How To Choose A Compact Waterproof Camera

It’s always amazing when considering how far technology has come, but when comparing today’s cameras to those of just a few years back, the progress has been phenomenal. Going digital has meant significant advancement of course, but the most significant gains have been in taking digital cameras and making them almost indestructible.

No they aren’t yet completely indestructible, but we’re moving closer. It wasn’t all that long ago that much care was advised when handling any camera, and for sure we couldn’t get them wet. While this still holds for most models, there are today a significant number of manufacturers that offer a digital waterproof camera that can also take some rough handling.

However, certain ones are more waterproof than others, so you must check the specs. You’ll find those that can hardly survive the rain, others that are good for a few feet, and a few that can be taken down just below 30 feet. Below that depth, you’re really talking about a dive camera, although there are some of these that have housings available making them suitable for scuba diving.

Today there are a good many companies trying to play in this “compact, digital, waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof” space, including brands everyone recognizes. And while many make similar claims, there are significant differences, especially regarding just how much rough handling they can take.

For me, shockproof means it can fall from my hand to the driveway, inadvertently let a scuba tank tip over on it, accidently bang it up against a sail boom or mast, or smack it into the side of a mountain because I forgot it was in my pocket. And yes I’ve put cameras through these abuses and they continued to work as expected.

The thing about being outdoors is, well – you’re outside and things happen. In fact outside is most likely the place where the most instances happen that you want to photograph. And when you’re outdoors, it’s not always blue skies. Whether you’re at the beach, up a mountain, hiking, sailing, surfing, skiing, or watching the kids soccer game, you need a camera tough enough to keep up and one you don’t have to be concerned about about.

The key features to look for are a hardy case and few if any external moving parts. Cases can be metal or polycarbonate, but be aware the nice shiny metal ones will get roughed up pretty quick. Also if there is a cover that slides over the camera, it can get fouled by sand and grit thus making scratches.

However, a bit of good sense goes a long way. For example a lens cover that automatically opens and shuts as the camera is turned on or off is helpful since it guards the lens, but does offer the chance for fouling. So if you drop it in the sand while at the beach, simply rinse it off before trying to operate and circumvent any problem.

Keep in mind that water integrity can be compromised by any direct penetrations through the case as those type seals will fail the fastest. When evaluating a compact digital underwater camera, consider those that minimize case penetrations by utilizing features like a membrane sheath between control buttons and the cameras insides. In regard to battery, media card and connector compartments be sure there’s a good seal that compresses all the way around when closing the access door.

I also like a compact size that slips easily into a pocket. That way it never gets left behind. In so far as controls, some cameras have them large and spaced spread out making for easy operation even with gloves, while others have them clustered which is easy for one-hand operation. Like most things, the ultimate decision will be a compromise. The best way to come at it is to think about how you’re likely to utilize this camera most often and choose appropriately.

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May 27th, 2010