After many years using various Olympus OM models - I only broke the OM3 (a fully mechanical camera) which although it dried out OK after total submersson in Taly-y-sarn Quarry drainage tunnel, the drop onto the rock killed it. I then moved over to Canon. After a few years with an EOS 1V I took the plunge and bought a sec/h EOS1D Mark IIN. Heavy as f*&k but takes brilliant photographs. ISO 50 - 3200 (eqv). The nearest similar camera reviewed above is the 5D which will give a better image (Mk IIN is only 8.5 MP) but the Mk IIN is a professional build and is bomb proof, it gets wet and muddy and I just wipe if off with a damp cloth.

I also use the 17-40 mm lens but with the smaller sensor the equivalent focal length is 22 to 52 which I find ideal. The sensor stays very clean. After about 30 U/G trips I have still to clean it.

I take the view that a camera is only for taking photogarphs. When I'm old I want to look back on some good photographs rather than have a clean camera in the cupboard!

Ooh, I'm envious now 😉 A 5D user, would love to get my hands on one of those, but I think I'd need strong encouragement to take it underground :lol:

I just keep reminding myself that it's insured 🙂

I still have my old EOS 10D and if I'm going somewhere that I know is going to be really bad I will take it instead. I've not done much mine photography, it's mainly been bunkers so far, but I've loved using the 5D in the mines I have been in.

I will help you get it dirty in August! 😢

Have just upgraded my point and shoot camera from an Ixus 500 to a Canon G9.

Canon G9 (details taken from side of box!)

12.1 MP's
6x optical zoom (with digital zoom as well)
Optical image stabiliser
3 LCD inch purecolor II screen
DiGiC III
Up to ISO 1600 (can be pushed to 3200)
Face detection
RAW

Not had chance to go U/G with it yet, but having seen one in action, was so impressed i bought one!. Initial indoor tests have shown the screen to be most excellent. The only annoying thing is all the bleeps and tings it makes. Have managed to turn all but one of them off. Am off out now for a play with it.

DP