Waterproof cameras for underwater photography, review of models. Waterproof cameras for underwater photography, an overview of the Olympus models for underwater photography

The newest rugged cameras from 2019 or 2015 give amateur photographers unlimited opportunities to shoot on mountain peaks, on the water or underwater. In order to get excellent shots for underwater shooting, it is not necessary to purchase expensive professional equipment, you can purchase simpler digital equipment from a series of models for outdoor activities. What characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing such a device, and what are the features of organizing filming underwater, we will talk in this article.

Before deciding which camera is most suitable for underwater photography, let's review the distinctive features of such shooting from the shooting process on land. The first and most important feature is the environment surrounding the amateur photographer and its physical properties. Water differs from air in density, composition and processes that occur in this environment:

Light. Consider a high school physics course in which we all learned that water absorbs light very well. Moreover, it is not easy for a ray of light as such, but absorption occurs along spectral rays, into which ordinary light is divided. So, at a depth of more than one meter, the red color will practically not be visible in the spectrum; at a depth of more than six meters, only green and blue colors will remain. If you do not take into account this nuance, then all photos will be bluish, and photos from a depth of 30-40 meters or more will turn out to be almost monochrome. Speaking about light, the presence of which is the main and main factor for a successful shot, do not forget that water has the ability to refract light, which is why the image will turn out to be distorted.
Pressure. Another feature of the aquatic environment is the water pressure on the equipment, which will increase during immersion.
Density of water. Due to its density, water acts as a kind of magnifier, that is, a zoom for the camera. Therefore, this property of water should be taken into account when choosing the distance from the camera to the object that the amateur photographer wants to shoot.
Particles in the water that reflect light from the flash can spoil the picture. Given this feature, it is necessary to shoot from the bottom up.

A brief overview of the properties of water allows you to determine the properties to look for when choosing a device. So, what characteristics should have cameras for underwater photography, an overview of which is given below.

An indicator of the maximum depth to which the device can be immersed for shooting without additional protective equipment. Deep cameras are characterized by a robust body that can withstand heavy loads at depth. The deeper the camera can be immersed, the stronger the body of such a device and the higher the price, respectively. Conventional automatic instruments can freely withstand loads at a depth of eight ten meters. This resource is quite enough for amateur photography.
The presence of an image stabilizer. Due to the difficult shooting conditions, the image stabilization function is very important for this type of camera.
Battery life. An important factor is the power indicator and the maximum number of frames that the camera can produce between charging periods. Everyone agrees that it will be very sad if the battery runs out at the wrong time. But it is also important to consider that if you have an additional flash unit that can be used when shooting underwater, the battery will drain much faster, so it is better to choose a device with a powerful battery or take a spare battery with you.
The focal range index of the lens is the main property to pay attention to. A wide angle of view is important for underwater photography. The focal length range of 24 - 28 mm will be optimal for such shooting.
An indicator of the temperature at which the device will be able to function normally.
Hull strength or impact resistance. As a rule, all types of cameras designed for shooting in extreme conditions have an impact-resistant housing.

Cameras best sellers and their characteristics

What models and devices, what brands for underwater photography do users prefer? Let's review the leading representatives of this type of technology.

Topping the 2019 rating is an underwater camera from Olympus. This is a convenient, compact automatic device with the ability to shoot at the maximum possible depth of 15 meters. This device is capable of operating at temperatures up to minus ten degrees. It has a fairly durable waterproof case that can withstand drops of up to two meters. The battery life is about 380 shots, while the device is capable of producing 5 shots per second. In addition to everything, the device is equipped with special modes for underwater shooting.

A distinctive feature of this camera is a fivefold zoom and shooting in 3D, FullHD formats. Like the previous model, this device shoots at a depth of 15 meters. A budget model, the built-in matrix of which allows you to create pictures of good quality both on land and under water.

