Waterproof and Shockproof cameras are gaining momentum in the digital camera scene over the last few years. We have various strong brands like Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentx, Casio and Ricoh making in roads to this rugged arena. They generally have the basic features of the usual camera, but the price tag would be higher than the equivalent compact with the same features. The extra cost goes into the design for ruggedness, tougher material used and in some cases the extra tests that these cameras go through to qualify for the waterproof and shockproof label.
These outdoor cameras generally will not have all the bell and tinkles that comes with the compact camera. Furthermore, certain features will have to be sacrificed or compromised for the rugged features. For example a lower optical zoom might be opted for to achieve a lighter weight. Nonetheless, as waterproof cameras become more prevalent, more features will be incorporated into the higher end models.
You will also find that these waterproof and shockproof cameras may not serve you exceptionally good quality photos as you will get from the mid and higher end of the compact cameras. However, between having no picture and okay photos to capture your memorable moments, most will definitely opt to have the memories recorded. So these cameras will be here to stay.
Usually the waterproof and shockproof cameras will also be dustproof and freezeproof. Being dustproof protects the camera from damage due to small particles getting into the mechanism. This is especially useful if you use it often in places when there is a lot of sand or dust. The freezeproof feature basically mean that the camera should continue to work down to the specified temperature. However, watch out that the battery life gets shorter when the temperature drops. Hence even with a good freezeproof camera, the number of shots which you can squeeze out from the camera at low temperature is greatly reduced.
Canon offers a waterproof camera beginning mid of 2009 - the Canon Powershot D10. This camera is a 12.1 Megapixels camera incorporating waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof features. It has the usual 3x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization. The picture qualities are impressive, comparably to its normal range of cameras. This is a camera you can consider if you are not fussy about the size and love good quality photos.
Olympus has in its lineup a whole product line of waterproof cameras. This is popularly known as the μ (mu) tough series. From the most basic, the μ-1050 which is only advertised as water and shock resistant to the most sophisticated μ Tough-8010 which boasts of 10m waterproofing, 2m shockproofing and an uncommon feature of 100kg Crushproofing, Olympus has a camera for you. Olympus also offers different colour scheme for each of their line product, so you can choose your favourite colour for the camera. A very tough looking yet stylish looking camera, which will serve you well in your outdoor activities.
Fujifilm released Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP in February 2009. This is a very small and compact waterproof camera. However, it is not shockproof, freezeproof nor dustproof. If you need simply a compact waterproof camera and a low price tag, this camera is suitable for you.
In February 2010, Fujifilm announces the XP series of waterproof camera. This camera brags of what its older brother fails to incorporate namely shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof. This brings Fujifilm waterproof cameras up to par with other waterproof cameras in the market. This camera is slightly more bulky than its predecessor, but still retain the overall slim design. The camera feature a 5x optical zoom with digital image stabilization. Another good to have and nice feature which the camera incorporate is the zoom in video mode function. A variety of body colour is also available for your picking. One year of market feedback on the older Z33WP model has been a good starting point for the design goals of this new camera. Fujifilm has since moved along and provided an outdoor camera which is inline with the market demand for waterproof and shockproof cameras.
The market demand for waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof camera will continue to increase as user become more aware of the offerings by each camera manufacturer and as more advanced features are continuously being incorporated into these outdoor cameras while still retaining the portability and price. If you are seriously considering purchasing such a camera for your outdoor activities, you could give the above cameras a go.