rugged camera help???

Alright everyone need some help. Im lucky enought to be going to africa again in 2012, and this time I want to be able to take some more pictures. Last time I just had a regular digital camera. This time I want something with a little more zoom. I need it to be rugged and be able to be dragged thru the brush without having to worry about it too much. And compact is always good. Any ideas? As alway thanks for the help

Nikon has a 18 X zoom on a new compact ... from what i have read and the eviews it seem to be a good camera...lots of features...you could slip it in your pocket and have room left over...www.nikonusa.com

Amazon.com: Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera w/ 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom & 2.7 Inch Wide LCD Super Bundle W/ 16 GB Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) Mem. Card, Hi-Speed SD USB 2.0 Card Reader, BP-7L 1150mah Batt Pack, DigPro D

I just bought this a few months ago after long research for our upcoming 2012 safari. I was trying to decide between an SLR and this..to get the same performance (zoom) from an SLR you will easily spend 3 times as much and have to take multiple lenses.

This camera is easy to use-and in my opinion well suited (but that's why I bought it)

I made my first trip to Africa this year and I took two cameras with me in case one broke or was lost/stolen. I took over 450 pictures in 14 days and should have taken more. I have a Canon D10 that is pretty rugged and a SLR Canon rebel Xi with 300x telephoto. I suggest you invest in a good SLR with at least the kit telephoto. My reason? You probably use the best rifle and scope you can get, why not a really good camera? I carried the SLR everywhere in a hunting pack and had no troubles. I wore the D10 on the same type of bino strap I use hunting. Just be sure to put clear or UV lens filter on your lens to protect them. It saved my telephoto lens on the plane trip over.

If you want tuff then Nikon is what you are looking for. If you want a good quality zoom then you need to go with a DSLR pick the Zoom lens you want. If you want compact then Nikon makes some realy nice comact cameras with loads of features incuding video. I carry one of each. A good video camera is prity much a necessity as well. The DSLR stays in the truck when following tracks as it is to heavy to pack all day though.

I have had an Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 for a few months and it is a winner. Waterproof, small, takes nice photos. I'm planning on taking it to Africa next year.
Hope this helps.

I own a Canon G11 and use it every day in the bush,it is unbelievable!!! The new Canon G12 has in the meantime been released and is in my humble opinion the best compact for hunting.The flip-out screen is amazing when taking trophy pics and it has got a "low light" setting that takes great pics in low light!!!