Waterproof Camera Review

Why Buy a Waterproof Camera?

Waterproof cameras are becoming more popular, and for good reason. These compact cameras are airtight, so they can function above or below water. Most people purchase waterproof digital cameras to take on vacation for scuba diving, cliff jumping or even just to take pictures in the pool.

An underwater camera is the perfect vacation companion. You can take it in the pool and ocean without worrying about your camera getting damaged or ruined. Underwater digital cameras work in salt water, but you will have to rinse the camera off with fresh water after using it in the ocean. Waterproof cameras also operate in very humid places, and if your camera gets dirty, you can safely wash it off. Because they are waterproof, you can use these cameras to take pictures and videos in the rain and snow.

Some of the best waterproof digital cameras are Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-TS4, Sony’s Cyber-Shot DCS-TX20 and the CoolPix AW100 from Nikon. In our comparison you will find waterproof camera comparisons and reviews to help you compare underwater cameras as well as helpful articles on waterproof cameras.

Waterproof Cameras: What to Look For

Just because a camera says it is waterproof doesn’t mean it will last long under the surface. If the camera’s seals are not tight enough, water will leak in and damage the camera, battery, memory card and lens. Beside physical design elements there are other important features the camera you select should have. These are the criteria we used to review the best waterproof digital cameras:

Image Quality
Many people purchase waterproof cameras to take on vacation. Because they are used in and out of water, it’s important to make sure that photos will look good no matter where you take them. You will want to make sure there are plenty of settings you can adjust to take high-quality photos. Look for high megapixel resolution, plenty of digital and optical zoom settings and lighting choices.

Design
Like most digital cameras, waterproof cameras should be small and easy to handle. They should be lightweight and easy to slip into a bag or pocket. Waterproof cameras tend to be a bit bulkier than slim compact digital cameras, but they are also shockproof and resistant to dust, water and extreme temperatures.

Battery Life & Memory
Most cameras now come with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which makes traveling with your camera easy. Look for cameras that have a reasonable internal memory just in case you forget to insert a memory card.

Help & Support
It’s not uncommon for cameras to break or malfunction. Make sure you purchase your camera from a company that has reliable warranties and is easy to contact in case you have questions or require a replacement product.

Owning an underwater camera opens a whole world of new photography opportunities. Whether you want to preserve memories of family vacations, have a good time in the water with your friends or simply purchase a camera that will be safe in rain, a waterproof camera is a worthy purchase.

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Electronics » Digital Cameras » Waterproof Camera Review
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Rank #1#2#3#4#5#6#7#8
10-9  Excellent
8-6    Good
5-4    Average
3-2    Poor
1-0    Bad
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX20 Nikon CoolPix AW100 Pentax Optio WG-3 GPS Olympus Stylus Tough TG320 Canon PowerShot D10 Kodak Easyshare Sport Fujifilm FinePix XP170
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX20 Nikon CoolPix AW100 Pentax Optio WG-3 GPS Olympus Stylus Tough TG320 Canon PowerShot D10 Kodak Easyshare Sport Fujifilm FinePix XP170
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Visit Canon PowerShot D10
Visit Kodak Easyshare Sport
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Ratings
9.70
9.50
9.08
8.68
8.03
7.50
6.85
5.45
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10.00
9.38
9.38
10.00
10.00
8.75
9.38
10.00
9.38
9.38
8.75
8.13
9.38
8.10
8.75
8.13
8.13
7.50
8.13
8.75
7.50
6.88
7.50
8.75
6.88
6.25
6.25
8.75
5.00
3.75
6.25
8.75
 
Image Quality
Resolution (MP) 12.1 16.2 16 16 14 12.1 12 14
Optical Zoom 4.6x 4x 5x 4x 5x 3x   5x
Digital Zoom 4x 16x 4x 7.2x 5x 4x 5x 6.8x
Focal Length (mm) 4.9 - 22.8 17 - 108 5 - 25 4.5 - 18 5 - 25 6.2 - 18.6   5 - 25
Shutter Speed (seconds) 60 - 1/1300 4 - 1/1600 4 - 1/1500 4 - 1/4000 4 - 1/2000 15 - 1/1500 8 - 1/1400 4 - 1/2000
Focus Range 30cm - infinity 8cm - infinity 50cm - infinity 40cm - infinity 60cm - infinity 30cm - infinity   60cm - infinity
ISO Speeds Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 Auto, ISO 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250 Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Design
Underwater Depth (ft.) 40 16 30 45 33 33 10 16
Built-in Flash
Display Size (in.) 2.7 3 3 3 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.7
Camera Depth (in.) 1.04 0.7 0.9 1.3 0.9 1.9 1.2 0.9
Camera Height (in.) 2.52 2.2 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.7
Camera Width (in.) 4.07 3.8 4.3 4.9 3.9 4.1 3.6 3.9
Camera Weight (oz.) 6.88 4.2 6.3 7.4 7.6 6.7 6.1 5.2
Battery Life & Memory
Battery Life (Shots per Charge) 310 250 250 240 200 220   300
Includes Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
 
Internal Memory 20MB   83MB 70MB 2GB   32MB 95MB
Help & Support
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year
Includes Manual & Software
Phone Support
Email Support
FAQs
 
User Manual Online
Live Chat Support