Rain or shine, don’t stop shooting with our pick of the best waterproof, shock-resistant and all-round cameras on the market.

1. Nikon Coolpix AW100
• 16 megapixels
10 meters
-10 degrees Celsius
1.5 meters

The Coolpix AW100 is the latest waterproof model from Nikon. In addition to a 28-140mm lens and vibration reduction for clearer images, travelers will appreciate that its GPS is capable of not only recording the location of each shot, but also tracking the user’s movements and looking up routes with a new built-in world map display. There’s also full HD recording with slow-motion and macro modes. The effects may be limited, but Nikon makes up for that with a fast shutter speed button. Available in orange, black and military green.
$479 from Courts Megastore.

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20
• 16.2 megapixels
5 meters
-10 degrees Celsius
1.5 meters

Sony’s new DSC TX20 model is almost identical to the last, the DSX TX10, with the same slim and sleek design, shutter buttons, and touch screen. What’s new is a more stylish sliding cover, a 25-100mm lens, a high-resolution Exmor R CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ image processor, which improves low light performance. The 16.2 megapixel camera sure is impressive for a waterproof model. Available in pink, blue, black, green and orange.
$599 from Sony Store.

3. FujiFilm FinePix XP150
• 14.4 megapixels
10 meters
-10 degrees Celsius
2 meters

After a prolonged absence, Japanese manufacturer Fuji returns with a new model for outdoor types—the FinePix XP150. The various rubber ridges and grooves facilitate one-handed shooting, while the battery/memory slot comes with a double-lock design for better protection. The model also offers a 14-megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x 28-140mm zoom lens with an aperture of f3.9-4.9. Available in black, silver, orange, green and blue.
$395 from Alan Photo Trading.

4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4
• 12.1 megapixels
12 meters
-10 degrees Celsius
2 meters
Just when we hadn’t heard from them in a while, Panasonic rolls out the Lumix DMC-FT4, an upgrade on last year’s FT3 incarnation. While not much has changed, its waterproof capabilities still leave many of its rivals gasping for air. This new model comes with a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure. The camera’s full HD recording, 28-128mm lens, built-in GPS and tough exterior is fine company on any trip. Available in blue, orange and silver.
$599 from Best Denki.

5. Olympus Tough TG-1
• 12 megapixels
12 meters
-10 degrees Celsius
2 meters
Forget flashy design, the Olympus TG-1 is as rugged as any rough and tumble waterproof camera should be. It even has the word “Tough” written on the front for starters. Complete with 25-100mm lens, an aperture of f2.0-4.9, and fast shutter speeds, the real highlight is the ISO setting of 6400 that allows you to capture photos of fast moving objects and in limited light. So whether it’s cliff diving or any other high-adrenaline act, the TG-1 is most likely able to handle the ride (it’s also crushproof to 100kg). Available in silver.
$598 from Harvey Norman Superstore.


Waterproof

Freeze-proof

Shock-resistant

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As Bangkok continues to go crazy over everything vintage, we hunt down shops that have truly stood the test of time.

On Lok Yun

Forget Starbucks or Dean & Deluca, locals have been coming to chat over coffee at On Lock Yun for over 80 years. With its inconspicuous façade, this cozy spot has forged a strong following that come for a cup of joe and the Thai-style American breakfast, and stay for the old-world atmosphere. The no-frills décor only adds to the charm, with wooden cabinets filled with tins of various flavored powder products from the 80s and all manner of condiments. Drinks like coffee and milk start from B20 and American breakfast from B40.
72 Charoenkrung Rd., close to Sala Chalermkrung, open daily from 6am-4pm.

Mohamad

There aren’t too many places in Bangkok like Mohamed. From the outside, it might look a bit of a mess, with its glass cabinets and shelves seemingly spilling over with products, but this is part of the charm. Open for 87 years, Mohamad sells pens and papers imported from Europe. These include ink pens from the likes of Pelikan, Venus and Schaffer, mostly from the 70s and 80s, and stationery from the 50s and 60s. Drawing paper starts from B20 and pens from B1,000. If you’re a collector, you best drop by regularly, as the shop carries many rare models which aren’t easy to track down.
60 Charoenkrung Rd., 081-586-3934. Open daily, give the owner a call if the shop is empty.