Nikon Coolpix AW120 Series

This model surpasses the presented cameras in terms of shooting speed. This unit is capable of shooting up to 60 frames per second. You can shoot with Nikon at a maximum depth of 18 meters. The main advantages of this model are a built-in stabilizer, a powerful battery with a resource of 350 frames, connection to WI-FI, GPS.

The speed of this model is up to 30 frames per second. You can shoot up to a maximum of 15 meters. At the same time, this unit is equipped with a depth meter, GPS, WI-FI module and built-in compass.

A small handy camera with an intuitive interface capable of shooting at a maximum of 14 meters. The battery capacity of this model is enough for a maximum of two hours of operation without connecting a charger.

This model is also equipped with a built-in compass, WI-FI connectivity, GPS. It has a rugged, shock-resistant housing and can shoot without special attachments at a depth of about 12 meters.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30 Series

The representative of this brand is one of the most compact underwater cameras. This unit is designed for shooting up to ten meters depth. The main advantages of this model are the built-in stabilizer and LED flashlight, which is able to illuminate objects when shooting close, which allows you not to use a flash. The special built-in program IntelligentAuto is able to recognize the format of images and adjust the device for them in automatic mode, which makes the use of this device very convenient.

Many people are mistaken, thinking that in order to create excellent pictures, it is enough to purchase a device with a wide range of additional features that meets all the necessary characteristics for shooting certain scenes. But this is a delusion by itself, the camera, whatever its characteristics, is not capable of creating unique images. And in order to create interesting, beautiful pictures, it is necessary to learn how to use light, to correctly select the constituent images of the future frame. And also that it is important to be able to correctly adjust the camera, taking into account all the nuances of the terrain or environment in which the shooting will take place. Therefore, there is no need to rush and immediately purchase an expensive camera, for a start it is better to study all the moments associated with shooting as such and work with a conventional device.

If you love to travel or are just going on a vacation where you are likely to swim, then you will most likely want to take photos right in or under the water! Capturing the extraordinary underwater world, capturing your friends splashing in the water or taking photos of your children swimming - all this is possible with a waterproof camera!

In this review, we will try to help you understand the question of how to choose a camera for underwater photography, what are the main differences and tell you about the latest and best models of underwater cameras in 2013 and 2014.

So let's get started!

How to choose a camera for underwater photography?

As with any camera, the most important thing is the sensor and lens. When choosing a matrix, it is important to look not only at the number of megapixels, but also at its type and physical size. The larger the matrix, the better its light sensitivity and color rendering. In the lens, you should pay attention to the aperture value (F-number), the lower it is, the more the camera will be able to let in light and the better the pictures will be in darker conditions.

Another important criterion when choosing is the display. They differ in size and screen resolution, now LCD displays are being replaced by brighter and higher quality OLED displays, which are already found in many models. Touchscreen displays have also become commonplace on cameras, in particular, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX30 has a large OLED touchscreen display. The display can also be rotatable, as, for example, on the Olympus Tough TG-850 iHS.

If you like to shoot video, then we advise you to pay attention to the presence of Full HD 1080p video recording and good stabilization. And of course, since you are choosing a camera for underwater photography, then pay attention to water resistance, that is, how well the camera is protected and how deep you can dive with it.

All underwater cameras are also rugged - they are shockproof, dustproof and frostproof.

Many waterproof cameras have a GPS function that allows you to record the exact coordinates (longitude and latitude) of the places where the images were taken or see the route of your trip. For outdoor enthusiasts, some models have a barometer, altimeter or compass. For example, on the Nikon Coolpix AW120.

One of the innovations is the presence of a Wi-Fi module in the camera, with which you can transfer photos to other devices or upload them to the Internet. Thanks to Wi-Fi, some models (for example, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5) have the ability to transfer images from the camera to a tablet or smartphone and remotely control the shutter, focus and zoom.

Now let's move on to ourselves, starting with the most budget models, and then moving on to premium waterproof cameras.

The most affordable underwater camera. Available in four colors - white, yellow, blue and pink. A very popular model among our customers!

