We are glad to see companies follow and develop these new compact waterproof and rugged cameras for us outdoor enthusiasts. Most of them are now waterproof up to about 30+ feet below for about 2 hours or less. Also these cameras are made so they can widthstand being dropped, can be operated in extremely cold weather conditions, and more. Not only are they tougher now, they also consist of a full array of neat and useful features such as face recognition, underwater photography, and many more that anglers would make use of.
Here’s a list of compact waterproof digital cameras that we’ve seen introduced from Canon, Olympus, Fujifilm, Pentax, and Panasonic:
Canon PowerShot D10: For those with a taste for adventure, there’s a camera as bold as the active life you lead. It’s the Canon PowerShot D10. Waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof; it’s tough enough to take what you dish out. Plus it’s got all the high performance features you expect from a Canon digital camera. You’ve got 12.1 megapixels of resolution plus all of Canon’s powerful, state-of-the-art imaging technologies so you can capture your epic experiences in breathtaking color and awesome detail.
A Rugged Digital Camera Built for Adventure.
Take this camera anywhere: waterproof to 33 feet, cold resistant from 14-104°F and shockproof up to 4 feet.
Life can take you almost anywhere. So Canon engineered a digital camera durable enough to go where you go and produce the kind of awe-inspiring images that will earn your respect. It’s the PowerShot D10 and it is no ordinary digital camera. This unique camera is waterproof down to 33 feet so you can take it scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing. It’s freezeproof and can withstand extremes of temperature from 14-104°F so it’s also ideal for snowboarding, mountaineering and more. Plus, it’s shockproof, so when the going gets rough, the D10 will keep going strong.
Gear Up for the Action.
A selection of unique accessories available such as customized straps and interchangeable faceplates.
You’re always up for any challenge. So Canon designed the PowerShot D10 with a selection of versatile accessories that enable you to outfit the camera to meet the requirements of your next adventure. The customized strap is a perfect choice for those who want to have their camera within easy reach, yet keep their hands free. The Canon faceplates let you distinctively mark the camera as belonging to you alone. The carabiner hook offers you a handy way to securely suspend the D10 from a belt, backpack or diving harness.
A World of Advantages with Canon’s Technology.
DIGIC 4 Image Processor has evolved Face Detection Technology that tracks the faces of moving subjects and lets the shooter enter the frame seamlessly with the Face Detection Self-Timer.
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon’s most advanced image processor, DIGIC 4, delivers evolved Face Detection Technology that keeps every face in every photo looking its very best. The technology finds and tracks the faces of moving subjects until you’re ready to shoot, then delivers perfect focus. In addition, exposure, flash and white balance are compensated, so that faces exhibit natural skin tones and backgrounds are properly exposed.
Loaded with Features, Packed with Value.
12.1 Megapixels for amazing resolution and editing, plus 3x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.
With the PowerShot D10, dramatic, personal pictures have never been easier to shoot and share. This 12.1-megapixel camera lets you create impressively large photos of family and friends you’ll be proud to display. The high-resolution images taken by the D10 can be enlarged up to 13″ x 19″. The PowerShot D10 has a 3x optical zoom that gives you the power to shoot distant subjects with razor-sharp precision and stunning lifelike color.
You’re Alerted When Subjects Blink.
Blink Detection alerts a shooter after a shot has been taken that a subject has closed eyes.
Nothing ruins a great picture more than having your subjects’ eyes closed. That’s why the PowerShot D10 is equipped with Blink Detection. If closed eyes are detected, a “blink warning” icon appears for 3 seconds, allowing you to re-take the shot before your subject or subjects move on. Blink Detection provides you with extra assurance when capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments like planting the flag at the summit of the mountain.
Capture Your Best Shots Easily.
Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 18 predefined shooting situations.
Just set the Canon PowerShot D10 to Smart AUTO and you’re ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It’s a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate setting from 18 specially defined settings. So whether you’re photographing flowers, a captivating sunset, or your friends at the park, you can be confident that you’re getting dramatic, memorable images.
Price: $329.99
Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP: Expanding the popular Z-series digital cameras for young-at-heart, trend-savvy consumers, Fujifilm announced the launch of the FinePix Z33WP, 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 FinePix Z33WP is available in three striking colors – green, pink and black – and 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”, 230,000 pixel resolution LCD screen. Pricing is still not announced.
Olympus Stylus Tough: There’s really only one word to describe the new shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof cameras from Olympus: Tough! Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on earth, the Stylus Tough series builds on the impressive specifications of the renowned Stylus SW Series by adding Dual Image Stabilization. Now, when the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 arrive at the windy mountain peak or dive into choppy waves, they stay steady and ready to capture blur-free images in virtually any condition.