JR Tailor

Situated on the busy Silom Rd., JR Suit has been at the forefront of gentlemen’s tailoring for 28 years. The warm interior features fabrics displayed neatly on wooden shelves while dapper-looking suits peer out from the window display. With many fabrics to choose from, like cotton, wool and cashmere, shirts start from B1,250 and suits from B6,500. Don’t be surprised if you run into DTAC owner Boonchai Bencharongkul having a fitting as he’s a regular here. 175 Silom Rd., 02-238-2740. BTS Saladaeng. Open daily 9am-7pm. www.jrtailor.com

Optical Bank

The name says it all: Optical Bank does glasses and sunglasses and have been in business for 30 years. Located on Silom Rd, the small shop sells brands familiar to moms and dads like Lafayette and Rodenstock, and hipper selections from Christian Dior, Lacoste and Ray Ban. However, their main focus is on retro glasses from the 80s (think thick frames and aviators). Contact lens cleaner is also available for purchase. 203 Yada Bldg, Silom Rd., 089-120-6277. BTS Saladaeng. Open daily 10:30am-8pm.

Somjai

There’s not much to it, but Somjai has been selling stationery, books and paint supplies to students and locals around Treepetch Rd. for 20 years. The interior is pretty much what you would expect from a B2S, only smaller and more retro, with a walkway down the middle and products to your left and right. Books are divided into different sections, from technology to cooking, and you can find all sorts of magazines in print, as well as pens and watercolors. Located inside The Old Siam Plaza. 12 Wangburapha, 1/F The Old Siam Plaza, Treepetch Rd., 02-225-0541. Open Mon-Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 8am-5pm. There are a further three branches located all opposite of The Old Siam Plaza.

Nightingale Olympic

It’s gloomy, time-worn façade hardly draws in the crowds that Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery enjoy, but Nightingale Olympic, Thailand’s first ever department store, is still just about in business. Founded in 1936, it’s seemingly stuck in time, displaying products as much as 50 years old, still in their original packaging. The two-story building is not unlike the shop houses around Chulalongkorn University, the interior covered in old beige wallpaper and there’s no air-conditioning. Many of the items in the display cases seem out of date (and the aged mannequins are a little creepy), but there are still plenty of old classics to be found. The first floor houses cosmetics from brands like Merle Norman, women’s underwear from Carnial and all manner of sporting goods. The second floor showcases musical instruments, from guitars to trumpets, as well as exercise gear curios like old-fashioned slimming machines from Walton. 25/41, Phahurat Rd., 02-221-9773. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-6pm.

Sukkamol Frame

Tanao Road is filled with many old-school shop houses, but the shop keepers seem to come and go. Sukkamol Frame is one of the few shops to stand the test of time, selling picture frames as well as mirrors for the last 52 years. The shop is divided into two rooms, one being the actual shop, with its washed out walls and stacks of wood, the other the craftsman’s room where the frames and mirrors are lovingly made.170-172 Tanao Rd., 02-224-1885. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm.

Tang Siang Thai

At first, this dark, quiet shop house comes across as little more than a typical grandfather’s home, but once inside you’ll realize why Tang Siang Thai is a hidden gem for record collectors. Countless vinyl records line the walls, yet the place is mostly vacant except for the diehard fans of 60s and 70s music stuck for hours leafing through everything from Abba albums to the soundtracks to Gone With the Wind and The Sound of Music. Records start from B100-3,000, and they also have record players, which sell out rather quickly, from B4,000-B10,000. 253-255 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-221-8732. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

S. Sricharoon

The majority of Bangkok’s gun shops are found along Burapha Rd., but S. Srijarun aims to be something more. The shop may be small, but the selection of products that line the wall, spill out of cabinets and hang from the ceiling, prove that size doesn’t always matter. Started 30 years ago by owner Sutarinee’s grandfather, the shop doesn’t actually sell guns—but it’s one of only a couple in the area to stock gun cases and shooting accessories. There are local and imported rifle cases starting from B150 to gun cleaning kits and gun stands for B2,300. They also stock accessories from the likes of Remington, HKS and Peltor. 111 Burapha Rd., close to Kasikorn Bank, 02-225-8981. www.millpointtrading.co.th. Open daily 9am-5pm.

Theera Music

Theera Music was one of the first music stores to open in Verng Nakon Kasem, the area much-loved by Bangkok sound-makers. Opened for over 90 years, the shop is now run by the fourth generation of the same family. Here, the focus is on guitars, keyboards and drums, as well as other instruments. Although the inside has seen a revamp, the vibe remains the same: a warm little sanctuary for musicians of all levels. Expect renowned names like Fender, Gibson and Roland, starting from B500-300,000. 100-108 Soi Verng Nakon Kasem, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-224-8821. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm.