The case is very bright and pleasant to the touch. It is very simple and convenient to use, even children can figure it out. By the way, as a camera for a child, this is a great option, as well as for the whole family.

On the top of the camera, two large buttons are conveniently located, on the left for instant video recording, on the right - a shutter for photos. Despite its price, this camera can shoot Full HD 1080p video! The vibrant camera menus are clear and intuitive, and creative photo filters add variety to your shots.

Nikon Coolpix S32 Features:

Matrix - CMOS 13 megapixels
Waterproof - up to 10 m
Display - 2.7 inches, resolution 230,000 dots
Full HD 1080p video
Optical zoom - 3x, focal length 30 - 90 mm, aperture F3.3 - F5.9
Battery life ≈ 220 photos

Read below about the more high-tech Nikon Coolpix AW120.

Fujifilm Finepix XP70 and XP200 underwater cameras

Fujifilm's most affordable rugged camera is the Finepix XP70, which comes in three vibrant colors - yellow, orange and blue. In terms of characteristics, it is similar to the Nikon Coolpix S32, but it has a larger sensor, which will affect the quality of photos for the better. Of the advantages, we highlight the good quality of FullHD 1080 video recording and wireless data transfer via Wi-Fi, but this will require you to install the free FUJIFILM Camera Application on your smartphone or tablet. Anti-glare screen for better sun exposure, and a handle and rest for easy one-handed shooting. For fans of panoramas, this camera has a panoramic shooting mode "Motion Panorama 360" with a 360º viewing angle!

Another Fujifilm XP200 model has improved performance - with it you can dive 15 meters, shock-resistant when dropped from 2 meters, a 3-inch display with a resolution of 960,000 dots, which is twice as high as on the XP70 and a more capacious battery.

Sample video shot with Fujifilm Finepix XP70

Comparison of differences between Fujifilm XP70 and XP200

Package Contents: Fujifilm Official Warranty, User Manual, Lanyard, Rechargeable Battery, Charger, USB Cable

Underwater camera Sony CyberShot TX30

An image and stylish camera from Sony is made in an ultra-thin body (only 15mm) with a slider on the front panel.

Among the advantages, we highlight the large OLED touchscreen with a very high resolution, which is perfectly visible even in bright sunlight, the 18.2 megapixel matrix and the Carl Zeiss lens with 5x optical zoom.

Sony CyberShot TX30 Features:

Matrix - BSI CMOS 18.2 megapixels
Waterproof - up to 10 m
Shock resistant up to 1.5 m, dust resistant, frost resistant down to -10 ° C
Display - OLED 3.3 inches, resolution 1,228,800 pixels
Full HD 1080p video
Optical zoom - 5x, focal length 26 - 130 mm, aperture F3.5 - F4.8
Battery life ≈ 250 photos
Package Contents: Official Sony Warranty, User Manual, Lanyard, Rechargeable Battery, Charger, USB Cable

An example of a video shot with a Sony CyberShot TX30 (select HD quality in the settings for a complete impression)

The top camera among Panasonic's underwater lineup really impresses with its robust body, which, according to Panasonic's data, can withstand a load of up to 100kg, this was achieved by strengthening the stiffeners. It is also equipped with a built-in GPS and GLONASS module, which will allow you to most accurately leave a mark on the location of the photo.

With Wi-Fi and NFC support, you can connect the camera to your smartphone with one touch. The image from the camera can be displayed directly on the smartphone screen and it is possible to remotely release the shutter, control zoom and focus.

It even has a database with information on many points of interest, as well as a compass, altimeter and barometer, which will be appreciated by travel enthusiasts.

We also want to note that Panasonic is famous for its many years of experience in working with video and the quality of video recording from this camera will be at its best, and the wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens will give you great photos.

