which tough digital camera son off to Afghan?

sunflowersuffolk

I want to get my son a tough dust proof small digital camera as he's being deployed to Afghanistan very shortly as a medic.

He doesn't want me to spend much as it may get tough conditions but not sure what to get. If I get a really cheap one, it probably won't last long.

I've seen reviews for Panasonic Lumix FT10 for £155 from Play.com and this is top of my budget.

Can anyone give advice on anything cheaper please? pref under £100.

Also what accessories are needed, exactly which card is best.

Thanks for any help

arrallas

This FufiFilm would seem to fit the bill, but is £151:

"Whereas some cameras would quake in their cases, the gallant FinePix XP10 would charge to battle. Shockproof (1m), Waterproof (3m), Freezeproof (-10°) and Dustproof, this little camera is as hard as nails!"

missile

I would suggest most digital cameras are robust. Fujifilm FinePix was my first digtal. I have had it for many years, it is indestructable. Never been to a war zone but it has certainly seen some "action".

I would get him something small and light. Lumix FT10 seems like an excellent choice, but I would avoid play.com. See here> http://www.johnlewis.com/231050674/Product.aspx?SearchTerm=lumix+FT10

This one might be a cheaper alternative http://www.johnlewis.com/231193323/Product.aspx

These might seem better value, but I would avoid anything with AA batteries http://www.johnlewis.com/231197769/Product.aspx
http://www.johnlewis.com/231192094/Product.aspx

Memory cards are cheap buy him a big one (or two?). I try to stick with better known brand names. http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDHC-Secure-Digital-Card/dp/B000VUVA62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299933264&sr=8-1

You might consider a camera bag and possibly a spare battery.

Good luck to your son. I hope he has a laptop so he can download & send his photos and speak to you via Skype?

sunflowersuffolk

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions. Missile, I think I'll go for the Lumix FT10 (its his birthday also while out there) and good idea, I'll use John Lewis as they are so reliable. He does have a laptop and has been busy loading it with films books etc and also ipod. We have skype but wasn't sure if he'll be able to use it there.

Thanks again

airborne_61

sunflowersuffolk hope your son has a safe tour.
My Airborne Brothers will be returning soon fronm Afghan.
Live in sudbury suffolk, more of a thorn myself :-)

missile

sunflowersuffolk wrote: »

.... We have skype but wasn't sure if he'll be able to use it there.....

He can use Skype anywhere he can get an internet connection.
If Garry The Tank Commander can do it .... :T
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/garys-war/4od