Sujawan

The stuff of nightmares for some, this messy little shop, with its unpainted walls and ceiling, is all about mannequins, and has been since opening in the 1950s. Available in plastic and wood, in male or female forms, Sujawan’s mannequins carry an affordable price tag, starting from B600-4,500, which is ideal if you’re a fashion designer looking to show off your works. Try their shop opposite Pohchang Academy of Arts, Treepetch Rd., 089-109-6728. Open daily 9:30am-7pm.

DJ Siam

This CD shop had long made its mark at the corner of Siam Square Soi 3 before moving to Soi 11. Although the shop might not look like much, it’s one of the hottest music spots in town and a Siam Square landmark. Opened for 21 years, this is where generations of teenagers have come to buy the latest albums from mainstream Thai and international artists. It’s so well known that artists often use it as the site for their record launches. Even more famous than the store is the owner, Piak DJ Siam (Thanachote Piansema) who has been in the business for nearly 20 years. Siam Square Soi 11, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 12pm-9pm.

Odeon Store

“Our first store was at Siam Theatre and when Scala Theatre was completed (in 1969) we moved to where we are now,” says current manager Pornpimol Amornworanat. At first, the 43-year-old store retailed imported books and magazines but now it dedicates most of the four-shop house space to Thai books (covering everything from exam guides to romantic novels), magazines and some stationery. 218/10-12 Siam Square Soi 1, 02-251-4476. Open daily 9am-8pm.

Srisoonthorn Shoe Shop

Srisoonthorn Shoe Shop is evidence that you shouldn’t judge a shop by its exterior. It might look like an old abandoned shop house from the outside, but inside lies many treasures. Opened over 40 years ago, the cracked ceilings and crumbling walls go perfectly with their products: vintage shoes designed by the owner’s late mother, from leather formals to loafers and boots. A pair starts from B800 and the owner promises they’re made from tough materials that will last you for a long time—although maybe not four decades. 8/14 Soonthornkosa Rd., Klong Toey. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm.

Scala Theatre

Though the Siam Theatre was destroyed, there are still two classic movie houses left for people to enjoy: the Apex Theatre Group’s Lido and Scala cinemas. Though Lido (completed in 1968) is older, the 43-year-old Scala has always been the star. Finished a year later, it was designed to be the most luxurious theatre of its time. The name Scala means “stairs” in Italian and you have to ascend a dramatic flight of stairs up to the art deco atrium and its glittering chandelier to get into the 1,000-seat cinema. Tickets are cheap, too, at only B100 with popcorn going for B30. The movies tend to be better than at multiplexes, too. Siam Square Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-2861. Open daily from 10am.

Mham Barber

Opened 30 years ago, Mham’s Barber used to specialize in gentlemen’s haircuts, but now the focus is on women’s hair only. Owner Bungon Promswan graduated from a beauty school in London before returning to Bangkok to open the shop, which is sat on a little corner of Dinsor Road. The interior is typical of a hairdressers, with a small couch in the waiting area, as well as two hotseats with hair steamers. The walls are lined with posters featuring hairdos from the 90s. Prices start from B200 for a cut and wash. Despite the basic premises, they use pretty high-range hair products from Bedhead Tigi. 163 Dinsor Rd., open Mon-Sat 7am-6pm.

Foong

Sat right next to the cutting-edge Digital Gateway, in Siam Square Soi 3, this small shop house sells big-haired ladies fashion. Foong Sirifar opened her self-titled shop to provide fashionistas with a place to get made-to-measure designs back in the 70s. And Foong has seen plenty of trends come and go since then. From two shop houses to just one and from couture-only to some ready-to-wear dresses, Foong has managed to survive changing tastes and is now best known for their finely tailored dresses. 266/1-2 Siam Square Soi 3, 02-253-1303, 02-252-5943. Open daily 9am-8pm.

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Fixed gears are out. Foldable bikes suitable for the BTS and car trunks are the ride to get on.

Brompton M2L

UK bike manufacturer Brompton was recognized with a Queen’s Award in 2010 for its continued innovation in the design and manufacture of foldable bikes. Now it rolls out a new model for 2012: the M2L comes with a chromoly frame (which is stronger than aluminium), two-speed gear and 16-inch wheels, and is available in light blue and orange. Best of all, it weighs in at only 10.5kg, making it an easy lift up the BTS stairs. Available for B57,800.