Features Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5:

Matrix - Live MOS 16 megapixels
Water resistant up to 13 m
Shock resistant up to 2 m, dust resistant, frost resistant down to -10 ° C
Wi-Fi and NFC support, GPS and GLONASS, barometer, altimeter and compass
Display - 3 inches, resolution 460,000 dots
Full HD 1080p video
Optical zoom - 4.6x, focal length 28 - 128.8 mm, aperture F3.3 - F5.9
Battery life ≈ 370 photos
Package Contents: Official Panasonic Warranty, User Manual, CD, Lanyard, Rechargeable Battery, Charger, USB Cable

Sample video Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 (select HD quality in the settings)

Underwater cameras Ricoh WG-20, Ricoh WG-4 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Ricoh is the largest Japanese company producing various digital equipment, primarily related to digital cameras, camcorders and laser photo printers.

The new WG series of Ricoh cameras were previously released under the well-known Pentax Optio brand, but now new models will be released under the Ricoh brand.

At the moment, the company has 3 models among protected cameras - WG-20 and more advanced WG-4 and WG-4 GPS.

All cameras have an unusual, memorable design, a sturdy body and a very unusual approach to macro photography - LEDs are built around the lens, which provide additional illumination when shooting objects from a minimum distance of 1 cm and an additional macro stand for convenient macro photography.

Comparison of differences between Ricoh WG-20, WG-4 and WG-4GPS

RICOH	WG-20	WG-4	WG-4GPS
matrix	CCD 14 Mp	CMOS 16 MP	CMOS 16 MP
waterproofness	up to 10 m	up to 14 m	up to 14 m
impact resistance	up to 1.5 m	up to 2 m	up to 2 m
optical zoom	5x	4x	4x
display	2.7 ″, 230,000 dots	3 ″, 460,000 dots	3 ″, 460,000 dots
Max. video resolution	720p	1080p	1080p
flash	up to 4 m	up to 10.40 m	up to 10.40 m
Gps	No	No	Yes
barometer	No	No	Yes
altimeter	No	No	Yes
compass	No	No	Yes
battery life	260 photos	240 photos	240 photos

Olympus Tough TG-850 iHS and TG-2 iHS underwater cameras

Among the waterproof Olympus cameras, we want to highlight two high-end cameras TG-850 iHS and TG-2 iHS.

The two cameras are united by Olympus' iHS, an image processing technology that combines the capabilities of the CMOS sensor and the TruePic GPU, which was originally developed for DSLR cameras. Both cameras have Wi-Fi, but it only works with a special memory card that supports FlashAir technology.

Each model has its advantages, for example, the TG-2 is deeper (15 meters versus 10 for the TG-850), and its flash is more powerful, which is good for underwater photography, there is a GPS and a display with a higher resolution. At the same time, the TG-850 has a good trump card - a swivel screen, and it can be rotated 180º and take pictures, seeing yourself on the screen. Such a screen is very convenient to use, for example, if you want to take a shot from the ground.

The TG-850 also has a 16-megapixel sensor (the TG-2 has a 12-megapixel one), a 5x zoom (the TG-2 has a 4x zoom) and a wider-angle lens.

Comparison of differences between Olympus Tough TG-850 iHS and TG-2 iHS

Sample video Olympus Tough TG-850 iHS

Sample video Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS

One of the deepest and most popular models in our store. With the Nikon Coolpix AW120, it is possible to submerge under water to a depth of 18m, which is one of the best indicators among competitors. In addition to this, built-in Wi-Fi for file transfer, the presence of GPS and GLONASS modules, a world map and a compass!

Altitude, depth, atmospheric pressure and water pressure can be displayed on a monitor or embedded in images. On the screen, view data such as longitude and latitude, altitude, depth under water, as well as air pressure, compass readings, date and time.

This camera records Full HD 1080p movies that can then be viewed comfortably on a crisp, bright OLED display, while the 5-axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction (VR) system allows you to capture smooth, shake-free videos and shoot without blur.

Of the additional advantages, we will add the ability to shoot a panorama at 180º or 360º, which is very conveniently implemented - to shoot a panorama, you simply turn the camera horizontally or vertically.

