Two new tough compact cameras even include 3D mode: introducing the Olympus TOUGH TG-610 and TG-310

The Olympus TOUGH TG-610 is, as its very title suggests, a rugged compact capable of taking a fair battering. This newly released tough cookie is waterproof to 5m, shockproof to 1.5m and freeze-proof plus has a metal lens barrier for extra-tough lens protection. The TG-310 is similar except waterproof to 3m and has a glass lens barrier rather than a metal version.

With a 14-megapixel sensor at the heart of both cameras it’s possible to shoot large stills or capture 720p HD movies. The TG-610 provides a 28-140mm (equivalent) 5x optical zoom lens, while the TG-310 has a 28-102mm (equivalent) 3x optical zoom version.

The TG-610 has a large 3in, 920k-dot LCD on the rear, while the TG-310 offers a smaller 2.7in, 230k-dot option.

Both cameras have Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur, and Olympus’s TruePic III+ image processing ending capable of ISO 80-1600 and a variety of Magic Filters for in-camera creative adjustment of you images. There’s even a 3D mode that captures the scene from two slightly different positions to create a 3D file that can be played back on compatible TVs and devices.

The TG-610 will be available for £250 this April, with the TG-310 on offer for a little less at £200.