Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

The tough Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 (also called the DMC-FT3 in some regions) can go diving, skiing, snorkeling and more with no ill effects, reviewers say. It's waterproof to 12 meters, freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius, dustproof, and it can withstand a 2-meter fall. Those are slightly more rugged stats than the previous Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 (the previous critics' choice), and experts point out that the TS3's new GPS feature could be useful if you want to know exactly where in the wild you captured that shot -- or if you lose the camera and need help finding it.

The TS3 gets a new 12.1-megapixel image sensor that reviewers say churns out great-looking photos for the web or for small- or medium-sized prints. But noise increases in dim light, and testers say fine details always look pretty soft -- softer even than with the TS2, DigitalCameraInfo.com finds. The TS3 has a 28 mm to 128 mm equivalent lens and shoots full 1080i HD video. If you don't need the ruggedness, though, experts say you'll get better results with a regular camera like the Canon PowerShot S95 .

CNET, DigitalCameraInfo.com and PhotographyBlog.com all do hands-on testing with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 -- although none mention taking it underwater or otherwise abusing it. Owners at Amazon.com report on how the TS3's waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing and freezeproofing perform in real life.