Nikon Coolpix AW120 Features:

Matrix - CMOS 16 megapixels
Water resistant up to 18 m
Shock resistant up to 2m, dustproof, frost resistant to -10 ° C
Wi-Fi, GPS and GLONASS support, barometer and compass
Display - OLED 3 inches, resolution 921,000 points
Full HD 1080p video
Optical zoom - 5x, focal length 24 - 120 mm, aperture F2.8 - F4.9
Battery life ≈ 350 photos
Package Contents: Nikon Official Warranty, User Manual, Strap, Rechargeable Battery, Charger, USB Cable, Brush

Nikon Coolpix AW120 sample video

Finally got to the deepest underwater camera - Canon PowerShot D30!

Canon decided to get ahead of the competition and developed a camera capable of immersion up to 25m!

Like the previous models PowerShot D10 and PowerShot D20, this one turned out to be very successful and even more technological.

- this is a good companion, necessary both at normal times and while traveling. Shockproof and waterproof camera- this is perhaps the best friend of an active tourist who is used to not missing the bright moments of life and fixing them in the form of first-class photographs or videos. But when choosing such a necessary one, the same banal question always arises: "What to choose?" As part of this entry, the site editors have selected 7 interesting models at an attractive price. Among them are both protected "soap dishes" and more serious devices. Before we start the "run" I would like to tell you one more detail. There are no links to sales pages for some reason. All data on the price run for a separately taken device are taken from the site Yandex Market... On average, there are devices for different "wallets": from 9 580 , up to 34 999 rubles. So let's take a closer look at them.

Model CANON POWERSHOT D30 attracted attention with its appearance. He is moderately restrained, youthful and comfortable. Visually, the device is not much different from ordinary cameras, except for special markings on the front panel Waterproof(waterproof) and Shockproof(shockproof). The novelty was presented this summer and the device almost immediately intrigued the market with its positive characteristics of the leading model. If you have diving equipment with you, then feel free to take D30 in the swim. The device can take pictures at a depth of up to 25 meters what at the moment is a record! In the open cold, the camera quietly functions at a sub-zero temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. As for impact resistance, the camera should remain intact after falling from a height of 200 centimeters. In functional terms, the device can hardly be called outstanding, but it contains all the standard travel options, including the module Gps-navigation. The dimensions of the model are relatively small and are only 109x68x28 mm and weighs 218 grams. The latter pleases, but to provide additional ease of use, the kit comes with a proprietary strap, which is fixed to the case of the device.

Price: from 12 844 , before 18 901 rubles

Waterproof camera NIKON 1 AW1

Next in line is a device from one of the leaders in the camera market. Nikon 1 AW1- the first waterproof and shock-resistant interchangeable-lens digital camera. The model was released in 2013. Despite this, the gadget is not at all outdated in terms of parameters and at the moment it is one of the best offers for tourists. Visually, the device is similar to the related models J3 and S1, but only at first glance. The first differences are already noticeable when it comes to controls. In the arsenal of developers there are two color variations of the device: matte black and silver. Responsible for the images is a CMOS sensor with a size of 13.2 × 8.8 mm, the total number of points in which is 15.0 million. Gps-the device has a receiver too. There is no data on the shock resistance and depth of diving, but as you can see from the reviews, the device came out in the literal sense of the word gentle. To operate it under water, you have to resort to all sorts of instructions, prompts, and still there is no guarantee for the safety of the device. But in terms of image quality Nikon 1 AW1 in the survey takes one of the leading places.