“Olympus designed the new Stylus Tough series to go places other point-and-shoot cameras wouldn’t dare to go, and by adding Dual Image Stabilization we ensure that adventurers will come home with crisp, clear images of their travels,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “After all, when you make cameras that can be dropped, submerged and frozen you expect the terrain where you use them to get a little rocky along the way, and you want stability as well as durability.”
The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, designed for active and adventurous people, features an impressive 12 million pixels of image resolution for poster-sized prints and can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. The 10-megapixel STYLUS TOUGH-6000 is made for life’s everyday adventures – especially those with kids. From the kitchen to a waterslide park and the bunny slopes, the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can take a drop from 5 feet, dive to 10 feet below the surface, and beat the freezing cold. Both Stylus Tough series cameras feature Tap Control to make it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves. It can also just be fun for those who enjoy new modern technology.
Winning the Battle of the Blur with Dual Image Stabilization
For the first time, Dual Image Stabilization will be offered on Olympus’ cameras in the tough category. In the cold climates where the Olympus STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 thrive, you may shiver, but the cameras perform sure and steady even in shaking hands. Dual Image Stabilization combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the internal image sensor to compensate for camera movement, even in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Additionally, Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject.
Nothing Can Shock These Tough Cameras
Afraid the mountain wind might sweep a camera out of your hands and dash it on the rocks below? Never fear, the STYLUS TOUGH-6000, available in trendy yellow, white or blue tones, can withstand a 5-foot drop thanks to the Stylus Tough series’ shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, available in stylish blue, black or silver, can withstand a 6.6-foot drop and features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of pressure.
Point-Dunk-and-Shoot Cameras
Stylus Tough series cameras perform as well underwater as they do on land because their lightweight, stainless steel and aluminum exteriors are matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 can be fully submerged to capture beautiful images down to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, and features a built-in manometer, making it ideal for more serious underwater adventurers who want to know the depth of where their images were taken. The STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can be submerged up to 10 feet underwater. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes these cameras perfect for taking photos while scuba diving, snorkeling or simply having worry-free fun in the pool. Additionally, movies can be captured on both cameras and colors are more vibrant using the underwater movie mode on the STYLUS TOUGH-8000. The cameras also feature a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.
Freezeproof for Arctic Adventures
Whether you’re in the arctic tundra or building a snowman in your backyard, the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 cameras still perform when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius). Stylus Tough series cameras continue to allow you to take great images in freezing situations where most traditional cameras would fail.
Olympus Recommended Button
The new “OR” button makes it easy to activate Olympus’ unique features, including In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot Preview. Simply press the new OR button to easily access these commonly used features.
New Beauty Mode: Supermodels Watch out!
Taking beautiful portraits in the pool or on the slopes is easy with the new Beauty Mode. It enables you to soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face – all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose “Clear Skin” to smooth a person’s complexion, “Dramatic Eye” to slightly emphasize the eyes, and “Sparkle Eye” to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.
Hit Them with Your Best Shot: Tap Control
The Stylus Tough series cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. To turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, all that is required is a couple of taps on the camera’s sides and top. In adverse climates Tap Control ensures fast adjustment of settings even if you are fighting frostbite wearing large gloves that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.
Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Captures it All
The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 feature a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot – perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.
Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The new Stylus Tough cameras offer the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.
Advanced HyperCrystalTM III LCD
The next generation of Olympus’ LCD technology – HyperCrystal III – displays twice as bright as previous versions so that you can see the details more clearly, even in direct sunlight. The new technology is offered on the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 in a 2.7-inch LCD.
Can’t Hide with Face Detection!
Portrait and group shots make family reunions live beyond the short event, and with Face Detection you’ll capture even the shyest relatives. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 detects up to three faces and the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 detects up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure to capture sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. Thanks to the unrivaled durability of the Stylus Tough series cameras, you’ll capture amazing photos even if your next family reunion is at a National Park, a water park or a ski slope!
Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
Skating at night? You won’t be the last one on the ice thanks to Intelligent Auto Mode. It automatically identifies what you are shooting (i.e. Portrait, Night + Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users can jump into this quick and hassle-free feature that does the thinking for them and produces incredible images.
Broaden Your Horizons with In-Camera Panorama
The places you can take Stylus Tough series cameras – the Grand Canyon or the volcanic sand beaches of Hawaii – are locations where you want to capture as much of the scene as you can. In-Camera Panorama mode makes it possible by capturing three images and stitching them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the OLYMPUS Master Software™ 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.
Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus Tough series addresses this challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.
Perfect Shot Preview
The Stylus Tough series features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.
Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The Stylus Tough series offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once.
