Durable, Waterproof Digital Cameras

If you're gearing up for some fun in the sun, you might be looking for a camera that can keep up with you at the pool or beach, both in the sand and under the water. These new durable, waterproof cameras make great vacation companions.

Durable, all-weather digital cameras are back in vogue this year, just in time for spring and summer vacations. These cameras are built to last, with waterproof, shockproof bodies that can handle sandy beaches, muddy hiking trails, and deep, underwater adventures. While most digital cameras can be outfitted with a bulky waterproof exoskeleton that protects it from harm (and increases its weight and girth), these cameras are fine all by themselves. They're lightweight, compact, versatile, and practically indestructible.Underwater HD Video




Panasonic TS1
The Panasonic Lumix TS1 looks like it was built tough. The brushed steel casing and visible bolts let you know it means business and is ready to withstand the most grueling environments and situations. The TS1 is waterproof up to 10 feet, perfect for snapping pool photos or documenting your snorkeling trip. It's also shockproof from 5 feet, meaning you can send it tumbling to the ground from a reasonable height without worrying that it'll be rendered forever inoperable. On top of its strength, the TS1 is also a powerful 12.1-megapixel ultracompact camera with an extraordinary 12x optical zoom and AVCHD Lite high-definition video mode. Durability and high-performance go hand in hand with this camera.



Olympus 8000
Olympus has long been known for their durable digital cameras, but this year they've decided to be explicit about it by rechristening their line with the name 'Tough.' This camera can really take a beating. It's waterproof up to 33 feet, and even includes a manometer that will tell you exactly how deep you are. The Tough 8000 can endure a six foot drop and can withstand 220 pounds of pressure before it's crushed. Extreme temperatures mean nothing to the Tough 8000, as Olympus has ensured it can operate nicely in the freezing cold (14 Fahrenheit / -10 Celsius) as well. We haven't seen many reviews of this camera yet, however the two or three that have come in from owners aren't exactly glowing. While it may be a tough camera, some are complaining about its lackluster image quality. Be careful with this one.




Fuji Z33
The FinePix Z33 is Fuji's very first waterproof camera, and it's a fun-looking, offbeat camera that's submersible up to 10 feet. It's also the most affordable of these new waterproof cameras, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of only $199, a price that is sure to drop once it is released and merchants compete with one another. If you're interested in a flashy vacation camera that will leave you some cash to spend on your trip, the Fuji FinePix Z33 is a decent option. The Z33 also features a 'Blog Mode,' with automatically resizes photos to web-friendly sizes, making it easy to share your vacaton pictures in email, on Facebook, or yes, on your blog, without having to send a gigantic 10-megapixel file.




Canon D10
Like Fuji, Canon's waterproof offering is fun and funky; a unique, bulbous design that keeps the Powershot D10 safe from water at depths of 33 feet and safe from four foot drops that could endanger it. Though comparable to the Z33, it's a lot more expensive, but Canon cameras are very consistent and reliable, and if you're looking for a little extra security on top of the camera's already durable design, then perhaps the extra cash is worth some peace of mind