A Quick Intro to Underwater Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Have you been thinking about getting an underwater point-and-shoot camera? Now is a great time to buy, as more models are coming on the market each year, and there's now a good selection of cameras from which to choose. Whether you're looking for a waterproof camera to use as a backup when you can't use your primary camera, or whether you want a high-quality underwater camera for everyday use, there's a model for you. Here's an introduction to underwater point-and-shoot cameras to help you get started.

(Image by Lisa Howard)

Why a waterproof, shockproof digital camera is great for almost everyone

1. They can go just about anywhere.

Although you may be considering an underwater point-and-shoot camera because of its waterproof abilities, that's not the only feature that makes these cameras perfect for almost every situation. Many are also shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof, so they'll keep working whether you drop them on the ground, take them to the ski slopes, or get caught in a dust storm. Some are even crushproof! And because they're compact and lightweight, you can slip most waterproof point-and-shoot cameras into a pocket or bag, making them perfect travel cameras

2. They shoot video, too.

Whether you want to capture the action above water or below, most underwater digital cameras will give you the choice of still photos or video. Several now offer HD video, and you can also find models that offer time lapse still photos, which is another great way to capture a series of images over a period of time.

3. They're available for every budget.

While the top-of-the-line rugged cameras may be more expensive than your average point-and-shoot model, there are options for every budget, from less than $100 to about $500. The price depends on the features available. If you want all the bells and whistles, including GPS, a high-resolution sensor and a variety of features, you'll pay more than you will for a basic waterproof camera that isn't quite as rugged and doesn't offer all the extra technical toys.

With their rugged construction and versatile features, there's an underwater point-and-shoot camera model for just about everyone.

As of this writing, the Nikon AW100 waterproof digital camera is currently the most popular camera in the Underwater Camera category on Amazon. And it's no wonder. This 16 MP camera is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to falls from 5 feet, dustproof, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and takes great still photos and 1080p HD video. It has a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, a large 3-inch monitor, and built-n GPS and compass, as well as multiple scene modes and other features. Customers who have used this camera give it good ratings - it currently has a 3.7- out of 5-star rating on Amazon with over 150 reviews.

If you're not ready to buy a waterproof camera, you might want to try renting one first. This is a cheap way to test out a new camera or borrow one for just the short period you need it.

At BorrowLenses, you can rent a waterproof Canon PowerShot D10 or D20 or a GoPro Hero or Hero2 for as little as $33 for the week. BorrowLenses.com will send the camera right to your door, and then you just send it back when your rental period is over. They also rent underwater camera housings for select DSLRs.

The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is currently one of the most popular waterproof compact cameras on the market, but there are plenty of others to choose from. Take a look below to see some of the rugged cameras available today.

If you're looking for a way to save money on your underwater digital camera, don't forget to check eBay. You can often get new cameras here for less than you'd pay at many online photo stores. Just be sure to check the seller's ratings before you buy to ensure you're buying from a good source.