Pick Your Pixel
Deciding which affordable robust compact camera to make your own? Here are some pointers to help you in your photographic endeavours
Zagrav Benipal
The compact camera industry seems to eternally be in a turmoil of its own, and the root of this turmoil can be tracedall the way back to 2002 when the first mobile phones with built-in cameras became publicly available, namely Nokia 7650 and Sanyo SPC-5300.Since then and up until the present-day iPhone 11’s and the like with their dual lens cameras-such relentlessadvancements in the smartphone arena have all but annihilated the entry-level series of point-and-shoot cameras. I mean, why lug around another electronic device that would require charging, another spare pocket in your jeans to carry, especially when your compact smartphone already serves that purpose splendidly.
This in essence is the conflict that plagues the compact camera industry and their solution to this conundrum? Compact camera manufacturers are adding more advanced features to units in order to make them more enticing. Offering virtually indestructible devices to long zoom ranges to larger sensors that enhance image quality to avant-garde lenses to wi-fi connectivity that facilitates easy transfer of photos to your mobile device, andconsequently easier uploads to Instagram. Hence, for those of you seeking to conjoin your photography passion along with your outdoorsy spirit,for those who are relatively new to the photography sphere and are deliberating moving up from your smartphone. The sophisticated DSLR or mirrorless system cameras may seem a daunting sight, thereby making sturdy compact cameras the perfect device for you! With fixed lenses, a plethora of automated options, notable zoom ranges and a size that fits snug in your pocket – consider the following rugged point-and-shoot cameras for yourself.
Canon IVY REC
Perhaps Canon’s oddest camera ever, but given that the imaging and optical services giant oftentimes produces madcap and ground-breaking camera designs in order to showcase the potential of the future, hardly ever do they cross the blueprint juncture. The Canon IVY REC stands out for that exact reason, as it not just a concept for trade shows but a camera being widely sold and heavily demanded. A stripped-down action camera of sorts (minus the viewfinder), the IVY REC is about as basic as a digital camera gets. It is capable of taking 13 megapixel stills with its fixed lens that offers a 25mm wide-angle, its ability also incorporates HD videos. It would seem that thebasis for its tremendous demand lies in its ability to work in union with a mobile phone or tablet through the Canon Mini Cam app, thereby allowing you to review your photos on the go. The conventional method of inserting the microSD memory card into a computer is still very much a possibility in the IVY REC.
As for the camera, there is a solitary control dial at the back with three shooting modes – stills, video and hybrid mode (when in hybrid mode, one can record videos and also click still images). However, the individuality of the camera is really shone in its design, which allows one to clip the camera onto a bag or belt, with its rugged design screaming ‘outdoors’. The Canon IVY REC seems like it has been designed with rough and tumble as the dominant, central thought,it is waterproof and shockproof up to 6 feet, with four colour options obtainable.
Specifications
Stills Resolution
13MP
Video Resolution
1080p @ 60fps
Aperture
f/2.2
ISO
100-3200
Lens/Zoom
Fixed
Battery
Lithium polymer 660 mAh battery
Dimensions
W: 110.5 mm, H: 45.2 mm, D: 18.5 mm
Price
Rs10,900
Olympus Tough TG-6
Olympus has gained a dazzling standing in the market for its Tough series of cameras, which are deemed as the leading extreme, all-weather compact cameras.And you will be pleased to know that the Tough TG-6 is no different. The TG-6 though does not support adequate new features to merit an upgrade if you own a TG-5.Nonetheless, if you are in the market for a weathered camera that you can take to the beach and cover in sand, go for a swim in the ocean without a care, trek and not be burdened about the camera after it falls on hard rocks or for that matter subject it to below freezing conditions. The Tough TG-6 will be your companion through thick and thin, with industry-leading kid-proof, dust-proof, impact-proof and water-proof functionalities.Some YouTubershave gone as far as dropping the camera on concrete and then standing on the camera with their full body weight, only to find that it still worked seamlessly! A modest refresh of the TG-5, the newer model still incorporates the best bits of its predecessor and why not, since that earned rave reviews during and ever since its launch.
