Guioguio recommends the Nikon Coolpix AW100

    Very well used, very nice for taking picture and superb in HD video especially under water.... very useful GPS.

    Reply
  8. Beginner I
    -1
    Score
    over a year ago danstarcher recommends neither camera

    Pentax Optio WG-1 - Compact with a 24-140mm focal length, high iso, MANY modes to choose from, macro, gps, fast start up.  I have used Canon & Nikon P&S camera and find the Pentax menu very user friendly and I am able to access the features quickly.  I am very happy with it - I like it so much that I just ordered a Pentax Optio WG-2.  Check it out.

    1. Visitor
      over a year ago Conrad-Wentzel
      lol the Pentax WG-1 was the camera that inspired me to buy a better waterproof digital camera. There are a lot of things to be said about that camera. I really hate the light, small feel of it. It feels like a cheap camera. Combine this with the super low resolution screen and the fact that water droplets constantly blur the camera lens, and the fact my friend already broke his Pentax canyoneering, I wanted to find something more rugged.
    Reply

Summary

4 Recommendations for
Nikon Coolpix AW100
3 Recommendations for
Panasonic TS4 / FT4

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