Waterproof Shockproof Digital Cameras

Many people enjoy rugged outdoor sports, but most cameras aren't designed to go surfing in the ocean or mountain biking in the mud or climbing on a freezing cold mountaintop. Those aren't the sort of locations you'd want to take your camera phone or nice SLR that can could be ruined with a little sand or water in the camera. So what's an outdoor person to do? Thankfully, manufacturers are coming up with waterproof shockproof digital cameras that can go just about anywhere. Today's models can offer amazing resolution (up to 16 megapixels), cool features such as built-in GPS, one-touch HD video recording, and even 3D photo images. It all depends on how much you want to spend, and what features you need. Here's a list of some waterproof shockproof cameras currently available.

(Photo of Pentax Optio WG-2 from Amazon)

Rugged cameras for on-the-go shooting

The list below are some of the current models of waterproof, shockproof digital cameras that you can take virtually anywhere, from under the water to up on a mountaintop. They are able to withstand freezing temperatures, are immune to dust, and if you drop them from several feet, you won't need to be hurrying back to the camera store for a replacement. These are tough cameras for tough people.

Olympus TG-1iHS
12 MP, waterproof to 40 ft, GPS" />Olympus TG-1iHS
12 MP, waterproof to 40 ft, GPSCHECK PRICE

Nikon COOLPIX AW100
16 MP, waterproof to 40 ft, GPS" />Nikon COOLPIX AW100
16 MP, waterproof to 40 ft, GPSCHECK PRICE

Panasonic Lumix TS4
12.1 MP, waterproof to 40 ft, GPS" />Panasonic Lumix TS4
12.1 MP, waterproof to 40 ft, GPSCHECK PRICE

Canon PowerShot D20
12.1 MP, waterproof to 33ft, GPS" />Canon PowerShot D20
12.1 MP, waterproof to 33ft, GPSCHECK PRICE

Panasonic Lumix TS20
16.1 MP, waterproof to 16 ft" />Panasonic Lumix TS20
16.1 MP, waterproof to 16 ftCHECK PRICE

Fujifilm FinePix XP100
14 MP, waterproof to 33 ft" />Fujifilm FinePix XP100
14 MP, waterproof to 33 ftCHECK PRICE

What's available in today's models

When shopping for waterproof, shockproof digital cameras, you'll find a variety of features that make these cameras great for all types of shooting, whether underwater, in the snow, rain, or sand. Because they're sealed for water, these cameras also resistant to dust and can withstand hot and cold temperatures that might affect the performance of other cameras. Here's a short list of some of the highlights of the cameras featured on this page.

• Available with resolution up to 16.2 MP
• Price range from less than $200 to about $400, depending on brand and features
• Water resistant up to depths of 33 feet, depending on model
• Most models are also dustproof and freeze-proof
• Available in a variety of colors

Options to consider

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What Do You Need in Your Waterproof Shockproof Digital Camera?

Consider the following:

• What resolution do you want?
• Do you need a camera that can just go into the swimming pool or can be taken to lower depths?
• Do you want special features like a built-in GPS?
• Does the brand name matter?
• Is it important to have video capabilities? If so, do you need HD video?
• Do you need a camera that's shockproof from tall heights?