Rough Camera Replacement

[Photo 5]

I currently own the Olympus SW1050 but I would like to replace it in January with something a little better. Also I have a chance to sell it to the local newspaper for $60 (had it since Oct 2009)

- It needs to be a rugged type camera (i.e. can be used in rain and snow etc).
- Pocketable in a large jacket pocket
- SDHC micro or full size SDHC card would be a plus
- good in low light (or at least reasonable)
- Anti shake or stabilization mode a plus
- 3x minimum zoom, 5x better
-10MP required (or better) per newspaper specs

Budget $300

Any and all ideas appreciated.

The SW1050 works well for me until I get into low or difficult lighting. Would any of the other Olympus rough/rugged cameras do a better image quality job. Would any other brands do a better job. Also a lot of the time if the flash goes off when it is raining I get God awful images.......

Thanks in advance for your advice.

dave

[mtclimber]

dave-

The Panasonic TS-series and the Canon D10 are acknowledged to be some of the best. The Pentax w90 has a unique 3 LED lighting system for macro shots.

Sarah Joyce

[Photo 5]

Thanks when I get a few minutes I will check those cameras out.

dave