Pelican Tablet Case — Pelican cases are mandatory equipment for photographers and others who need to protect electronics in the backcountry. The hard-side waterproof cases come in many configurations, and at CES the company unveiled a new case made for small computers (“netbooks”) and tablets like the Apple iPad. The 1070 HardBack case is touted as “crushproof, watertight, and dust-proof.” The case’s polymer outer shell is paired with an anti-scratch, gel-padded interior to keep your tablet sitting safe. $TBA, www.pelican.com
HD Helmet Cam — The POV.HD video camera from V.I.O. is touted as the “most flexible, rugged and easy-to-use” HD video system on the market. At $599.95, it’s also among the most pricey. But the camera package — which includes a small camera head on a cable (mountable on helmets, ski goggles, etc.); a remote control; and a recording unit with a two-inch LCD screen for playback — can record 1080p H.264 video and can store five hours of footage. It is a rugged unit touted as dust-, water- and shock-proof. www.vio-pov.com
‘Tough’ Shooters — Freeze-proof. Shock-proof. Waterproof. Those are the traits that make Olympus’ Tough series of digital cameras earn the fancy term of “ruggedized.” At CES, the company added two outdoors-friendly shooters to its Tough collection. The TG-610 and TG-310 offer 14-megapixel photos, high-definition video, and the “toughness” to go up to 16 feet underwater or be dropped onto solid rock from five feet high. Caveat: By “freeze-proof,” the company cites 14 degrees F as the lower temp limit. (That’s a WARM winter day in Minnesota where I come from!) The cameras will be available in February for $199.99 (TG-310) and $299.99 (TG-610). They are similar products but vary in lens type and zoom. www.olympusamerica.com
—Stephen Regenold is founder and editor of www.gearjunkie.com.
