Waterproof cameras: A tidal wave of new models

Consumer Reports News: July 02, 2009 02:50 PM

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[ Photo courtesy of h-angele]

Last week, Pentax introduced a new underwater camera. This week yet another camera maker, AgfaPhoto, did the same. If you add those to the waterproof cameras in our Ratings and ones we're currently testing, that makes at least eight waterproof point-and-shoots to choose from.

Here's a brief rundown on each (models below with links can be found in our Ratings, available to subscribers):

12-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-8000, $370, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 6 1/2-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

10-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-6000, $270, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

10-megapixel Olympus Stylus 550WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

12-megapixel Canon PowerShot D10, $330, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 4-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

12-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, $400, (4.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

12-megapixel Pentax Optio W80, $300, (5x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 16 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 3-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

6-megapixel AgfaPhoto DC-600uw, $200, (no optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet). Includes a 2.4-inch LCD. Should be available sometime this month.

Some models listed above are claimed to be freezeproof, dustproof, or have the ability to capture high-definition resolution video. And some, like the Olympus Tough models, include special features like tap technology, which let you operate certain camera functions by tapping the camera body. —Terry Sullivan