Price: from 24 790 , before 28 821 rubles

Waterproof camera NIKON COOLPIX AW120

The second in a row device from the popular manufacturer Nikon is the model NIKON COOLPIX AW120 which replaced AW110... There are no serious functional differences in them, if you do not take into account the added Gps-module and revised technical parameters. For example: the predecessors could not boast of a wide-angle lens that allows you to shoot large objects and volumetric shots both on land and under water. By taking diving equipment, you can be sure that at a depth of up to 18 meters will be able to do up to 350 interesting images. The image sensor of the model is equal to 1 / 2.3 inches, CMOS, 16.79 megapixels. The number of effective pixels in megapixels is 16. But what can disappoint even on land is the lack of a protective lens shutter. It is desirable to purchase a protective cover for the device. Otherwise, the lens may be scratched quickly and reflected in the pictures. This disadvantage is compensated by the ease of use, fueled by the reliability of the case. The touchscreen display is the second disadvantage. It is easy enough to break it if you accidentally sit on it or drop it on a bulge. Gps-module with the Glonas system and maps in this model is present along with Wi-Fi-module.

Price: from 10 580 , before 18 737 rubles

OLYMPUS TG-3 TOUGH Waterproof Camera

Waterproof camera OLYMPUS TG-3 TOUGH was introduced earlier this summer. The device was developed as a device for all occasions, which is the pure truth! frost, dust or water is not terrible, within reasonable limits, of course. You can dive with him to a depth of 15 meters, which is an order of magnitude lower than that of the review leader CANON POWERSHOT D30... But the height of the fall is slightly higher - up to 210 centimeters... The camera responds adequately to subzero temperatures up to 10 degrees Celsius. The camera uses a 1 / 2.3-inch (6.17 × 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 million effective pixels. Image processing is occupied by the TruePic VII processor. Light sensitivity is equal to ISO 100-6400, the range of shutter speeds is 1 / 2000-4 s. It has a receiver for satellite navigation systems Gps/ GLONASS, wireless adapter Wi-Fi with support for 802.11b / g / n, electronic compass, 36 MB of internal memory, USB 2.0 port and HDMI interface. Do not be scared by the figure "36 MB", because you can "shove" a voluminous 64 GB flash card into the gadget! A serious disadvantage of this model is the price and the lack of accessories. For all other criteria, the camera can receive the title of "People's Model", which indicates its popularity.

Price: from 15 900 , before 19 990 rubles

Waterproof camera PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FT5

PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FT5 was first introduced in 2013. During this time, the designers of the popular brand could not surprise with anything new, except for the tablet. In terms of its functionality, it is not much different from its competitors. It also contains modules Wi-Fi, Gps-navigation and recording capability Full HD-rolls at a speed of 60 frames per second. The loading level at the maximum depth is perhaps one of the lowest - up to 13 meters... But the camera wins in terms of the quality of the created images and videos. At the same time, it is worth noting another obvious disadvantage - energy consumption. For active tourists who go far from all the benefits of civilization, it is best to buy an additional battery for the camera and. This is the only way you can always keep the device active. One of the "chips" LUMIX DMC-FT5 is the ability to control the camera from a mobile phone or tablet, which allows you to take group photos with all members of the expedition. Nobody has to run to shift.

Price: from 14 700 , before 20 980 rubles

Waterproof camera PENTAX K30

Pentax K-30- DSLR camera for advanced enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts. Rugged case design, matrix 16 megapixels, optical image stabilization on matrix shift, sensitivity range ISO 100-12800 (expandable up to 25600), high-resolution monitor 921000 pixels, two command dials, Full HD video ( [email protected]), in-camera processing of RAW files, digital filters, HDR shooting, adjustment of autofocus for lenses. Despite the fact that the model was released back in the distant (by the standards of the market of modern gadgets) 2012 year, the device remains in service to this day. The popularity of the device is due to the sealed design of the case, which reliably protects the camera mechanism from water drops and dust. To put it bluntly, this review has a separate place for this device. Its impact resistance is lower than all presented, as well as the immersion depth, which is practically nonexistent. Describing it, we put an emphasis on high-quality pictures while traveling, and not underwater extreme. If you want to purchase a device specifically for diving, we recommend that you pay attention to CANON POWERSHOT D30. K-30 will only provide photographers with solid images in any weather, including the standard minus mark of 10 degrees Celsius.

