Best Waterproof Digital Cameras

These days, almost every family has a camera of some kind. Most people have digital cameras, because over the past decade they have become more available and easier to afford. Now, the latest trend involves a unique innovation: waterproof digital cameras. If you have ever wanted to snap shots underwater, or wanted to just keep your camera from being ruined in the rain, then waterproof cameras probably intrigue you – and for good reason.

The benefits you can get from a waterproof digital camera allow you to really expand your horizons and take pictures in new, exciting ways that give you the ultimate flexibility for your family vacations, no matter where they may be.  This article will explain just about everything you need to know about digital cameras, including a buyer’s guide and reviews of five of the best waterproof digital cameras on the market today.

Whether you are just now getting into underwater photography or have been in for some time, the Canon Powershot D10 offers a great capability for you to get the most out of your vacations. It is a bit larger than some, weighing in at 6.7 ounces, but it can be submerged further than any other camera in this review - up to 10 meters (33 feet) - and has 12.1 megapixels, with a 3x optical zoom. It also comes with a built-in, 10 foot flash, image stabilizer, 20 different shooting modes, and color effects settings that can make your pictures pop. Retail for this camera is approximately $329.99.

One relatively inexpensive choice in waterproof cameras is the Fuji FinePix Z33 WP.  This underwater digital camera is the lightest one of the ones reviewed here, at a miniscule 5.1 ounces. While the depth rating is only average for cameras of this size – 13 feet – it can operate in deeper waters up to two hours. Also, the FinePix Z33WP has 10 megapixel resolution with a great 5x optical zoom and shake reduction. It also comes standard with intelligent zoom, facial recognition, panoramic mode, and high-definition movie recording capability. This waterproof camera retails for $145.

For those looking for durability in their underwater digital cameras, the Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 is for you. The name says it all: this waterproof camera is depth-rated to 10 feet (3.3 meters), can withstand falls up to five feet, is freeze proof, and is shake resistant, which adds to picture stability. This camera has great specifications, too, with 10 megapixels and 5x digital zoom. It also has a very unique “tap control” system that lets you adjust your shot by tapping the camera – which is wonderful when you’re wearing gloves. The Stylus Tough 6000 retails for $215.

The hallmarks of the Pentax Optio W60 underwater digital camera are two things: portability and features. The picture quality of the Optio W60 is by no means bad; it sports a respectable 10 megapixels with a great 140mm wide angle zoom. It is also waterproof down to 13 feet, which is pretty good for a point and shoot waterproof digital camera. But the small size – 3.9” by 2.2” and 5.1 ounces – makes the Pentax Optio W60 extremely portable. Also, it comes loaded with features, including facial recognition, Blink Detection, smile Capture, image stabilization, and a diverse array of manual shooting settings. The Pentax Optio W60 retails for $240.99.

One potential great choice for you as far as waterproof digital cameras go is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. This waterproof camera has had great waterproof digital camera reviews that pay special attention to its picture quality. The Lumix DMC-TS1 is only depth-rated to 9 feet, but it has 12.1 megapixels, a 4.6x optical zoom, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and great image stabilization and quality with its Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent Auto Mode features. This camera is portable as well, weighing in at 5.76 ounces. The main concern is the high price, but the picture quality makes up for it. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 retails for $399.95.

Of course, not all waterproof digital cameras are created equal. There are some at the low end that you should probably ignore, and some at the high end that are just too expensive for what they offer. The best waterproof digital camera with the best value and performance is, I believe, somewhere in the middle. Below you will find an outline and description of the qualities and characteristics you should be looking for when you shop for your very own waterproof digital camera.

• Waterproof quality- will it stay dry?
  All waterproof digital cameras should be depth-rated. A good rating for diving is at least 7 meters (21 feet); a good rating for swimming, boating, snorkeling, or other recreational use is anything more than 2 meters (6.5 feet).
• Picture quality- does it do the job?
  You will want at least 10 megapixels for your waterproof digital camera, and at least a 3x zoom. It also helps tremendously to have some sort of image stabilization and automatic mode incorporated into the camera. Also, waterproof cameras with additional shooting modes and features are preferable.
• Cost- is it worth the price?
  Waterproof digital cameras are more expensive than similar digital cameras. They can be worth the price, though. One good way to tell is to look at the features and specifications of a camera. Find other cameras that have similar abilities and compare the price. Is it more expensive, with nothing obvious to show for it? If so, it probably is not a good value.
• Waterproof digital camera reviews- what do others say?
  It is recommended that you find good reviews for the camera you want to buy. These people have actually used the camera and know its ins and outs. This is the best way to determine if a waterproof camera is for you without trying it out yourself.

Overall, whether or not a waterproof digital camera is a good fit for you really depends on your needs. If you want one that you can take diving with you, then depth rating and flash strength (indicated by the flash range) will be important. If you want your pictures to be clear and crisp, go for a camera with picture editing and image stabilization. If you want a portable camera, then weight and size are most important. If you want a camera that has great picture quality, take a look at the megapixels, zoom ability, and any other corrective features on the camera in question. And of course, if you do not care and just want a camera that won’t be destroyed by water, an inexpensive one will more than likely do.

In summary, waterproof cameras can be fun to use and can really expand your horizons. If you follow this guide to the best waterproof digital cameras, then in no time you’ll have one of your own and will be having a blast on the beach or in the pool. Just splash on some sunscreen and you will be ready to go for photography fun.

Learn more about the exciting possibilities of waterproof digital cameras.