The Best Underwater Cameras 2012
Underwater photography used to be the sole remit of the National Geographic and experts like Jacques Cousteau, who could afford to invest in the necessary specialist equipment. However, these days there are more affordable cameras available to amateur underwater photographers that will allow you to also capture the wonders of the deep. The only problem now is choosing which is the best option for you from the myriad of choices available from the camera manufacturers. A single reflex lens camera (SLR) gives a scuba diver who is trying to develop their photography skills more control, and will also allow you to purchase accessories such as strobe lights and wide angle lens. But most people will just want a simple ‘fool-proof’ digital camera that we will be happy to even give to the kids to play around with.
We did some research on the internet on the sturdiest digital cameras recommended by the experts at Digital Photography Review, LensTip, Cnet and PCMag. Below are the top 5 best underwater cameras, recommended by all the sites. If you want more information, you will find comparison charts on Digital Photography Review while LensTip provides sample images produced by a selection of the cameras.
Underwater Housing Systems
Ikelite Underwater Camera System
One option is to purchase an underwater housing for your current digital camera, whether it is compact or SLR, if you are happy with that one. This is a watertight plastic cover which will be designed explicitly to suit your camera. Ikelite is the best sourse for underwater housing, offering a wide range for digital cameras, even for discontinued models. You will have full access to the camera controls with these high quality casings, and scuba divers can use them at depths up to 200 feet. However, an underwater housing can cost as much as the original camera, and is only suitable for underwater photography. We have reviewed 5 of our favourite versatile sturdy cameras below:
Pentax Optio W90 Underwater Camera
Pentax Optio W90 Waterproof Camera
Pentax have been manufacturing rugged, waterproof cameras for some time now, with the Optio W90 being its 11th generation offering. It is built to resist water at depths of up to 20 feet, shocks at up to 4 feet and temperatures at 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 28mm wide angle 5x zoom lens, 12.1 megapixels and you can view its 2.7 inch LCD screen underwater. There are also three LED lights around the lens to illuminate macro pictures.
Cnet gave the Pentax Optio W90 4 out of 5 stars for excellence, 9 out of 10 for design and said the price was good value for the features included. For underwater picture quality, testers gave it 7 out of 10 on Cnet and 8 out of 10 on LensTip. This may not seem great, but is a higher rating than most rugged cameras got. The size of the controls and comfort of use impressed both sites. Unfortunately, there is no optical image stabilizer and the battery life is quite short. The Pentax Optio W90 was listed at $279.00 but you can get it on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 Waterproof Camera
The PCMag editor chose the 14.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 as the best rugged camera. Testers at both PCMag and LensTip considered the detailed quality of the Panasonic’s pictures and HD video, at depths of up to 10 feet and beyond, to be far superior to any of its competitors. It is waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof from depths of 6 feet and can resist temperatures down to 14 degrees Farenheit. When in dim light, the Panasonic has an LED light that is triggered automatically. Other features include a power optical image stabilizer, which counteracts any handshaking. The addition of a silicon sleeve, which protects the camera from scratches and fine sand particles, also impressed the reviewers at LensTip.
The Lumix uses the high capacity SDXC card for video storage, one of the first digital cameras to do so, and has a lengthy battery life. However, testers found that the underwater and dry land settings produced better coloring than the beach and sand settings. Lens fog was also noted by PCMag and some reviews on Amazon, under certain conditions. Some people also felt the Pentax had more user friendly controls, as the zoom control is quite close to the shutter release on the Pentax. The Panasonic costs $349.95, which is more expensive, but you will benefit from the higher picture quality and better features.
Currently sells for $290.63 on Amazon
Canon PowerShot D10 Underwater Camera
Canon PowerShot D10 Waterproof Camera
Canon’s first rugged digital camera is the 12.1 megapixel PowerShot D10. PCMag and Cnet recommed this as a good recreational digital camera; perfect for using while at the pool or going skiing, boating or snorkeling. However, the Canon Powershot D10 is quite bulky, and so would not be the best option as an everyday camera. On the other hand, this bulkiness is perfect for use when wearing gloves underwater and you can capture high quality pictures using its auto settings. It is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof from 4 feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Canon is a fast performer, with a superior start up time and shutter lag to most cameras, the Panasonic being a notable exception. Its LCD screen also impressed reviewers by operating well in bright light and comes equipped with an optical stabilizer. However, it only shoots VGA video, and has no HD capabilities, something to bear in mind if you wish to capture high quality video. The simplicity of the Canon PowerShot D10 is good for people want to be able to point and shoot, but if you are looking for features, the $299 price tag may leave you feeling a little underwhelmed. The Canon PowerShot remains a good choice if you want something that is simple to use and you can have fun with.
You can get it for $279.00 on Amazon
Fujifilm FinePix XP10 Underwater Camera
Fujifilm FinePix XP10 Waterproof Camera
If you want a budget underwater digital camera, we would recommend the FujiFilm FinePix XP10. It may not have as many features as the other underwater cameras, but at $149, the Fuji is a sensible option for those who will only have occasional opportunities to use it. LensTip listed its features as waterproof up to 10 feet, freezeproof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and shockproof from 3 feet. It has a scratch resistant LCD screen, but LensTip noted that the varnish on the front of the camera began to peel off quite quickly.
For this price tag, it shoots decent pictures and has HD video capabilities. It has been designed for use by one hand, convenient for underwater, and its lens is well-positioned. However, before they took it into the water, the testers found the menu quite difficult to navigate. The Fiji has a battery life of around 200 shots, has digital image stabilization and is available in green, blue and pink. The FujiFilm FinePix XP10 is perfect as a point and shoot camera for the beach or when going snorkeling.
Currently on sale at Amazon
for $119.95.
Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 Underwater Camera
Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 Waterproof Camera
The Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 is indestructible enough to give to the kids or to take diving, cycling or even mountain climbing. Cnet and Digital Photography Review both gave this camera 3.5 stars out of 5. It has been designed to take a few knocks, as it is shockproof from 6.6 feet and also crushproof up to 220 pounds of weight. It is waterproof up to 33 feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, 14 megapixels and a 5x wide angle zoom lens, as well as a user’s manual already built in.
Testers from Cnet liked the underwater ease of use of buttons for gloved hands. The Olympus has overall good picture and HD video quality but its speed performance lets it down. Compared to the Panasonic and Canon’s 1.2 seconds, the Olympus has a 4 second start-up time. The sturdiness of the camera, which is really what you are paying for, is also reflected in the sturdiness of its price tag of $379.
The Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 is currently on sale at Amazon