Making a Splash
The best shockproof, waterproof cameras
for the summer holidays as rated
by our reviewers.
Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP
Many reviewers were as impressed as Phil from Cardiff that this camera is “So easy to use, haven’t had to look at the instructions once”. But several reviewers mentioned that they found the battery life disappointing and that “the strap should have a toggle on it to prevent it coming off the wrist while swimming”. And you’ll be glad to know that one reviewer found that it “was excellant for taking photos of the orangutans in the rain”.
The Finepix Z33WP, from £89, is waterproof to 3 metres.
Pentax Optio W60
This rugged, compact Pentax underwent yet more tales of adventure, as Andrew of Norwich tells us that “it survived and performed well during a white water rafting and canyoning trip in the French Alps.” Rupert from Brisbane reported that he found the “focus a bit slow”, although he countered that, for a waterproof model, “the image quality is excellent”.
The Pentax Optio W60, from £250, is waterproof to 4 metres and coldproof.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1
Chris from London certainly put this offering from Panasonic through its paces: “Bought as a replacement for a Pentax WPI its already spent 4 days underground on a long caving trip coping superbly with submersion in muddy cold water, continuous bashing against rock, very low light conditions, prolonged flash use (probably more extreme than general real world use).”, although he and other reviewers were concerned that the “Lens collects dust easily and may become scratched.”
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1, from £150, is waterproof to 3 metres, shockproof and dustproof.
Olympus µ Tough-8000
Colin from Bristol found an unfortunate way to test this model out: “It may not break if you drop it, but just don’t drop it on your foot because it’s not light!” Most reviewers agreed with Colin that “Under water shots (and video) are amazing”, although Roger from Brighton noted that “processing time between shots is slow”.
Olympus µTough-8000, from £255, is waterproof to 10 metres, crushproof and freezeproof.
Canon PowerShot D10
“The perfect toy for dad with action addicted children!” reckons Benoit from Champfleur. Although most reviewers found this very simple to operate, Terry of Ellesmere Port says that he found the “buttons slightly small for gloved hand”, which might be worth thinking about if you’re a diver or sailor.
The PowerShot, from £200, is waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof, coldproof & dustproof.