Waterproof Digital Camera Guide

If you're doing underwater photography, hopefully this waterproof digital camera guide will help you narrow down your choices when it comes to the camera. Don't go with a waterproof disposable camera, and who uses film anymore anyway? I started scuba diving about 5 years ago, and that's when I started doing underwater photography. For my very first open water dives, I bought myself a waterproof disposable camera. You know, one of those one's they sell at the dive shop that cost way more than your standard disposable. I took some great photos on those first open water dives, or so I thought. One of the cameras simply didn't work, and the other was ruined by the x-rays at the airport on the way home (I probably should have read the signs).

This is when I decided it was time to get a waterproof digital camera. Back then, there weren't a whole lot of options nor was there a lot of information to be found. Lucky for you, there is quite a variety of waterproof digital cameras to choose from now and tons of information available.

Rugged Waterproof Digital Cameras

If you're looking for a digital camera that is not only waterproof, but rugged as well, then take a look at these offerings from three of my favorite camera manufacturers. They are waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof. I don't know if they're bulletproof, but I wouldn't risk finding out.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 - Panasonic's new waterproof and rugged digital camera is the Lumix DMC-TS1's little brother and it packs a mean punch. With 14.4 megapixel resolution, and 4.6x optical zoom you're going to catch every moment of that kayaking trip with crisp clarity. It is waterproof to 33ft, shockproof to about 6.5 ft, freezeproof to 14F, and dustproof. Not only that but it comes in a couple colors, including "I'm ruggedly awesome" orange.

Canon Powershot D10 - Canon's latest entry into the waterproof digital camera field is the Powershot D10. With it's bubbly look and aqua blue faceplate it looks like it'd be right at home poolside with the kids. Don't be fooled by its soft appearance though, this thing can take a beating. With a drop rating of 4 ft, it'll survive most tumbles from slippery hands. Its operating temperature ranges from 14-104F which makes it an excellent choice for many extreme climates. The Canon Powershot family also has a built in underwater white balance mode that adjusts for the unique lighting conditions found underwater. If you combine that with its 12.1 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom, you're sure to take underwater photos that'll make you look like a pro.

Olympus Stylus Tough Series - If any of our underwater digital cameras say "Hey honey, the kids aren't home and I'm gesturing coyly towards the hot tub," it's the sleek and sexy Olympus Stylus Tough series. While our other two manufactures have dipped their toe in the rugged camera pool, Olympus dove in fully with an entire series of cameras. They cover a wide range of prices and specifications that are sure to appeal to any level of adventurer (or clutz, as is usually my case). The highest end Stylus Tough-8010 is comparable to the Panasonic Lumix in both specs and price. It's got a 14 megapixel resolution with 5x optical zoom, and can also serve as an HD underwater video camera. It's ruggedity (that is NOT a word) covers 33ft of underwater submersion, 14F of freezification (also not a word), 6.6 ft of shockitude (again, I'm just making up words here) and 220lbs of crushproofing (maybe a word?). The lowest end Stylus Tough-3000 is no slouch either. This one is waterproof to 10ft, shockproof from 5ft, and freezeproof to 14F. With a 12 megapixel resolution and 3.6x optical zoom, taking the cheap option here is not going to leave you looking like an amateur. There are 5 waterproof digital cameras in the Olympus Stylus Tough series that are sure to appeal to any budget or spec requirement.

There are many guides out there about how to choose a digital camera, but not many cover waterproof cameras. In my opinion, these are the best choices if you're looking for a waterproof digital camera. Next time I will dive a little deeper into the matter and we'll talk about cameras you can take on your deepest diving excursions.