Rugged time for camera market

Special Feature: ADVENTURE

It's a market once 'owned' by Olympus but there has been a clear upsurge in demand for other makes of 'rugged' compacts over the past year, according to Tasco Sales Australia general manager - digital camera sales division, Stewart Pickersgill.

"Products are selling across all age groups, right down to young skateboarders who are buying helmet mounts," he said.

Waterproof cameras have become increasingly popular and Tasco has a strong footprint in specialty and mass merchandisers with brands such as Intova, GE and Agfa.

Waterproof models from Intova start as low as $69 (RRP) while the Agfa DC600UW at $149 (RRP) is waterproof to 10 metres and shockproof from two metres.

At around $1000 (RRP), the Ricoh 500SE is popular with emergency service organisations, police and fire brigades.

New waterproof Sanyo camcorder

Just over a year ago, Sanyo launched what it claimed to be the world's first waterproof high-definition dual camcorder with 30X zoom.

The Xacti VPC-WH1EXYL is waterproof to a depth up to three metres within a 60- minute time frame.

The camera features a 2.5-inch LCD screen and shoots HD 1280 x 720p at 30fps. When released, it sold for $699 (RRP).

Pelican cases work up a storm

Following Pelican's acquisition of Hardigg Industries, Pelican and distributor Adeal have announced a continuation of availability of the Pelican and Pelican Storm injection-molded cases.

The combined Pelican and Pelican Storm case ranges now extend to more than 70 models.

Pelican Storm cases are watertight and include a pressure equalization valve.

Adeal product manager Gary Pertot said other attributes that contribute to the quality of the full Pelican case range include sealed bearing wheels and extension handles.

"The cases also undergo stringent and extreme testing that meet or exceed various military tests, ISO certification and ATA approvals," he said.

The new range of Pelican Storm cases will be available in leading retail photo outlets from March.

Olympus submerges PEN

Olympus has added to extensive underwater housing range with a model to suit the new PEN EP-1.

The PT-EP01 underwater housing maximises the compactness and weight minimisation design advantages that are inherent to the micro four thirds system camera standard. Noticeably compact in size, it measures 179mm x 156mm x 166mm (W x H x D) and weighs approximately 1100g, or up to 47% less than most underwater housings for traditional SLR cameras.

The PT-EP01 housing features a fixed lens port and can accommodate an Olympus PEN E-PL1 camera fitted with an M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6L or the forthcoming M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens. The lens port assures image quality by using multi-coated glass to suppress internal reflection.

Shots can be framed or composed using the camera's rear LCD screen, but the design of the PT-EP01 accommodates the use of the PEN EP-1?s optional VF-2 Live Viewfinder accessory.

The PT-EP01 supports the use of the Olympus Wireless Remote Control Flash System with the Olympus UFL-2 dedicated underwater flash unit.