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June 14, 2007
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Where can I find a rugged digital camera that can be charged with solar power?
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Stylus 770 SW (courtesy, Olympus)
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I need a camera that’s water resistant (or waterproof), can withstand being banged around
a bit, has a bit of zoom, and can be charged using a 12V solar power system. Lots of
cameras out there seem to have a couple of these features, but not all of them. Do you
have any suggestions?
— Rachael
Springtown, Pennsylvania
Do you have a question of your own?
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 The only hard part is the charger. Olympus has staked its reputation on several tough,
water-resistant (and even waterproof) cameras. The Stylus 770 SW ($380;
olympusamerica.com), for instance, can be submerged to 33 feet, is rated to take a
five-foot drop, has been “winterized” to 14 degrees F, and can withstand 220 pounds of
pressure. It also is compact, offers 7.1-megapixel resolution, and has a 3:1 zoom lens.
Pretty good!
But there’s this: It takes a proprietary battery. Lots of cameras these days take AA
batteries, which are available nearly anywhere and can be used with most 12V solar
chargers. Other devices—wireless phones, for instance—can be charged by
connecting the solar charger to the phone’s car-charge cord.
The Olympus is trickier, but you are not out of luck. Look into a charger from Sundance
Solar (store.sundancesolar.com). They sell chargers that can charge most batteries for
popular cameras, including those from Olympus, and should have what you need. Price will
be between $100-$150, depending on what model you get, and charging times will run around
four hours.
Now, if only other camera makers would compete a little more effectively with Olympus in
the tough-camera arena, and do so with cameras that take AA batteries.
You’ve seen our picks for 2007 Gear of
the Year, and now the entire Outside Summer
Buyer’s Guide is online. Check out this year’s more than 400 must-have gear items,
including digital cameras.
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