Best Waterproof Digital Camera under $300-2012

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 camera lets you live life on the edge. This stylish and innovative camera will fit perfectly into your active life. Waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, freeze-proof, HD movies, 3D photos, Sweep Panorama, and a touch screen, this powerful tool follows you to the edge and proves you were there.
3D still image and 3D Sweep Panorama - change the view of the world iSweep Panorama for one-shot panoramic landscapes Background Defocus highlights your subject like a DSLR Superior Auto; awesome shots, automatically Soft Skin mode reduces visible blemishes, and wrinkles Natural Flash corrects color balance for lifelike shots Fast capture with 10fps at full 16.2MP resolution Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x (25mm) optical zoom lens HDMI output (with optional cradle) for easy connectivity Smile Shutter technology automatically captures a smile Face Detection technology captures faces naturally Motion Detection suppresses blur in people and other subjects Anti-blink, Face Priority and Red-eye Reduction functions Anti-Motion Blur/Hand-held twilight for less grain
Rugged and Stylish
This camera is just as much at home in the water as on a night on the town! The sleek and stylish Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 fits the slimmest pocket or purse, yet is waterproof to a depth of 16 ft10, shockproof from falls up to approximately 5 ft9 and dustproof12 thanks to its airtight construction. As well, this durable camera can even withstand extreme weather conditions, as it is operable in temperatures from 14- to 104-degrees Fahrenheit11. Seamlessly shifting from underwater marvels to a night on the town, the TX10 always makes it easy to get the best shot!

16.2 Megapixel Back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS Image Sensor
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 features a 16.2 megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera's Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens to deliver extremely fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain. In addition, the combined "Exmor R" CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor delivers extremely fast 10fps, Anti Motion Blur, Hand-held Twilight and 1080i movie modes7.
Superior Auto Mode
Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. The camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using backlight correction HDR technology and lower image noise using 6 shots layering technology. Superior Auto intelligently detects 36 scenes for still images and movies, making it easy to get the best shot.
Soft Skin Mode
Portrait subjects will love the results. Soft Skin mode recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles without affecting the rest of the shot.
Natural Flash
Conventional point-and-shoot camera flash shots just don't capture colors the way the eye sees them. Natural Flash mode takes a reference shot without flash and then uses that reference to correct the color, for far more lifelike images.
CUSTOMER SAYINGS
If you want to read the opinion of a professional photographer, read on...
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The TX10 is NOT Compatible with Sony Marine Pack Enclosures or any other enclosures.

Pros:
1) The TX10 shines in low-light still photography, it eliminates most of the noise even at ISO 800.
2) The small form factor means you can easily hide the camera from "predators."
3) It is water "resistant' but not truly waterproof aka. you shouldn't go scuba diving with it.
4) It's High Definition 1080p video is pretty good compared to other digital cameras in this price range.
5) Zooming while videotaping is possible. Most consumer digital cameras can't zoom while in video mode.
6) Surprisingly good wide-angle (you don't need a wide-angle adapter)
7) The panorama mode is cute and effective but not very high quality (noise is introduced due to panorama cropping).
8) Excellent flash coverage.
9) Choice of MPEG or AVCHD recording. MPEG is the best choice for compatibility and editing but it takes more space in your memory card. AVCHD is a pain to edit compared to MPEG.
This camera have 4 colour for you to buy:
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 Black
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 green
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 Blue
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 Sliver

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10

The Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP is Fujifilm's first waterproof digital camera. No longer do you need to worry about damaging your camera in less than optimum shooting conditions. The FinePix Z33WP ensures you'll never miss capturing any of life's precious moments, any where, any time, under any conditions, and be able to share them easily with your extended network of friends and family members. The 10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP is ready for any adventure including underwater activity up to 10 feet. The Z33WP uses a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, has Fujifilm's 'Automatic Scene Recognition' SR AUTO mode, and features a 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixel resolution LCD screen.
Intelligent Scene Recognition
Adding ease to outdoor navigation, the Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP is equipped with a new SR Auto (Automatic Scene Recognition) mode that enables the camera to intelligently recognize six types of scenes automatically. For each picture taken in this mode, the Z33WP will optimize the ideal exposure, focus, white balance and ISO for the scene to ensure the best quality picture is captured with ease. In addition, Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization is powered by high sensitivity for faster shutter and operational speeds to help reduce camera shake, keeping real life moments as true to form as possible.
Easy Sharing
The family-friendly Z33WP also features Fujifilm's handy Blog Mode which allows for easier sharing with friends and family members. The Blog mode automatically resizes a photo to a standard 640x480 pixels (VGA) or 320x240 pixels (QVGA) image size and enables 12 in-camera editing features such as Zooming, Miniature effect, Illustration and Painting, cutting the need for extra time with home editing.

