Digital Camera in Iraq

[tugbat]

Greetings.

I have recently found out that I will be talking a sunny vacation to Iraq for several months courtesy of the US Army.

To that end I would like to take some pictures while I am there.

My concerns are a few: (1) the weather/sand (2) I have to carry it where-ever I go, so weight and bulk are issues (3) batteries, I think I am better off with AA (4) cost, I am thinking in the $400 - $600 range, although less is not a problem.

At the end of the day I would like to be able take reasonably high quality photos.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: and I am as much an amatuer at photos as you can imagine.

[Jayde]

Hiya
not fobbing you off here.. but Extractor posted similar Question here .. so take a look at that, then reply.. basically u need somthing with no exterior moving parts see what you think.. :)

[calpchen]

Jayde is referring to this (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1506) thread.

[leadeater]

Hello,

You might look at the Pentax Optio 43WR, which is a water-resistant 4mp w/zoom. It uses AA batteries, which would be a better choice for your situation. The best thing about this is that it's body is sealed, which will help to keep the desert out of your camera. In fact, you could rinse the camera off if you needed to. If I remember correctly, the zoom lense stays inside the camera, which would likely be more durable for an on-the-go person such as yourself. Pentax also makes a 3mp version as well.

Olympus also makes two or three water-resistant cameras, but their design is more complicated. Might be worth a look though....

hth,
Phil