Alton Classic 20FD

If you’re after a foldable bike that’s practical yet fashionable, look no further than the Classic 20FD, one of the latest models from Korean manufacturer Alton. Although it’s slightly heavier than others of its size (13kg), it’s got a seven-speed gear and mud guards on its 20-inch wheels—what’s more, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The design is clean and sleek, in white finish or beige with fenders and front basket. Available for B7,900.

Dahon Archer P8

With over 25 years in the game, the Dahon name is synonymous with foldable bikes. Its latest model, the Archer P8, weighs in at 11.5kg with a chromoly frame, eight-speed gear and 20-inch wheels—and it looks rather dashing in red. Available for B16,500, despite specs that rival the much pricier Brompton, this is our top pick.

Chevrolet FK207

Yep, Chevrolet does bikes too, and its new FK207 model sports more than just a flash look. Available in white and yellow, it’s equipped with a seven-speed gear and 20-inch wheels. Weighing in at 12kg, it’s suited for the more athletic commuter, but it carries a fairly light price tag at B8,900.

Java Fit

Designed in Italy and manufactured in Taiwan, Java’s foldable bikes are slowly forging a strong reputation among pedalers. The latest Fit model comes in two colors: midnight blue and white—with eight-speed gear, 20-inch wheels and disc brakes, weighing in at a solid 12.5kg. Available for B12,900.

 

Bangkok Bicycle Shops

Alton Classic 20FD & Chevrolet FK207. Rotchakon Bike, 73 Moo 17, M6 Building, Phaholyothin Rd., Bangkok. 089-633-9995
Brompton M2L. One Fine Day, 27/2, Sukhumvit Soi 105, Bangna Trad Rd., Bangkok. 02-744-4077. 087-595-7417
Dahon Archer P8 & Java Fit. Aim Bike, Soi Chaengwattana Pakret 33, Chaengwattana Rd., Bangkok. 02-984-0427

 

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With increasing numbers of people getting hooked on the sport, here are our pick of Bangkok’s muay Thai schools.

Vithawat Muay Thai

Where: Soi Phrapinij, Narathiwas Rd., 081-407-1993.
Top instructor: Jakkrit Gerdsumrarn, nine years of muay Thai experience.
Price: B200 for a five-round class.

Baan Chang Thai

Where: 38 Ekkamai Soi 10 second junction, 02-391-3807. BTS Ekkamai.
Top instructor: Owner Kridakorn Sodprasert has over 40 years muay Thai experience.
Price: B800 for four two-hour classes, B10,000 for 12 classes (with the promises of another 12 free).

Jaroenthong Professional Boxing School

Where: 581 Ramkamhaeng Soi 39, Prachautid Rd., 02-539-3867.
Top instructor: Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, former world lightweight champion.
Price: B4,500 for a 30-hour package, two hours per class.

Petchyindee Gym

Where: 2/F, next to Lumpini Boxing Stadium, Rama 4 Rd., 02-655-8588
Top Instructor: Sammuen Porthawee, former flyweight champion Isaan Division with 27 years teaching experience.
Price: B3,500 per month for unlimited 1-hour-15-minute classes.

Interview: Kridakorn Sodprasert

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The latest film remake of erotic novel Jan Dara just sparked bidding wars among international distributors. But a single flash of nipple last Songkran caused outrage. Is Thailand hypocrital when it comes to showing flesh? Here, we speak to those in the business of making erotic images to find out how they reconcile their jobs and desires with their families and society’s judgement.

Monthon Phanpinij

photographer for Penthouse magazine

Neither my family nor my girlfriend mind what I do—they know I’m not a little boy. A job is a job. All my guy friends love it, they want to come and see me shoot.

I have to determine which part and angle of the model looks best: it’s all about the body since there’s no clothing to aid the overall look.

Every guy would love my job, there’s just something about a woman’s curves that’s so appealing. At first I felt awkward, but in a good way. After a short while you get used to the nudity.

As an intern I used to get aroused, probably because I wasn’t the one doing all the work. I was just helping out, which gave me a lot of time to daydream. I had to take a break from looking at the models and try to concentrate on something else.

It’s important to keep your relationships with the models professional; otherwise it’s very hard to survive in this business. There was a time when I used to flirt with them, but I just don’t date people at work.

The difference between art and porn is in the feeling that a picture evokes; the attention paid to the composition tells you whether it’s art or just cheap pornography.