Price: from 21 790 , before 34 999 rubles

Waterproof camera PENTAX WG-3 GPS

The last hero of the review is PENTAX WG – 3 GPS... If we talk about the price, then it is in the first place among all presented. In the arsenal of the developers, there are a number of color variations of the model. All of them are very bright and catchy, which makes the device easy to spot among mud, water or foliage. Quite a useful option! The new item has the same lens characteristics as the Olympus TG-1 iHS (lagging behind the model OLYMPUS TG-3 TOUGH), as well as the TG-2 iHS, which replaced it: the overlapping focal length is 25–100 mm, and the maximum aperture opening is ƒ / 2. Besides Pentax WG-3 GPS can be submerged to a depth of 14 meters and dropped from the market standard 200 centimeters. In addition, this camera supports Qi (wireless battery charging) technology, which is another solid plus in its favor. Completion "finishes off" buyers. In addition to the device, there is a convenient strap on which a branded carabiner clings for the subsequent fastening of the device to clothes or backpacks. Optional O-RC1 waterproof remote control, unsinkable strap for shooting on water, HDMI cable, bike handlebar mount, clothes mount and case. As you may have noticed, a clear target audience for PENTAX WG – 3 GPS, but the device meets the initial requirements for the selected devices. We were looking for a best friend for an active tourist and it seems he was found.

Price: from 9 580 , before 13 350 rubles

On this, perhaps, it's time to complete a short run through interesting devices from popular manufacturers. How to get a waterproof camera in the end? - you decide. If this is the first experience in acquiring secure devices and operating them, then take PENTAX WG – 3 GPS... And if you just need a good camera for taking pictures in all weather conditions, then PENTAX K30.

Is there a video. Olympus has introduced the new TG-850 iHS to the Tough range, which is shock-, water-, dust- and cold-resistant. has 18 scene modes, 11 art filters, a rotating display and a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor 1 / 2.3. He can shoot videos underwater. The maximum shooting level at 60 fps is 1080p.

http://youtu.be/TcY-Ol8Nz7Q

Waterproof level - up to 10 meters below the waterline without any auxiliary boxes. It can withstand 220lbf / 100kgf pressure and will not be damaged if dropped from a height of 2.1 meters onto concrete. Full dustproofness and the ability to work at temperatures of 10 degrees below zero are provided. In general, we can say that this protection corresponds to the maximum IP68 certification.

It provides a 3-inch monitor in 16: 9 format with a resolution of 460K. The display is made in a folding form factor with the ability to rotate 180 degrees. The lens has 5x optical zoom, 2x Super Resolution zoom and 4x digital zoom.

The focal length is at the level of 21 - 105 mm in 35 mm equivalent, the aperture is F3.5 - F5.7, there is an image stabilizer. Indicators of ISO sensitivity in the range of 125 - 6400. There are great opportunities for continuous shooting, autofocus, backlight. Photos are saved in JPEG and videos are saved in MOV / H.264.

The user can shoot in 1080p, 720p or 240 fps in VGA. For data storage, SD, SDHC, SDXC cards are used. There are USB 2.0 High-Speed ports, HDMI type D, audio / video, DC Jack. Autonomy is provided by a lithium-ion battery LI-50B, which provides over 300 shots or an hour and a half of video filming.

The waterproof camera is enclosed in with dimensions of 27.6 x 64.1 x 109.9 mm. The frost-resistant camcorder weighs 218 grams. It will be available for purchase in March 2014 with an estimated cost of $ 249.99.

More details:
getolympus.com/us/en/new/tg-850.html

Most cameras are quite fragile things that can take one drop or a slight hit of moisture to break. But there are cameras that can easily survive a variety of unfavorable surprises.

Every year more and more are produced in shockproof, dustproof and waterproof housing. Protected Cameras perfect for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. Cameras made in a protective case are able to withstand falls from a great height, work not only in frost, in the rain, but even shoot under water.

The main distinguishing feature of rugged underwater cameras is the body made of impact-resistant plastic or metal. The tightness of the camera is ensured by special gaskets, all controls - buttons, zoom adjustment and movable elements - battery compartment covers, memory cards have a reliable seal made of elastic material.

