Waterproof Cameras

Rugged digital cameras fill a niche

Waterproof cameras have become increasingly popular with consumers who want the convenience of a point-and-shoot in a camera that can withstand the elements -- whether at the beach or on a mountain top. While these cameras are more rugged than standard models, built to withstand shock, dust and low temperatures, they often swap out design for functionality.

The Canon PowerShot D10 (*Est. $320) splashed onto the market this past spring and is Canon's "first dip into waterproof territory," says Rik Fairlie of The New York Times. This new camera, dressed up in a bright blue and silver casing, has since lapped the competition with its ruggedness and superior image quality, despite its bulky design. Experts describe the Canon D10 camera as bulbous, egg-shaped and quirky compared to sleeker underwater cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 (*Est. $335). However, the thin and smaller buttons of the TS1 add up to more difficult handling, especially when shooting underwater.

The Canon D10's girth comes from its husky protective outer casing, which makes the camera the hardiest available. "At 6.7 ounces and a maximum thickness of 1.9 inches, the D10 will strain the average pocket," says Fairlie. Nevertheless, the D10's form serves function. The digital camera is waterproof down to 33 feet for underwater photography (compared to 10 feet for the TS1), while its dustproof housing is at home on sandy beaches. Skiers and snowboarders will appreciate that it's freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The camera is also shock-proof, withstanding drops up to four feet.

Critics praise the PowerShot D10's large buttons, which are easy to read and press -- a definite consideration when shooting underwater or wearing bulky winter gloves. Brady of DigitalCamera-HQ.com says the thick buttons are crafted to ward off water and debris, yet easy to activate. The shutter button is the largest among the seven underwater cameras he tested.

The 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel display is optimized to accommodate outdoor use, and comes equipped with a 2 mm protective shield. Other amenities include a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a 3x optical zoom with optical image stabilization. The short 35 mm to 105 mm range comes as a disappointment to many critics, who note that other cameras in this price range have wider 28 mm lenses. Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor offers plenty of automatic features, including auto shot and blink and motion detection.

Even though manual controls are absent, the Canon PowerShot D10 still excels at image quality. In nearly every group test of waterproof cameras, it produces the best photos. DPReviews.com says the D10 produces "the sharpest, most detailed images" in and out of the water at low ISO settings, and Fairlie praises the accurate exposures and warm skin tones.

While the Canon PowerShot D10 can't compete with other compact cameras for breadth of features and image quality, reviewers say that the trade-offs are largely worthwhile -- especially if you need a tough-as-nails camera to take on your outdoor adventures. As Jamie Harrison at TrustedReviews.com notes: "If you are climbing a mountain, for example, it's better to have a tough camera that takes average pictures than a perfect camera that's broken."