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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Buying Guide: Cameras You Can Swim With
Contents
- Cameras You Can Swim With
- Canon PowerShot D10
- Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP
- Olympus Stylus Tough-8000
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
- Pentax Optio W80
For years, ocean photography meant dropping thousands of dollars on heavy, cumbersome equipment. But these days, top manufacturers are making compact shooters that can capture underwater photos and even video without the cost and hassle of a professional rig, and they're often small enough to slip in your pocket.
We were lucky enough to spend several weeks this summer testing five beach-friendly cameras in Mexico and New York, in the ocean and the sand, by the pool, and everywhere in between. Many of the models are designed with extreme sports in mind, offering special features like extra-rugged housings, oversized controls, longer wrist straps, and waterproof sealing. The Olympus Tough-8000 even includes a special sensor that allows you to navigate the menu system and control image playback by simply tapping the side of the camera.
When compared with their non-ruggedized, water-shy counterparts, we did find some models that make some compromises when it comes to general performance and image quality. And with prices topping out at around $400, you'll pay a premium for the privilege of added durability. Still, we were able to capture some excellent underwater shots that wouldn't have been possible with a standard point-and-shoot camera.
If you're looking for a camera you can take on your next outdoor adventure, check out our reviews of the latest rugged, waterproof pocket cameras, or compare models side by side.
Waterproof Digital Cameras in this Roundup:
Canon PowerShot D10
$329.99 list
The PowerShot D10 is waterproof, freeze-proof, and shock-proof, and it pumps out great-looking images, but if you're looking for a slim camera, this isn't it.
Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP
$179.95 list
You get what you pay for with the sub-$200 Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP, and that's poor image quality and a lackluster interface.
Olympus Stylus Tough-8000
$379.99 list
Underwater cameras often come with tradeoffs: In the case of the Tough-8000, its handy, innovative tap controls are offset by underwhelming image quality and a steep price tag.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
$399.95 direct
The waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, HD-video-capable Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 looks great on paper, but we encountered inconsistent image quality and issues with its waterproof seal in our tests.
Pentax Optio W80
$299.95 direct
The $300 Pentax Optio W80 can is speedy and can shoot beautiful pictures in bright light, but images captured in lower-light conditions are noisier than average.