I bought a cheap, 10yr old digital camera last year specifically to put in my bike bag when I ride in case I come across something I find interesting that merits a picture.

It lasted about 3 weeks. It now won't turn on. I'm guessing because of the vibrations?

Can anyone comment? I'd like a cheap camera (not my cell phone, which is crap) to put in my kit bag when I ride, but will last the punishment (?) from the road when I ride. Really I guess, did I just get a badly built electronics, or shouldn't I be surprised that a camera from 2004 broke from being in a road bike kit bag for a couple weeks?

I have a Panasonic DMC FT-4 (Australian model number, US model number is different) which is both shockproof and waterproof which I use as my touring and on the bike camera. I suspect it does not tick the cheap box but. That said they have a cheaper model in the range.



It is a later version of that camera that DCRainmaker uses.

Andrew

I've kept a digital camera in my bike bag for years, never had a problem. I went through various Canon cameras (all given to my family as I upgraded), my current camera is a Panasonic.

I use a Kodak easy shot m552 14 mp5x zoom. bought it 2yrs age for $70.00. and it's still working.
small foot print very light wgt. 2.7b screen so I can view the progress of the of the video while riding.
it takes video and pics.
I mount on my bars while video recording( 720hd ) my local bike paths .
the camera lock up due to shocks from going over tree roots popping up the path.
my hybrid doesn't have any front shock.
I fixed this by reducing the front tire. drop down from 80 to 50 psi.

Brand name anecdotes aside,
your guess is as good as Mine.. in that case.. maybe add a padded place in your bike bag to absorb that
vibration the next time.

could be Moisture too .. zip lock with a desiccant pouch , perhaps? check for corroded battery contacts?

Ok, that sounds about right. I think maybe I was just unlucky maybe.

I thought about the moisture thing, but I almost never ride in the rain/wet. I double checked all contacts as well just to be sure. I think just a bum camera. Not a big deal, cost me $10.

FWIW, I keep my camera in a zippered pouch, and everything is always either in a waterproof pannier, bar bag or a backpack.