LED Illuminator
An LED Illuminator on the Stylus Tough series cameras works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting – great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when taking low-light portraits.
TruePic™ III Image Processor
Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III captures sharp images at high ISO settings, minimizing image noise or grainy photos traditionally associated with shooting with high ISO.
Smart Charging for Active Lifestyles
For the first time, the new STYLUS TOUGH-8000 offers internal charging. Using an AC adapter, the camera plugs directly into a power outlet and charges the battery like a traditional mobile phone. It minimizes the need to open the battery compartment door, and helps to maintain the watertight gaskets that keep your camera tough.
Fashionable and Practical Accessories
Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus Tough series cameras. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), Olympus offers the PT-045 underwater housing for the STYLUS TOUGH-8000, which enables users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). A highly visible floating wrist strap frees users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. Stylish silicone skins protect the camera from scratches.
Additionally, new carabineer straps available in blue and black attach directly to the camera and can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are also perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. Olympus Stylus Tough series cameras continue to make smooth transitions from outdoor adventures to cocktail parties. Rinse the camera and place it in an Olympus premium case for added sophistication. The premium cases are available in a variety of colors, including red, black and brown leather as well as various patterns.
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft® Print Creations plug-in.
Availability
The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 will be available in February 2009, and the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 will be available in January 2009. They will include: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-50B Li-Ion rechargeable battery, F-1AC charger for the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and the LI-50C charger for the STYUS TOUGH-6000, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).
Price:
STYLUS TOUGH-8000 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
STYLUS TOUGH-6000 Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)
Pentax Optio W60: PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio W60 compact digital camera. Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Optio W60 features 10 megapixels and a 5X zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. The enhanced design of the Optio W60 allows the camera to operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing.
Perfect for photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings, the 5X optical zoom refraction lens never protrudes from the Optio W60, yet it covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format). This range allows the camera to capture a wide variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. A Digital Wide function merges two shots into one image for ultra-wide-angle image capture (equivalent to a focal length of 21mm in 35mm format).
The Optio W60 also accompanies users to new aquatic depths. With improved design and construction of the shutter button and controls, as well as reinforced, airtight joints, the Optio W60 allows underwater photography up to 30 percent deeper than previous PENTAX waterproof models. In addition to the JIS Class 8 waterproofing standard, the camera is JIS Class 5 dustproof against dirt, sand and dust and operates in extreme temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius).
Other important features and modes of the PENTAX Optio W60 include a High-Quality Movie mode with HD resolution up to 1280 x 720 pixels (comparable to a 720p HDTV at 15fps) as well as Auto Picture mode, fast Face Recognition, Smile Capture, Blink Detection, an Underwater Movie mode, High Sensitivity Digital SR mode that automatically adjusts the sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and an LCD monitor with a 170 degree wide-angle view and Anti-Reflection coating to reduce glare.
A perfect companion for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts, the PENTAX Optio W60 performs well during winter and summer activities as well as in and around water and sand. The PENTAX Optio W60 will be available in July 2008 for US $329.95 in a choice of two colors: Ocean Blue and Silver.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1: Panasonic introduced the LUMIX DMC-TS1, the world’s first*1 waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera*2 to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities*3. The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The LUMIX TS1, with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic’s proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced imaging features.
“Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using in these tough environments,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family.”
The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.
Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments – especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment’s lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1’s LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.
The TS1 records AVCHD Lite HD video, allowing almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio to match the high-quality motion images.
Also new in 2009, the TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie Mode. For iA in Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in a frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on the face. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. Optical zoom can be used in motion image recording. Users can start video recording by simply pressing a dedicated button on the camera’s back panel.
The TS1’s iA for still image adds Face Recognition*4 – a feature that “remembers” faces from previous shots. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.
The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for Face Recognition, AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates the numerous advanced functions with high performance, and low-power consumption. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, it’s easy to view photos or movies recorded in AVCHD Lite. Simply insert the SD Memory Card from the camera in the Panasonic VIERA® HDTV’s Image Viewer SD Memory Card slot to start playback, or connect the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable to a VIERA Link™-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the TV’s remote control to run slideshows*5.
This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time. The TS1 starts up quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately 0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash*6. The Venus Engine HD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400*7, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient, extending the battery life up to 340 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange models in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $399.95.
waterproof performance, the Optio W80 also provides remarkable dustproof performance equivalent to IPX 6 (or JIS Class 6) and exceptional coldproof performance for reliable operation at temperatures as low as –10°C. These features make it perfect for photographing outdoor activities, such as skiing, marine sports and fishing. It can be also used without worry in other situations where water or dirt can be a concern, such as in the garden or kitchen.
