Need Digital Camera -- Arid Conditions [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

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lovesmurfs

11-09-2006, 11:30 PM

My DH is being deployed to Afghanistan -- I believe that the conditions will be rather dusty/dirty, and the terrain rocky -- large temperature extremes.

I'd like to get him a digital camera (his team will have a few laptops to send email, pictures, etc.). Any suggestions? He's not a pro, and it would mainly be utilitarian rather than fancy.

ndelaware

11-09-2006, 11:37 PM

I gave my BIL my old Olympus D510 when he was assigned to Baghdad 2 years ago. It is not much of a camera compared to what is out there now and it did great, so I wouldn't get crazy with picking a camera. Just get something fairly simple and reasonably priced.

manning

11-10-2006, 12:02 AM

Look at the Pentax optio W20. It is advertised as a waterproof camera but it is also dust proof and a rugged camera.

One thing I would check is if he will be able to recharge the battery. Also get a spare or two. and a couple of SD cards too.

Here's the Pentax site.

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--Optio_W20/reqID--8356288/subsection--optio

I would like to thank him for his service to our country and willingness to serve. It is most appreciated. Without men like him we would not be free and safe.

Be sure to post some of his pictures.

ndelaware

11-10-2006, 12:41 AM

Manning reminded me, try to get a camera that uses AA batteries. You can get them in rechargables or buy alkaline AAs anywhere.

manning

11-10-2006, 02:01 AM

according to the W-20 manual on line the battery charger supplied with the camera switches automatically to the voltage (100-220v) and frequency (50hz,60hz) of the electrical supply in the country or region where used. That is why I say get 2-3 extra batteries.

Check www.batterybarn.com to see if they handle the batteries required.

lovesmurfs

11-10-2006, 06:41 AM

Thanks so much for all of your responses, and for your support. Will be sure to post pics when he sends them. The battery is an issue I hadn't thought of.

manning

11-10-2006, 07:12 PM

If you are going AA and recharging is an issue I would recommend lithium batteries. They are not rechargable but they have a 15 year shelf life and are rated at around 600 shots. They are expensive compared to alkaline but alkalines won't hold up. You may be lucky to get 50 shots per set.

Maybe the PX handles them.

ndelaware

11-11-2006, 12:17 AM

The BIL took 2 sets of my NiMH AAs with him to Baghdad and they made it the whole year. He never mentioned having trouble getting them charged over there.

Limmer

11-12-2006, 12:11 AM

Another model to look at is the Olympus Stylus SW720. It is also waterproof and dustproof and can take a pretty extremem beating for a digital camera. Recently a rep was shwing me the camera and was dropping it from hand height several times and it still worked. Not sure of the price in US.

manning

11-12-2006, 12:52 AM