A closer look and feel will reveal that the flash is remarkably sensible on the Olympus Tough TG-6, as it extends the possibility to manually regulate the flash from full power mode to 1/64 in 18 increments. Another fascinating facet on the camera is Olympus’ field sensor monitor which logs crucial information such as the altitude, location, water temperature and depth for both photos as well as videos. I mean who doesn’t like additional data! Akin to its predecessor, the TG-6 features a 12MP backlit 1/2.3” sensor, as for the lens, a 4.5-18mm lens (25-100mm full-frame equivalent) delivers great images. About as robust as a hammer, it can endure temperatures up to -10°C, depth in watersas deep as 50 feet, a weight of up to 100 kg’s and survive falls from up to 7 feet.
Specifications
Stills Resolution
12MP
Video Resolution
4K
Aperture
f/2.0 (wide-end) to f/4.9 (tele-end)
ISO
100-12800 (Manual)
Lens/Zoom
4x
Battery
LI-92B Li-ion battery
Dimensions
W: 113 mm, H: 66 mm, D: 32.4 mm
Price
Rs33,500
Nikon COOLPIX W300
Another one for the action-junkies and the thrill seekers, where the Canon IVY REC is distinguishable for its irreplaceable design, the Olympus Tough TG-6 for its resolute toughness, the COOLPIX W300 is regarded as the best all-around performer in this category. Akin to the preceding two cameras, if you are habitually in the thick of adventure, and are seeking a camera as hardy as you, then this is yet another alternative to consider. Bestowed with a 16 MP low-light CMOS Sensor, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens and 4K Ultra HD videoall combine to ensure epic photos/videos in striking detail. Take it snorkeling up to 100 feet deep, take it to the muddy football field, a spot of snowboarding is no bother as long as it stays below -14°Cand it can also handle drops from up to 7.9 feet high-confirming the COOLPIX to be a sturdy performer.
What’s more is that the camera comes fitted with an extra-large grip and smart button placement that ensure stable one-handed shooting, there is also a luminescent LED light that may be utilized to illuminate your path or the subject itself.Furthermore, the COOLPIX W300comes fitted with what Nikon call ‘Glamour Retouch’, whereby one can opt for 12 options ranging from teeth whitening, skin softening… and the like to enhance your physical appearance. A mega battery that permits over 280 shots in one charge; gives you a full recharge in 2 hours 20 mins and has a processor that specifiesfigures such as steps taken, altitude reached, the water pressure and allows easy tracking of your course too.
Specifications
Stills Resolution
16MP
Video Resolution
4K UHD @ 30p
Aperture
f/2.8 (wide-end) to f/4.9 (tele-end)
ISO
125-1600
Lens/Zoom
5x
Battery
Li-ion battery EN-EL12
Dimensions
W: 112 mm, H: 66 mm
Price
Rs26,000
Fujifilm XP140
Launched in 2019, the XP140 is aparticularly proficient, rugged mid-priced camera. Take it to the depths of the ocean i.e. 82 feet, subject it to drops from 5.9 feet and operate it in temperatures down to -10°C-allwithout a care in the world. The XP140 slots right into Fujifilm’s XP rugged series yearly update, with the XP130 débutingin 2018 and the XP120 in 2017. While the design of the camera does not see too many deviations to its forerunners, it does however now encompass an additional underwater depth of 14 feet, its focal feature-a new 4K video mode, a latest square video mode, new ‘monochrome’ and ‘rich and fine’ filtersthat take its tallyto 17-strong advanced filters. Moreover, the XP140 packs anenhanced maximum ISO sensitivity of 12800 ISO while also upgrading the slow-mo video mode to 720p HD resolution, up from low resolution in the XP130.
Equipped with a 16.4MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens and similar to the aforementioned cameras in this category- is waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof and shockproof. Available in five colour schemes, the camera is compatible with Fuji’s Camera Remote App and is light and easy enough to operate with one hand. Though, one must keep in mind, with the lens situated in the top right of the faceplate and with an internally stacked zoom that guarantees the lens to stay within the body casing, wandering fingers may obstruct shots when using both hands.However, once one is cognizant of this issue, it can be easily circumvented.
Specifications
Stills Resolution
16.4MP
Video Resolution
4K
Aperture
f/3.9 to f/4.9
ISO
100-12800
Lens/Zoom
5x
Battery
Li-ion battery NP-45S
Dimensions
W: 109.6 mm, H: 71 mm, D: 27.8 mm
Price
Rs27,600
Hence, prospective buyers will be buoyed to know that there is no dearth of options in the market when it comes to sturdy and hard-wearing compact cameras, it is a question of what you are demanding and a matter of your personal preference. Happy clicking ahead!
