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Underwater/Tough Cameras
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Dave's Picks
Underwater/Tough
| Editor's Choice | Res | Lens | Avg. Price | |
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Pentax Optio W60 | 10.1 | 5.00x | $259.00 |
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FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera! We've been giving waterproof cameras somewhat short treatment around IR of late, because they've almost invariably been mediocre performers when it came to picture-taking. The Pentax W60 surprised us with its excellent image quality and performance, though, so we've sent it back into the lab for the full round of tests. The testing that we've done to date shows the Pentax W60 to be a waterproof (and freezeproof) camera that delivers excellent image quality or performance. Its pictures are sharp, with very good color, and good noise levels up to about ISO 800. It's also a very responsive camera, with shutter lag approaching that of entry-level SLR models, and continuous shooting speeds up to 5 frames/second, albeit at a reduced resolution of 5 megapixels (still plenty for 8x10 inch prints). If you're looking for the ultimate in a go-anywhere camera, the Pentax W60 deserves a closer look! (minimize)
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Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 | 12.0 | 3.60x | $366.99 |
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When "tough" is what you need, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 really delivers Olympus pioneered the "tough" concept in digital cameras, so it's no surprise that the Olympus Stylus 8000 leads all others in the field, in at least one of its specifications against each competitor. Waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, crushproof to 220 lbs, and freezeproof to 14 degrees F, the Olympus 8000 is the go-to camera for the ultimate in ruggedness. In our tests, it also did better than most when it came to image quality, and senior editor Shawn found it plenty responsive when shooting with it in the field as well. Add to that image quality that verges on good enough to be your daily "carry camera," and we think Olympus has a real winner. (We've found that any tough/waterproof camera makes trade-offs in image quality relative to the best dry-land models, but the Olympus 8000 forces fewer such compromises than many.) If built-like-a-block-of-metal toughness is what you need, the Olympus Tough 8000 is "tough" to beat. Read our Olympus 8000 review for all the details. (minimize)
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 | 12.1 | 4.60x | $348.72 |
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Rugged never looked so good Finding a good quality waterproof digital camera is one thing, but finding a waterproof digital camera that takes great pictures like the Panasonic TS1, that's another. Most waterproof digital cameras lean heavily on their rugged capabilities to attract users, but the Panasonic Lumix TS1 delivers better quality images thanks to its 12.1-megapixel sensor, excellent 4.6x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. The quality is so high, in fact, that we're pretty sure Panasonic is doing special post-processing in the TS1 to nearly eliminate chromatic aberration and other forms of distortion. That translates into better image quality from center to corner, despite the 28mm wide-angle lens, supporting some pretty big prints. We haven't seen a better rugged digital camera than the Panasonic TS1. Click here to read our Express Review of the Panasonic TS1. (minimize)
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| Other Top Choices | Res | Lens | Avg. Price | |
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Canon PowerShot D10 | 12.1 | 3.00x | $302.77 |
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A well-built waterproof digital camera with a unique look
Finally, a waterproof digital camera that looks the part: the Canon PowerShot D10. Capable of diving to 33 feet, falling from four feet, and withstanding temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the Canon D10 is ready to weather some tough conditions; tougher than most digital cameras. Its 12-megapixel sensor delivers crisp images to its 2.5-inch LCD, and its 3x zoom is protected within a sturdy bell housing, protected from impact and weather. As with almost all digital cameras, the Canon D10 makes a better wet camera than a dry camera, with more significant corner softening than we see from most digital cameras in the pocket category, but that's a side-effect of shooting through an additional pane of glass on the front of the sturdy housing, something you won't notice in your underwater pictures. The flip side is that you won't be worrying about a lens cap with the Canon D10; instead your only concern will be having more fun with your waterproof digital camera! Click here to read more about the Canon PowerShot D10 waterproof digital camera. (minimize) |
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