Tough Cameras - Ice Test Results

Sony TX5 (Test Winner) The Sony TX5's front panel was starting to suffer under the strain of the various particles lodged under it, and didn't fully clear the lens when activated. The camera did switch on and managed to take a photo though, with little or no evidence of the battery losing a critical amount of life. Once again, the screen needed to be cleaned before use though.	Olympus Mju Tough 8010 After having a couple of small issues along the way, the Mju Tough 8010 had its most significant downfall in the freeze test. Not only was the power button too small to use comfortably after the freezing, but the sliding lens cover seemed to be stuck in place, preventing the camera from turning on.


Fuji XP10 After initially switching on, the XP10 failed at the next hurdle by being unable to take a photo. This may have been down to the shutter release being frozen, but unfortunately the previously fully-powered battery suddenly lost all life after a few seconds of usage. A few minutes in the sun returned the battery to its previous working order, however.	Pentax W90 There was little evidence of the W90 being damaged on the surface, and that hardiness was transported across to the battery and shutter release, as both functioned fully after being frozen. Unfortunately a few days after the test the battery became corroded beyond rescue, as it seemed that the casing had failed to keep the water out of the compartment.


Casio EX-G1 Rather than entirely failing this test the Casio EX-G1 only managed to half complete it by powering on but failing to take a shot. The shutter release appeared to be frozen in place, and the small power button made it difficult to activate the camera in the first instance. A short defrost period did return the EX-G1 to full working order though.	Panasonic FT2 The Panasonic FT2 had a similar issue to the Casio EX-G1, eventually turning on after a number of attempts and initially failing to take a photo altogether. After the defrost period the FT2 did regain full functionality, but the time taken between being retrieved from the ice and gaining the ability to take a photo was clearly far too long.