Olympus Tough TG-5 Camera
Waterproof: 15m
Shockproof: 2.1m
Crush proof: 100kg
Freeze proof: -10℃
The Olympus Tough has built in GPS for location information, a temperature sensor, an altitude sensor and even a compass. So along with your photos you can save a record of the harsh conditions you survived as you skied the Aiguille Rouge.
The TG-5 has all the right technology, A 12mp sensor, 4k video and full HD at 120fps allowing you to make super smooth slow motion footage of that epic fail.
Perhaps the simplest and best feature of this camera is the addition of anti-fog dual pane glass. With all the time spent going up and down lifts, stopping for lunch in a cosy restaurant or just removing the camera from a warm pocket you can be sure it won’t fog the lens.
Great features, a pleasing visual design and ergonomic but a little more expensive.
The Olympus Tough TG-5 Digital Non-SLR Camera - Red
Nikon CoolPics W300
Waterproof: 30m
Shockproof: 2.4m
Freeze proof: -10℃
Nikon’s toughie includes a GPS system, altitude sensor and depth gauge. A little more focused on diving with its 30m waterproofing and on screen depth gauge. With a on screen world map to log your pictures, this camera is designed for those who travel.
The W300 has a decent sized 16mp sensor and large zoom range of 24-120mm. It supports 4k video and has an in-camera time-lapse function.
The controls can be a little fiddly, especially in gloves, but if you want a camera for an all-year active lifestyle then this may suit your needs.
The Nikon Coolpix W300 Digital Camera (16 MP, 5x Optical Zoom/7.6 cm (3 Zoll) LCD Display, 4 K UHD Video, bildstabilisiert)
Ricoh WG-50 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera
Waterproof: 14m
Shockproof: 1.6m
Freeze proof: -10℃
Ricoh offer up the WG-50, a mid-priced camera built like a tank. It lacks GPS technology and the host of sensors of its pricer competitors but it benefits from being light (194g) and has 24 ‘shooting modes’ to add visual dynamics to your pictures. It has a handy ‘daytime screen mode’ to increase visibility in bright conditions, a great benefit in the snowy mountains.
The WG-50 has a 16mp sensor that captures good clear images and records video at HD 1080.
The addition of LEDs around the lens for diving and close-up photography make it more versatile if you want to explore more than just ski photography.
It rounds up as a good camera for a good price… but is it a beauty or a beast?
The Ricoh WG-50 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera - Orange
FujiFilm FinePix XP120
Waterproof: 20m
Shockproof :1.75m
Freeze proof: -10℃
A lightweight camera that will easily slip into your salopettes pocket for your day on the hill. Not so many features but a great, easy to use camera designed to withstand the elements.
The 5x optical zoom coupled with a 10x digital zoom means it happily zooms in on the stragglers as you take pictures from the bottom of the slope.
Not so good in low-light conditions so maybe not the best if you want to capture après-ski without the flash.
It may be limited on features but it is small, light, easy to use and comes in at an affordable price.
The FujiFilm FinePix XP120 Outdoor Camera 16.4 megapixel
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30EB-K
Waterproof: 8m
Shockproof: 1.5m
Freeze proof: -10℃
At the lower price range in my search for the best tough cameras for skiing is the Panasonic Lumix it gives acceptable results along with a mouthful of a name. A small, good-looking, well built camera from a trusted and proven brand.
The 16mp Lumix has a wide field of view starting at 25mm and zooms in to 100mm… so it has most shots covered. The menu can be fiddly to use, especially with gloves, and the screen can be hard to see in bright snowy conditions. But, it has effective auto settings making quick snaps simple.
It may be far from perfect but it comes at a very comfortable price for a quality brand.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30EB-K 16 MP 4x Optical Zoom Waterproof Action Camera - Black