Underwater Cameras

It was during the process of researching a replacement for my dive camera that I discovered how far the technology behind underwater cameras has advanced in such a short amount of time. In fact they've sort of crossed the line to where you can now get a great dive camera that's compact and rugged enough to serve as an all-purpose sports & recreation camera.

This is something I've been wanting for years - a digital camera I can take anywhere, in any environment without worrying about damaging it. I've always been annoyed at having to be ever-mindful of the camera when at the beach, on the lake, on even at a water-park, not to mention while trail riding or engaged in some other outdoor activity, like climbing and have my camera bang against the rocks.

Whereas it used to be that a dive camera was a bulky, cumbersome affair, requiring a huge waterproof housing, things are different now. Today there are underwater cameras that will easily fit in the palm of your hand or even smaller models that will have room to spare when slipped into a shirt pocket.

Depending on make and model, they are waterproof to various depths, shockproof and able to shake off a vertical drop of 5 or 6 feet, plus crushproof when subjected to the pressure of heavy weights. In fact one torture test shows a certain model being run over by a car and surviving to take perfect pictures.

There are two manufacturers leading the way with these waterproof cameras that go beyond just diving. They are SeaLife, long known for their dive cameras, and the Olympus Stylus SW series. The SeaLife Mini and ECOshot are compact, waterproof to 130 feet & 75 feet respectively, and are protected within a rugged polycarbonate case, that's rubber-armored.

The Olympus Stylus SW models and the Stylus Tough models are waterproof to either 10 feet or 33 feet. This depth can be increased to 130 feet with an external housing but as is, the sub-compact Stylus SW models are perfect for snorkeling or any other outdoor activity. The SW stands for shockproof, waterproof, and the Stylus is certainly tough. It's sensitive insides are suspended within a metal case that can survive 220 pounds of pressure, plus its freeze-proof as well.

Aside from very small size and slightly higher cost, the Olympus models differ in that they offer more features, but have shallower waterproof ratings. However they are plenty waterproof for use as an outdoor sports camera, and if you also want to scuba dive with it just get an external housing. The SeaLife Mini may appeal more to divers who can kill two birds at once since its rated to 130 feet with no additional housing.

Any of these digital underwater cameras mentioned here are excellent choices for an all-purpose sports camera. Features are similar with variations mostly in image resolution, depth rating, size, and price, so just choose the one that fits you best.

If you like to get out there and have fun, this is the camera for you. It's more than ready for the great outdoors -- rugged enough to handle whatever you can dish out, and smart enough to take incredible pictures while you're doing it. Not only is it waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof, it's packed with amazing technology like one-touch HD movie recording.

Olympus Stylus Tough-6020 Highlights

Provides 14-megapixel resolution for high-quality, poster-size prints, a 2.7 inch LCD for viewing, plus a 5x wide-angle zoom. Offers one-touch HD video and allows image capture to SD/SDHC memory cards.

Waterproof to 16 feet: A revolutionary system of waterproof seals and gaskets keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 16 feet underwater.

Shockproof to 5 feet: Accidents happen. A rugged body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 5-foot drop, bump or other mishap.

Freezeproof to 14°F/-10°C: Boldly enter that winter wonderland without worrying about your camera. The Stylus Tough-6020 is winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures.

Dual Image Stabilization: Forget about blurry shots with this 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake to keep your shots steady while Digital Image Stabilization captures crisp, clear images in any situation.

HD Movie 720p: A simple, one-touch button allows you to record movies with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera.