Digital Cameras for Use in Tough Conditions?

b!arg asks: "I am a sysadmin for a construction company. Currently the company spends god knows how much money on disposable cameras. They use these cameras to document accidents and the such out in the field. Typically these disposable cameras have 27 pictures available to them but only a few are ever taken before they are developed because of time. We can't hold onto a camera to take different shots of different accidents until its full. I am looking into the feasibility of moving to all digital cameras. Does anyone have experience with using these in such a potentially damaging setting? Obviously no digicam will withstand getting run over by a dumptruck, but what have you found to be a durable digital camera for people out in the field. Ease of use is also fairly important. And since we understand that these will almost definitely break once in awhile, I can't buy $1000 cameras. Two MegaPixels is sufficient quality, preferably using CF and, if I can dream, waterproof since the Northwest U.S. tends to be a tad rainy (does that break my budget?). Or am I trying to be too 'techie' when this solution just won't work because of the conditions in which they'll be used?"

Comments

What problem are you trying to solve?

[twoflower]

Currently the company spends god knows how much money on disposable cameras.

First, find out exactly how much they are spending on camera -- they're ten bucks a pop, do exactly what's needed, and they're cheap enough that it doesn't matter if you don't use all 27 exposures before developing the film, or if one is accidentally destroyed. On top of that, you don't have to worry about making sure you have fresh (or freshly recharged) batteries on hand, low light levels that digitals can't deal with well, and a million other considerations.

It sounds like you want to convert to digital cameras purely on geek factors. Don't. Consider the problem space before trying to come up with solutions.