Today we will tell about the best shockproof and waterproof underwater cameras.

Nikon 1 AW1 camera(w / 11-27.5mm kit zoom)

Main characteristics: 14 MP, 3-inch LCD display 921000 pixels, 1080p Full HD video recording.

Short review:

The Nikon 1 AW1 is a waterproof mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. The Nikon 1 mount will allow any 1 Series lens to be used, but only two lenses offer the same level of protection as the AW1, namely 11-27.5mm f / 3.5-5.6 and 10mm f / 2.8. The Nikon 1 AW1's body is shock-resistant and waterproof - without damaging the camera, you can safely descend to a depth of 15 meters. The quality of the images and the focusing speed correspond to the level of the top modern "mirrorless" cameras. Only the price can scare the buyer away from such a Nikon masterpiece.

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS camera

Main characteristics: 12 MP, FR 25-100 mm, 3-inch OLED display 610000.

Short review:

Olympus Stylus TG-2 rightfully belongs to the top-end waterproof cameras. The compact camera pleasantly surprises with its versatile 4x zoom 25-100mm f / 2-f / 4.9 lens. The camera is equipped with a GPS module and a manometer (pressure sensor). The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS can dive to a depth of 15 meters. Video recording is made in Full HD 1080/30 frames / s.

The Olympus TG-2 produces good image quality, allows you to adjust the exposure, which is quite rare among waterproof cameras.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 camera

Main characteristics: 16 MP, FR 28-128 mm, 3-inch LCD display 460,000 dots.

Short review:

The Panasonic Lumix FT5 is a shockproof (withstands drops from a height of up to 2 meters) and waterproof (immersion up to 13 meters deep) camera with a Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR 28-128 mm f / 3.3-5.9 lens. The ability to shoot video in 1080 / 60p HD, the presence of a huge number of modes. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks - a weak flash will force you to set a high ISO level more often than you would like. The quality of the pictures is decent, as is the speed of the autofocus, but nothing outstanding. The Panasonic Lumix FT5 camera is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, altimeter and barometer.

Sony Cyber-shot TX30 camera

Main characteristics: 18 MP, FR 26 - 130 mm, 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen display 1228800 points.

Short review:

The Sony Cyber-shot TX30 looks rather unusual in its segment of shock-resistant and waterproof cameras - at first glance it is an ordinary compact camera, in fact, the thin TX30 can easily withstand a depth of 10 meters and drops from a height of 1.5 meters. Yes, there are models that are more durable, but the Sony TX30 stands out from the competition precisely for its small size. This stylish camera also boasts the excellent Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 26-130mm f / 3.5-4.8 5x zoom lens.

Camera Pentax Optio WG-3

Main characteristics: 16 MP, FR 25-100 mm, 3-inch LCD display 460,000 dots.

Short review:

The Pentax WG-3 camera is a stripped-down version of the WG-3 GPS, and therefore is not equipped with a wireless charger and, of course, a GPS module. But in this way the camera wins in the price of 2500 rubles. With everything else, the Pentax Optio WG-3 is in perfect order - a fast 25-100 mm f / 2.0-4.9 lens with 4x zoom, immersion in water to a depth of 14 meters, withstands weight up to 100 kg and temperatures up to minus 25 degrees. As for the executive qualities, the WG-3 is not the fastest camera in the world, but it gives a good picture in the pictures and in the video. Thus, the Pentax Optio WG-3 is excellent and inexpensive waterproof camera for traveling.

Simple rules for using waterproof cameras for underwater photography

The most important thing is to follow the basic rules of using cameras for underwater photography - after salt water, be sure to rinse with running fresh water, do not forget to open the covers of the battery compartment and memory card after each dive, wipe and dry them. Before diving, it is recommended to check the surfaces of the elastic material on the covers, even the smallest grain of sand on the surfaces of the covers can cause leaks, and also make sure that all covers are securely closed before diving.