Three rugged ‘tough’ cameras for travel – [updated 2020]

Waterproof, drop-proof and freeze-proof, these compact cameras can perform whatever the weather

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Phones don’t work in freezing conditions, they’re not waterproof, and they break on impact with a rock. Cue ‘rugged’ cameras, which offer a more travel-proof design while attempting to offer something more than the average smartphone’s camera.

1 – Olympus Tough TG-6 rugged travel camera (2019)

It musters a mere 12 MP, but this remains the most advanced tough camera around. Weighing 250g, it shoots in the RAW format, as well as 4K 30P video and high-speed Full HD.

2 – Fujifilm FinePix XP130 rugged travel camera (2018)

Weighing 207g, Fujifilm’s latest is a lightweight in all regards. Cheap and cheerful, it’s poor in low light and suffers from disappointing images. The battery life is also really short, but it might suit occasional snorkeling trips.

Read our Fujifilm FinePix XP130 rugged travel camera full review.

3 – Panasonic Lumix TS7/FT7 tough travel camera (2018)

A built-in electronic viewfinder is this tough camera’s standout feature, though it also electronically boosts its 20.4MP sensor to produce good low light performance. At 318g it’s something of a weighty option, and it doesn’t record images in RAW.