CUSTOMER SAYINGS
I purchased this camera for outdoor use while kayaking. I have no intention of using it underwater, but having lost two cameras to water damage; I opted for something waterproof.

Pluses: 1. The function buttons are tops - easy to find and press.
2. With tapered edges, the camera goes in my pocket easily.
3. Movie audio surprizingly good.
4. Multiple digital pixel settings - as low as 100 KB for
photos at the lowest setting - I e-mail my dad photos, he has
dial-up so short attachments are critical.
5. Photo quality color and resolution is good, including macro.
6. LCD display is good, even in strong sunlight
7. Menu choices are fairly intuitive.
8. Battery life seems good so far.
---------------------------------------------------
I bought this camera to take with me snorkeling in Hawai'i, and to use as a backup camera to my Olympus 20x zoom camera. When i first took it out in Kahalu'u Bay on the Big Island, I was amazed at what this little camera could do. It's so easy to operate underwater and takes great movies and pics. Seals are watertight and body is very sturdy. Good battery life considering how much I used it every day of my trip.

Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, specifically designed for active users who want to capture high-quality photos and 1920 x 1080 full-High Definition videos, incorporating a powerful rugged design and new outdoor-friendly features, such as a built-in GPS function, a compass, altimeter and barometer. The new 12.1-megapixel Lumix TS3 further strengthens its toughness, when compared to its Lumix TS2 predecessor, and is now waterproof to approximately 40 feet (12m); shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet (2m); freezeproof to 14ºF (-10 degrees C); and dustproof.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 also features the new Panasonic 3D Photo mode, which produces a realistic 3D photo by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlays the two best to create a 3D image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO, and can also be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as a televisions, digital photo frames and printers. Panasonic also adds the Lumix Image Uploader, for seamless and instant sharing via Facebook (for digital photos) or YouTube (for videos). Users can checkmark the photo or video files they want to share, connect it to a PC with the included USB cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card directly into the PC's SD Card slot, and then the uploading automatically launches with an easy-to-follow menu option.

ThePanasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 features a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, complete with a folded optics design. With an optical zoom up to 4.6x, the Lumix TS3 works even while shooting video--giving the user the flexibility for a variety of different scenes--especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available and extends the zoom to 6x equivalent.
Empowered by a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the Lumix TS3 is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD AVCHD video recording and high speed continuous shooting. The advanced image processor, the Venus Engine FHD, powers Panasonic's Intelligent Resolution and the Sonic Speed AF, allows for a shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.005 second. Beyond full-HD video recording capabilities, Lumix TS3 excels in shooting videos with a Dolby Digital Creator so audio quality is also high. The built-in LED light greatly supports shooting in dark situations. The Lumix TS3 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD screen with wide-viewing angle and Anti-Reflection coating.
The newly-integrated GPS function shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark by using the internal data to give users details on where the photos or videos were taken. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global users. Plus, more than 1,000,000 landmarks over 78 countries or regions are in the database. Using the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.1 HD Lite Edition, photos and videos can be searched by location and names.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 also features an internal clock that automatically adjusts to the local time when GPS is enabled--a handy feature for travelers.

CUSTOMER SAYINGS
This camera has exceed my expectations in every way. I've had the opportunity to use in the rain, the sea and in a pool. The image quality is far superior than I imaged, especially underwater. The HD video is very good both above and below water. The unit seems sturdy based on the abundant amount of metal use on the body. I wouldn't be worried if I drop it.
Why did I buy this? Well for one an upcoming Caribbean vacation, reviews and specifications. I plan to take video of Stingrays and turtles soon. Originally I purchased a Pentax WG-1 which really had terrible HD video and image stabilization on land. Admittedly, I am extremely picky about HD video quality (I do videos) and the Pentax just didn't cut it for me. So I returned it and obtained this unit. Glad I did.
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I am a serious photographer and I usually shoot with a pro Nikon camera. I purchased this camera because I did not want to expose my pro Nikon to the elements, and this camera is wonderful for that purpose.

I have added some sample shots for you to judge the quality for yourself. I have to agree with other reviews that the GPS function is ok at best. I have found that I need to be in clear view of the sky for the GPS to find the current location. I have noticed that while the GPS is searching, it really uses lots of battery power. I now geotag a few photos and then turn off the GPS to save on battery power.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3