Waterproof compact cameras have been around a while now, though there's a big difference in how vendors define "waterproof".
Canon's new PowerShot D10 is interesting because it will supposedly work to a depth of 10 metres, which means in it's great for snorkeling or surfing. In fact at the launch event, someone suggested strapping it to your board to shoot video.
Compacts like the D10 (to be released in May, pricing yet to be announced), are great news if you're looking for a compact consumer camera to take surfing or snorkeling without the hassle of buying external housings.
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| Canon's PowerShot D10: good for throwing off a pier in a fit of rage |
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| Chunkier buttons: for those who like to wear gloves with their swimming attire |
While the D10 is bulkier than the Panasonic, it sounds impressive on paper - shockproof to 1.22m, 12.1 CCD, DiG!C 4 processing. It's also freezeproof to -10 Celcius, so in theory it could suit snowboarding or skiing. There's also interchangeable covers in camouflage, orange or grey.
On the downside, the D10 shoots VGA, versus 720p for some of Canon's other PowerShots or Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-FT1, a funky looking new waterproof compact that's also just arrived on the market and also shoots 720p.
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| Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT1: waterproof to 3 metres |
While Panasonic's $699 LUMIX DMC-FT1 is rated to a depth of 3 metres, instead of 10, it does have some impressive features. The 12.1 megapixel camera has a 28mm wide lens, 4.6x zoom, is 1.5m shockproof, and records to AVCHD Lite. Oh, and it comes in bright orange, blue, and silver and green.
While pricing is yet to be announced on the Canon D10, reports say it will sell in the US for $330, so fingers crossed it will be in the same bracket as the LUMIX DMC-FT1, or cheaper.