Waterproof cameras: A tidal wave of new models

[ Photo courtesy of h-angele]

Last week, Pentax introduced a new underwater camera. This week yet another camera maker, AgfaPhoto, did the same. If you add those to the waterproof cameras in our Ratings and ones we're currently testing, that makes at least eight waterproof point-and-shoots to choose from.

Here's a brief rundown on each (models below with links can be found in our Ratings, available to subscribers):

• 12-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-8000, $370, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 6 1/2-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.


• 10-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-6000, $270, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.


• 10-megapixel Olympus Stylus 550WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.


• 12-megapixel Canon PowerShot D10, $330, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 4-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

• 10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.


• 12-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, $400, (4.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.


• 12-megapixel Pentax Optio W80, $300, (5x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 16 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 3-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.


• 6-megapixel AgfaPhoto DC-600uw, $200, (no optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet). Includes a 2.4-inch LCD. Should be available sometime this month.

Some models listed above are claimed to be freezeproof, dustproof, or have the ability to capture high-definition resolution video. And some, like the Olympus Tough models, include special features like tap technology, which let you operate certain camera functions by tapping the camera body. —Terry Sullivan

Comments

[Gabe]

Waterproof cameras are a lot of fun with kids. Consider a used film camera -- I bought a Canon WP-1 used for $20 and it takes wonderful pictures; local drugstore/walmart will develop and put the pictures on a cd-rom for $5 while you shop, plus you get the "surprise" effect and don't spend your vacation reviewing pictures while vacation's still in progress.

[nickkarter]

The Pentax Optio W60 should be included as well. While not shockproof like the W80, it is waterproof to 3 meters. Also noted for good image quality at DP Review and Imaging Resources.

[NICK BRAMPTON]

If you want a really waterproof camera, see if you can find a used Nikonos. For about the price of a new digital camera, you can get a proper underwater camera that has terrestrial lenses available and that takes fantastic photos. I am an avid canoeist and kayaker and my Nikonos continues to serve me faithfully after 15 years.

[The-Lone-Gunman]

Aside from the fact that all of these are still useless for SCUBA diving purposes, I'd like to point out that there's no such thing as a waterPROOF camera--what these are is water-RESISTANT.

Ask any lawyer if there's a distinct difference in the meaning of the two terms, and you'll understand what I'm weiting about.