The job helps me meet people: they all want to come on set and hold the lights so that they can get close to the model. It’s hilarious.

People often assume that male photographers sleep with the models, which is totally naïve. We concentrate on making works of art, not cheap smut.

Surachai Saengsuwan

Editor and photographer of Degree magazine

There isn’t really a line separating art and nudity from pornography because it’s subjective, and the photographer is dead once the magazine is in the audience’s hands. As a human being, we can’t deny that sex is one of the most natural influences in the world.

When I shoot nude models, I think about love, because I personally worship love. It doesn’t mean I have to fall in love with the models, but when I see the models I must respect and adore them as if they were my lover—and show what I expect to see when we are in love or making love. It’s not just about sex, it’s just the opposite to trying to destroy them [the models], rape them or take advantage of them.

My loved ones know that I have a clear goal and reasons why I do this, so they’re fine with it. They’re mostly worried that others who don’t understand might try to hurt me. I started Degree magazine because I wanted to do something for the gay community here. Everyone knows gays are very creative and artistic, but there isn’t any media that supports this.

Sex is something that’s always booming because it’s natural; we have to accept it and understand it. Thai society isn’t hypocritical, we’re just able to live with sex as another part of us. What’s important is not to be obsessed with sex.

I’ve never felt pressure to take less revealing pictures. No matter how we try to control issues regarding sex, one day those kids we try so hard to shelter will find out anyway. What we should actually do is build an understanding and help to shape them. Take Japan for example, they’re quite open about sex because it’s like a natural outlet. The more you try to hide sex, the more people feel repressed, but neither can you tolerate everything or society would spiral out of order.

Surawong Kruaefan

Editor-in-Chief of Maxim magazine

All my guy friends think my job’s great because I get to hang out with lots of hot girls. As for my girl friends, they’re always asking questions about whether a model’s breasts are real or the latest techniques for a good physique.

Our editorial team is a lot of fun. We often mess with the models by getting them to help us out with things that aren’t remotely related to their shoot.

We might get to see more models than other people, but depicting sexiness isn’t easy, and sometimes working with models isn’t fun.

If you’re not planning on a serious relationship, dating a model in this line of work is just risky. I’ve never dated one, but I do talk to them about a lot of random things, like what guys want and my insights about women.

Many pictures carry raunchy undertones. But your mind tells you whether something is beautiful or pornography. I draw the line at not showing nipples and avoiding really erotic poses.

It might be Thai men’s dream to see such things, but it crosses a boundary. Maxim focuses on pictures that are beautiful and arousing, rather than all-revealing.

Harris Nopratkhet

photographer for Zoo Weekly magazine

My family and girlfriend are very happy for me, they know it’s my dream job. Others are impressed that I work for such a well-known magazine, especially my male friends.

When you are doing a photo shoot, there’s so much to think about, like the lighting, the pose, and the composition—you don’t really think about the models being naked. It’s a job, and I need to think of how to get the best results. That’s all.

Most people probably think that the photographers for men’s magazines are all having sex with models. They imagine that it’s just like Japanese AV. Wake up guys, this is the real world! It’s nothing even close to that. We all have our jobs to do, and I would not risk my reputation for anything like that.

The goals and reasons for making art and pornography are different. Both show a naked body of a woman which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful thing in the world. True art showcases this beauty. Pornography is only aimed at arousal, and not appreciation.

This one time the model was a newbie who had to drink a lot of beer to get up her courage. She ended up throwing up everywhere and passing out. It was a complete mess.

It’s difficult to keep coming up with fresh ideas and maintain the same high standards every day. You need to have a real passion for the female body.

Wipada Khatisombut

stylist for Play, I’m, W and Girlie magazines

I was working as a coordinator for a sexy magazine, when my boss thought that because I dealt with nude models, I should also learn how to style them.
I was shocked at first; I didn’t even know what a g-string was! But since it’s part of the job you just get used to it by asking lots of questions.

My boyfriend was really excited, just like any man. He wanted to come on set and experience what it was like behind-the-scenes. But after a while he realized that being a nude model is just another job, everything is very professional, and it’s just like a normal fashion shoot. But most of my male friends still offer to help out for free!

It’s my job to decide whether a model’s face is suitable for natural or studio light since not all of them have beautiful skin. I also choose the location of the shoot.
Clothing and accessories are vital for nude models since they help cover up parts of the body and enhance the overall look of the model.

