I don't know much about any camera stuff but I just purchased a Kodak DC5000. It has dust seals and all the function buttons and housing is rubber armor coated. It is touted as being good for outdoor and rugged use. It is not pocket sized but not cumbersome either. It is however a battery chewer. It got decent reviews from consumer reports. 2 megapixels and an electronic idiot like me can take pictures and photoedit them with the included software. Paid $240 but saw them at one online store after I purchased for 199. I think ZD.net has a price gathering service to check before you purchase any one model.