Can you get by with a water resistant digital camera?
The first question you need to ask yourself when thinking about a water resistant digital camera, is what application are you wanting to use the camera for? There are so many options available that you will want to narrow it down a bit. There is no sense paying for more than what you will use, so if you just want a camera that you can splash around on the shore and take pics of your children playing in the water, or maybe in a boat taking pictures of waterskiers, there is no need to buy a camera that will hold up to a depth of 200 ft. That would simply be more camera than you need. If, however, you plan on diving with your camera, you may want to think more along the lines of an scuba camera. While these titles are similar, there is actually a big difference in the two.
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Product Description The FinePix XP10 is the first in a new category of super-tough, 'Four-Proof' digital cameras – waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof. Resulting from a redesign of Fujifilm's best-selling FinePix Z33WP, the FinePix XP10 is an ergonomically "life proof" camera housed in a metal uni-body chassis with a tactile grip finish.
The FinePix XP10 sports a 12-megapixel CCD sensor, a 2.7-inch, high-contrast LCD for better viewing in bright sunlight and a high-precision, Fujinon 5x periscopic optical zoom lens with a reinforced protective lens barrier. The FinePix XP10 is only 21.7mm thin, and retains the chiselled design of a conventional compact camera. Four-Way Protection The FinePix XP10 is the ultimate lifestyle camera. You can drop it, soak it, freeze it, and even cover it in dirt, and this camera will come out unscathed. Not only is the FinePix XP10 waterproof up to 10 feet, but it is also shockproof up to 3 feet, freezeproof up to 14�F and dustproof, giving you total confidence that they can take it with them wherever they go, whatever they are doing, regardless of the conditions. Easy Web Upload Now a key consideration for the younger web-savvy generations, the FinePix XP10 features a new Facebook/YouTube Automatic Web Upload function that makes it much faster to post photos on social networking sites. While in playback mode, this feature allows users to 'mark' a picture for Facebook or You Tube upload. Then, once the FinePix XP10 is connected to a computer with Fujifilm's MyFinePix Studio software (included), users upload their images and videos and the marked pictures and videos will automatically transfer to the selected site. HD Capability The FinePix XP10 also offers stunning movies in 720p with sound and high quality stills with one touch ease. Many consumers are happy to enjoy HD movies on their PC, but with the new HD Player (optional extra), which comes equipped with a remote control, families can gather around their home HDTV to enjoy amazingly detailed stills and high resolution movie playback. Target Focus Created specifically to capture an action shot, the Target Focus function tracks fast moving subjects so they don't escape from the frame in a blur. Subjects will be tracked automatically for as long as it is kept in the frame and the shutter is half-pressed; when users fully press the shutter button your subject will be in the centre of the photo in perfect focus. |
Sometimes you will want to just protect your existing camera from the elements. If that is the case, you may like this water resistant bag to carry your camera in.
Sometimes people just want a waterproof digital camera, and not one that is for underwater use. They just want a quality digital camera that they can play on the shore with and not worry about ruining it with the water. There is no sense buying an underwater digital camera, if all you need is a water resistant digital camera. So again, make sure you know what you are purchasing your digital camera for before you buy it. You have a choice of the type of water resistant digital camera you use the same as a land camera. Just as there are point-and-shoot digital cameras for land use, there are also point-and-shoot digital cameras for water resistant. Sometimes the cheapest digital cameras work the best. If all you want is to take some underwater photographs while you are snorkeling or want a camera with you while playing in the water, you don't necessarily need to get a top-rated digital camera for that. Sometimes you can get the little point-and-shoot, disposable underwater cameras that will work just fine for your application.
You'll also want to take into account how often you will be using your water resistant digital camera. If you go to tropical locations once a year, and do some snorkeling and want to take some photos, there is no need to spend a lot of money on an underwater digital camera. If, however, you plan to do a lot of diving and using your underwater digital camera for photography while you are diving, you will probably want to purchase a digital camera that will last you through many dives.
You need to be aware that caring for your water resistant digital camera is different from caring for your above ground camera. This can be taken care of generally by wiping with a dry cloth.
Make sure you check the rating on any camera that you are planning to use underwater. Some cameras are only rated for as little as 10 feet of water, and these are ones that should only be used for snorkeling or perhaps playing in your local pool. At the other end of the spectrum are cameras that can be used up to 300 feet. Most recreational, occasional divers, will be diving in the 25 to 30 foot range of water. If you are a bit more serious and go more often, you may go to the 65 foot range of water. Most recreational divers do not go beyond a depth of 100 feet, and they rarely reach that depth. If you are already a diver, you know what your diving depth usually is, and you'll need to choose your scuba camera accordingly. If you are just getting started as a diver, I would suggest a camera that is rated to 100 ft, that should take care of your underwater photography needs.
So remember, There is no need to run out and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on an underwater digital camera if you are not going to be diving with it. If you just need a water resistant digital camera, those are easy to come by and are much cheaper.