Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 (camcorder, flash card)

Summary: This camera is not for tourists. Its for people who lead action packed lives. I've had this camera for over a year now and being in the military and being someone who doesn't take good care of my possessions like I'm supposed to do, the camera has held out flawlessly. I operate on boats around all kinds of water and weather conditions and never had a problem with it. From subfreezing temperatures to 120 degrees in the desert, from freak hailstorms, and sandstorms in Iraq to saltwater spray from boats doing 360's, this camera has been dropped onto aluminum decks, concrete, mud, sand, shoved into pouches full of dirt and gear then smashed with my body weight plus body armor plus another guy with body armor while still recording, anything you can think of. This camera is a survivor. I took it on a family trip to the Philippines and spent half the trip underwater with it or taking drunken videos and pics and have some outstanding footage that the entire family can cherish forever. Everybody I know is impressed by the camera itself and the photo's and video it takes, they always ask me about it. Yeah the battery life sucks and if you forget the supplied USB cable you're SOL if you want to upload stuff, just buy extra batteries for 20 bucks or a card reader and you are good to go. Bottom line: If guided tours and Disney World is your thing look elsewhere, if you want a camera that works in conditions the average person will never see in their lifetime, buy this camera now.

Updated on May 8, 2010

Just to clarify, if you know that you are going to get the camera wet double check it to make sure you have the battery/memory cover closed and locked securely and there is no dust/sand on the rubber gasket on that cover that actually makes the camera waterproof before submitting the camera to abuse. I have hours upon hours of snorkeling video that proves that this camera is waterproof. I've even gone deeper than the advertised 1.5 meters you are supposed to stay over with no probs.

Summary: Design is too flaky. The zoom button broke during normal use immediately after the service warranty was over. Service warranty is only for 90 days -- too short. Now I have to shell out about $200 (50% of the purchase price) to fix the camera. They have only two service locations in the ENTIRE USA. I have to send my camera to a remote location in Illinois to get it fixed. Will NEVER buy SANYO again -- too bad they have a good product, but terrible service. If you buy this camera, make sure you handle it like a newborn baby and never mishandle it!! The design is toooo flaky.