GE G5WP

Reviews for the GE G5WP appear only in subscription sources, but plenty of product information is posted by GE and at tech sites. The 12.2-megapixel G5WP is an affordable, compact waterproof camera that survives plunges up to 16 feet deep and temperatures ranging from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Made of metal, the G5WP weighs only 4.4 ounces and measures 0.8 of an inch thick, whereas its closest budget rival -- the Kodak EasyShare Sport -- is 6.2 ounces with a 1.2-inch girth. Features include a 4x zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD that automatically adjusts brightness to conditions, and more than 14 automatic shooting modes, including panorama and underwater photo and video (VGA).

While the G5WP costs about half the price of highly rated waterproof cameras, the competition offers superior features. For instance, the Canon PowerShot D10 is waterproof to 33 feet, dustproof, withstands drops up to 4 feet and temperatures dipping to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The rugged Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 has a 6.7-foot shockproof rating, and the ultra-slim Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 wields a larger 3-inch touch-screen LCD and a 4.6x zoom lens that works in video mode. In addition, all three rivals offer HD video (720p). The closest alternative in the G5WP price range -- the Kodak EasyShare Sport -- is dustproof and has a longer 5x zoom lens but a smaller 2.4-inch LCD and 10-foot waterproof rating.

ConsumerReports.org and the Australian-based Choice magazine put numerous point-and-shoot cameras through extensive testing, evaluating features ranging from LCD display and flash to image quality and versatility. However, neither source provides the lengthy write-ups available at photo and tech enthusiast sites. Not enough user reviews have posted yet to establish a clear consensus about product performance.