Most people who have bought themselves a rugged waterproof digital camera find themselves using it far more regularly than they would have thought, when initially purchasing it. Camera aficionados are aware that all the water – proofing, shock – proofing, freeze – proofing and crush – proofing comes at the cost of picture quality, however high the mega – pixel count be, but then the convenience of use is so great, especially for the amateur and weekend photographer, that even the most recently launched brands and models are turning into hot sellers, even in a recessionary market. Point – and – shoot cameras may give better image quality, but are nowhere as durable as the waterproof digital cameras and people having an active life, as opposed to the sedentary desk – bound person, simply cannot do without at least one of these ‘picture – savers’!

Learn how to make money with digital photography!

Since there are now a number of brands and models of waterproof digital cameras available in the market, the new purchaser has to consider the following points when choosing which is the best for him or her:

• Not all the models available fit easily into a standard pocket – some are quite heavy and chunky, better slung from the wrist, but then these may have a number of features that the more compact ones don’t.

• All the models available in the market today have a problem with image quality, especially when compared with point – and – shoot digital cameras. Although manufacturers are trying hard to bridge the gap as soon as possible, currently a person has to decide on whether they are better off with a camera that takes great pictures but which breaks down in even mildly adverse weather, or whether slightly ‘fuzzy’ pictures taken under water, in a blizzard or a rainstorm is what he or she wants from the camera.

• Manufacturers of waterproof digital cameras that advertise that a particular model is also freeze – proof do not mention the fact that while the camera itself may work in below freezing temperatures, the batteries are very likely to give out within a very short time under such conditions. This renders the instrument useless in outdoor situation, with no other power back – up source(s) and the maximum number of shots would be 2 or 3, taken in reasonably rapid succession.

• People who go in for such cameras generally like to check the reviews of all the models that catch their fancy before they make the actual purchase of what is after all a reasonably pricey item. Since the web is usually the primary source of information, it is more than likely that there might be more negative reviews than positive ones, because human tendency is to write about bad experiences and not take so much trouble in mentioning the good ones. So, it is always advisable to check with ‘unbiased’ experts (hopefully some do exist?!) regarding the most suitable option for your needs.

• Prices of the models vary with the number of features and while it may be easy to compare these between models made by the same manufacturer, it becomes harder when comparing between manufacturers. Some count on premium pricing to get them the revenue while other manufacturers are dependant on volume to come up with the profits. 

Brands that are currently available in the market include the one offering from Canon, PowerShot D10, with all the ‘proofing’ a rugged digital camera should have – water, shock, water and crush. It has a 12 mega – pixel sensor and optical image stabilisation. Fujifilm’s single model FinePix Z33WP is very basic and is only water proof. Olympus, which has been around much longer than the previous two – who launched their models within the last year, has 5 models, all shock –, crush – and water – proof, with the Stylus Tough 8000 being the best of the lot and with the most features. Another recent entrant Panasonic has a single model – Lumix DMC-TS1 and was the first among the others to offer image stabilisation and HD video. Pentax was the first manufacturer to come out with a waterproof digital camera 5 years back and currently have 3 models, as does Ricoh.