Shopping for a waterproof digital camera

I have been considering for years whether to buy a new digital SLR, but just can't justify the $2000+ price tag when my existing camera is still working so well. *TOUCH WOOD* I had also considered purchasing a 'pocket camera' so I had something to take with me to weddings without carting 2 lenses, a flash and a camera bag in my tiny sparkly purse. This means I get new camera excitement while only spending a couple of hundred dollars.

We're planning a holiday to Cairns (North Queensland, Australia) in a few weeks, so camera shopping is on my mind once again. On a trip to Vanuatu last year we got an underwater disposable camera and got a few great shots, but just as we got the hang of it we ran out of photos and the whole exercise cost us about $49 by the time we got them printed.

This time, I thought I'd look at the options for underwater cameras and WOW ... its amazing how quickly 6 hours online and 2 hours visiting stores goes. I figure if we are going to spend about $500 on a trip to the reef, I want the option of being able to get a few hundred photos!!!!

Here's the current leading option:

Fujifilm Z33WP Digital Camera

• Waterproof up to 3 meters, for maximum of 2 hour
• 10 Megapixel sensor for high resolution pictures

• 3x optical zoom lens

• Picture Stabilisation – reduces image blur

• Face Detection technology – with red-eye removal

• SR Auto to ensure perfect pictures every time

• Choice of five daring colours – Kiwi Green, Hawaiian Blue, Daredevil Black, Liquid Gold and Rock Chick Pink

• Large 2.7 inch LCD Screen

• Excellent low-light capabilities for underwater shots
• Protective silicon jacket and wrist strap available

> More Information at TEds
> More Information at Harvey Norman

Other Colours ...

It looks like a great little camera for the maximum price of $349. It would be even better if it were around the $249 to $299 mark.

The other options that really stand out right now are:

Olympus
> Olympus MJU-8000
$599

This is one of the toughest looking cameras I've seen. It's designed for underwater and for snow, going to a depth of 10m and standing freezing temperatures.

-12 Megapixels
- 3.6x Optical Zoom with wide angle lens
- Waterproof to 10m
- Shockproof to 2.0m
- Snowproof to -10°c
- Crushproof to 100kg
- Dual Shakeproof CCD Shift Image Stabiliser
- Tap Control Mode
- In-Built Panorama
- Face Detection and Shadow Adjust
- 2.7" HyperCrystal III LCD Screen

Canon
> Canon Powershot D10
$599 - $549

It's a little bubbly in its design, or a bit too 'underwater', but the features are spectacular. So is the price.

- Waterproof 10m
- Freezeproof-10
- Shockproof 1m
- Dustproof
- 12.1 megapixels
- 3x Optical Zoom
- TruCapture technology

Nikon
I really do love Nikon camera's the best, but I don't feel comfortably buying housing for my digital SLR and emersing it in water. What if I accidentally don't seal it properly?! Most of the Nikon camera's appear to be a camera plus housing.

I'd really just rather a simple option of a camera that's waterproof for a few metres, like the Fuji for $349. I don't scuba dive, just snorkel, so it should be a plenty decent enough camera to get some great photos and video of us enjoying the amazing wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

I'll let you know what I end up deciding on! Please let me know if you have any advice before hand ....