Splash Cams: Going Waterproof This Summer
After a lifetime of trying so very hard to keep our cameras dry and sand-free, it feels almost reckless to full-out dunk a digicam, but you'll get used to it fast!
Though camera manufacturers have offered a wide variety of underwater casings and expensive scuba-oriented photography equipment over the years, 2009 is the first year that waterproof digital point-and-shoots are hitting the market at affordable prices.
These first-generation submersibles are designed for relatively shallow water (think pool party, not Cousteau expidition). You won't get SLR-quality pix yet, but with our underwater shooting tips (see box, below) and a firm grip, you'll be able to capture a remarkable water-log of your summer adventures...and many capture video as well. Just one cautionary note: these cameras WILL sink, so strap 'em on your wrist before you take the plunge. Cam overboard!
- Audrey Gray
June 17, 2009
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If you're on a budget this summer but still want to dive deep (up to 50 feet!) for underwater catches, we recommend Kodak's recently remodeled single use film camera, the Sport. This one-button, one-dial model is essentially a straightforward disposable camera with a well-designed plastic casing, but the 800 speed Ultra Max film inside delivers, and with a $12 price tag, affordably too. Just make sure you save this model for bright, sunny, outdoor conditions...the Sport doesn't have a flash.
$12
www.kodaksport.com
Waterproof up to 50 feet deep
Shock-proof rubber shell
Ultra Max 800 film
27 exposureshttp://www.picturebusinessmag.com/photo/if-youre-budget-summer-but-still-want-dive-deep-up-354384 -
Ready to shoot your own "1,000 Leagues Under the Sea"? Long as you can keep that saga to 13 feet deep, this Pentax has impressive video specs, a HD movie capture mode that'll shoot 720p resolution...perfect for vacation video-screening on your HDTV. Also unique to the Optio W60 are two features that'll give you uber-dramatic underwater images: a "ultra wide" mode that merges two shots into one for the equivalent of a 21mm wide-angle view and a "super-macro" mode that allows you to get up close and personal with the sealife.
$299.95
www.pentaximaging.com
10 megapixels
5x Optical Zoom
Waterproof up to 13 feet deep
2.5-inch LCD monitor
HD Movie Capture (720p)
ISO 6400
"Super Macro" mode
SD/SDHC memory cardhttp://www.picturebusinessmag.com/photo/ready-shoot-your-own-andquot-1-000-leagues-under-seaandquot-354383 -
Fuji bills its bright "Z"-series entry into the underwater category as the "world's smallest" underwater digicam, and at 3.6 x 2.3 inches, we're inclined to agree. It's ultra-light too, weighing in at only 3.9 oz. Control buttons are oversized, though, and super-simple, so it's the perfect model for younger fingers. Fuji once again impresses with low-noise images, and its trademark vibrant colors.
$199.99
www.fujifilm.com
10 megapixels
3x Optical Zoom
2.7-inch LCD
3.9 oz.
Waterproof up to 10 feet deep
SD/SDHC memory card
ISO 1600http://www.picturebusinessmag.com/photo/fuji-bills-its-bright-andquot-zandquot-series-entry-into-underwater-354382 -
No guesswork necessary to figure out what this camera does best...it LOOKS like a submarine, with the 3x zoom lens getting its own porthole. The Powershot D10 holds all of Canon's imaging expertise, from a high megapixel count and an advanced sensor to auto face detection technology. It'll go deeper than most digital point-and-shoots, and packs a powerful flash to keep your photos bright even at 30 feet. A little too heavy for our liking, but the huge rubber buttons on the camera's backside lend themselves to easy operation down under.
$329.99
www.usa.canon.com
12.1 megapixels
3x Optical Zoom
ISO 3200
Blink Detection Alert
Waterproof up to 33 feet deep
Interchangeable face plates
SD/SDHC Memory Cardhttp://www.picturebusinessmag.com/photo/no-guesswork-necessary-figure-out-camera-does-bestit-looks-like-354381 -
While weighty and straightforward in design, this full-service model in Olympus' "Tough" line is packed with features, like a "Beauty" mode which automatically smooths skin tones (even reducing wrinkles!) and brightens up eyes. Underwater image quality is excellent and a generous "hyper crystal view" screen on the back lets you see the proof immediately. The zoom toggle is well-placed for a slippery thumb. Over a dozen scene modes help you ensure that the camera's ample settings are working together to deliver crisp images, even when you're losing light.
$299.99
www.olympusamerica.com
10 megapixels
3.6x Optical Zoom
2.7-inch LCD monitor
Waterproof up to 10 feet deep
microSD/xD Memory Cardhttp://www.picturebusinessmag.com/photo/while-weighty-straightforward-design-full-service-model-olympus-andquot-toughandquot-354380