I often have to think where a model should place her hands so that her breasts look bigger.

The three main things any nude model usually does are make her eyes fierce, open her lips slightly, and tilt her body to show off her breasts and ass.

It can be frustrating working with models with big egos: they don’t listen and blame you when the pictures turn out bad.

There’s not much difference between a normal stylist and a nude stylist. If anything a nude stylist has a greater challenge, dealing with all the flaws as there are no clothes to hide them.

One time one of our models decided to quit mid-shoot. She was having problems with her boyfriend. They had just got back together so she decided to pull out. Everything was ready to go and to cancel would have been very costly. In the end, we just gave her time to go out, eat and rethink ­— luckily she came back and we pulled through.

90% of the people I meet look down on my job and mockingly ask why a nude person would even need a stylist. But this line of work requires brains and ideas. We’re not all party animals or pill poppers like most people think.

Thailand’s Taste in Porn & Erotica

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This rainy season, don’t stop shooting with our pick of the best waterproof, shock-resistant and all-round tough guy cameras on the market.

Nikon Coolpix AW100

• 16 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 1.5 meters
The Coolpix AW100 is the latest waterproof model from Nikon. In addition to a 28-140mm lens and vibration reduction for clearer images, travelers should appreciate that it’s GPS is capable of not only recording the location of each shot, but also tracking the user’s movements and looking up routes with a new built-in world map display. There’s also full-HD recording with slow-motion and macro modes. The effects may be limited, but Nikon makes up for that with the model’s fast shutter speed button. Available in orange, black and military green for B11,800.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20

• 16.2 megapixels

Waterproof: 5 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 1.5 meters
Sony’s new DSC TX20 model is almost identical to the last, the DSX TX10, with the same slim and sleek design, shutter buttons, and touch screen. What’s new is a more stylish sliding cover, a 25-100mm lens, a high-resolution Exmor R CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ image processor, which improves low-light performance. And the 16.2 megapixel camera sure is impressive for a waterproof camera. Available in pink, yellow, black, silver and green for B12,900.

FujiFilm FinePix XP100

• 14.4 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
After a prolonged absence, Japanese manufacturer Fuji returns with a new model for outdoor types, the FinePix XP100. The various rubber ridges and grooves facilitate one-handed shooting, while the battery/memory slot comes with a double-lock design for better protection. The model also offers a 14 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x 28-140mm zoom lens with an aperture of f3.9-4.9. Available in black, blue, orange, silver and green for B10,499.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4

• 12.1 megapixels
Waterproof:
12 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
Just when we hadn’t heard from them in a while, Panasonic rolls out their Lumix DMC-FT4, the upgrade on last year’s FT3 incarnation. Not much has changed, but its waterproof capabilities still leave many of the rivals gasping for air, while it also comes with a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure. The Full-HD recording, 28-128mm lens, built-in GPS and tough exterior make for fine company on any trip. Available in blue, orange and silver at B13,990.

Olympus TG-820

• 12 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
Forget flashy design, the Olympus TG 820 is as rugged as any rough n’ tumble waterproof camera should be. It has Tough written on the front for starters! Complete with 28-140mm lens, an aperture of f3.9-5.9, and fast shutter speeds, the real highlight is the ISO setting of 6400 that allows you to capture photos of fast moving objects and in limited light. So whether it’s cliff diving or any other high-adrenaline act, the TG 820 is most likely able to handle the ride (it’s also crushproof to 100kg). Available in grey at B12,990.

Coming Clickers

Canon PowerShot D20

This new waterproof model, an upgrade on the three-year-old Powershot D10, is not scheduled to go on sale until mid-next year for approximately B10,500.

Olympus Tough TG-1

This recently-announced model, an improved version of the TG-820, will come with built-in GPS and an f2.0 aperture, and retail for approximately B12,000.

FujiFilm FinePix XP150

Designed for the most adventurous of users, this waterproof model will come with a geo-tagging GPS that shows the distance and directions from the current location to the exact spot of the tagged photo. Sales date TBA for approximately B8,900.

Essentials

FujiFilm Fine Pix XP100 & Nikon Coolpix AW100. AV Camera, Charoenkrung Soi 50 next to Robinson Bangrak, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-237-1041-2.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4, Olympus TG 820. 3/F, Big Camera, MBK Shopping Center, Phayathai Rd., 02-686-3503. BTS National Stadium.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20. 4/F, Central Plaza Rama 9, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-108-1061. MRT Rama 9.

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