Clicking pictures near or underwater is certainly not possible with the standard camcorder or camera. For clear pictures, near or underwater you need to have a durable waterproof camera. The good news is, reputed brands like Canon, Olympus, Fujifilm, Nikon and Sony have brought out some amazing waterproof cameras in the market. Buying these products and their accessories might be a little expensive for some but one cannot deny the importance of these cameras when you want to click pictures near or underwater. Waterproof cameras have been in the market since 2002 and their demand has only increased. They share the same features like any other digital camera with high-resolution LCD screens, faster processors, wider angle lenses, built-in image stabilization and high-resolution sensors. The only difference is, waterproof cameras have non extending lenses and internal zooms which ensure no water gets inside the camera and some models are even shock resistant and dust proof. Reviews on Waterproof Camera It doesn't matter if you are in diving in deep waters or skiing on snow, the following cameras work just fine under both scenarios as they are water and freeze proof. However, it is recommended that you test them before making a purchase and remember to clarify the maximum depth that the camera would work underwater if you go for scuba diving or snorkeling. Nikon COOLPIX AW100 Specifications

• Resolution: 16.0 megapixels
• Digital Zoom: 4.0x
• Total Pixels: 16,790,000 pixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 16,000,000 pixels
• Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
• Shooting Programs: Underwater, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Museum, Report, Surf and snow, Landscape, Text, Flower, Pet, Natural skin tone, Fireworks, Frame composition, Sports mode, Night scene, Soft and Kids
• Max Shutter Speed: 1/1500 sec
• Min Shutter Speed: 4.0 sec
• Digital Video Format: H.264, MOV
• Still Image Format: JPEG
• Continuous Shooting Speed: 7.1 frames per second
• Memory Card: Yes
• Camera Flash: Built In
• Self Timer: Yes
• Underwater Depth: Up to 30 ft
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 14.0°F
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104.0°F

Pentax Optio Specifications

• Resolution: 7.0 megapixels
• Digital Zoom: 4.0x
• Total Pixels: 7410000.0 pixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 7000000.0 pixels
• Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
• Shooting Programs: Underwater, Museum, Report, Surf and snow, Natural skin tone, Fireworks, Frame composition, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Sports mode, Night scene, Landscape, Text, Flower, Food, Pet, Soft and Kids
• Max Shutter Speed: 0.00050 sec
• Min Shutter Speed: 4.0 sec
• Digital Video Format: QuickTime
• Still Image Format: JPEG
• Continuous Shooting Speed: Every second 30 frames
• Memory Card: Yes
• Camera Flash: Built In
• Self Timer: Yes
• Underwater Depth: 5 ft
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 32.0°F
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104.0°F

Canon D10 Specifications

• Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
• Digital Zoom: 4x
• Total Pixels: 12,400,000 pixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 12,100,000 pixels
• Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
• Shooting Programs: Night Snapshot, Beach, Sunset, Stitch Assist, High Sensitivity, Underwater, snow, Fireworks, Foliage, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Sports mode, Night scene, slow shutter, Landscape and Text
• Max Shutter Speed: 1/1500 sec
• Min Shutter Speed: 15 sec
• Digital Video Format: H.264
• Still Image Format: JPEG
• Continuous Shooting Speed: Every second 30 frames
• Memory Card: Yes
• Camera Flash: Built In
• Self Timer: Yes
• Underwater Depth: Up to 30 ft
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 14°F
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104.0°F

Panasonic TS1 Specifications

• Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
• Digital Zoom: 4x
• Total Pixels: 12,700,000 pixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 12,100,000 pixels
• Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
• Shooting Programs: Candle, Party/indoor Night Portrait, Beach, Sunset, Stitch Assist, High Sensitivity, baby2, baby1, Underwater, snow, Fireworks, Foliage, Portrait mode, Clipboard, Aerial Photo, Starry Sky, Scenery, Self-portrait, Sports mode, Night scene, slow shutter, Landscape and Text
• Max Shutter Speed: 1/1300 sec
• Min Shutter Speed: 60 sec
• Digital Video Format: QuickTime and AVCHD Lite
• Still Image Format: JPEG
• Continuous Shooting Speed: 10 frames per second (3MPix), 6 frames per second, 2.3 frames per second and 1.8 frames per second
• Memory Card: Yes
• Camera Flash: Built In
• Self Timer: Yes
• Underwater Depth: Up to 9.8ft
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 32°F
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104°F

Fujifilm FinePix XP30 Specifications

• Resolution: 14.2 megapixels
• Digital Zoom: 6.8x
• Total Pixels: 14,700,000 pixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 14,200,000 pixels
• Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
• Shooting Programs: Natural light, Snow, Beach, Underwater macro, Underwater wide, Natural light with flash, Underwater, Sports mode, Night mode, Flower, Sunset, Portrait enhancer, Motion panorama, Text, Party/indoor, Night (tripod), Portrait mode and Landscape
• Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec
• Min Shutter Speed: 1/4 sec
• Digital Video Format: MJPEG and AVI
• Still Image Format: JPEG
• Continuous Shooting Speed: Every second 0.8 frames
• Memory Card: Yes
• Camera Flash: Built In
• Self Timer: Yes
• Underwater Depth: Up to 15 ft
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 14°F
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104°F

Sony CyberShot DSC-TX10 Specifications

• Resolution: 16.1 megapixels
• Digital Zoom: 5.1x
• Total Pixels: 16,400,000 pixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 16,100,000 pixels
• Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
• Shooting Programs: Underwater, Museum, Report, Surf and snow, Natural skin tone, Fireworks, Frame composition, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Sports mode, Night scene, Landscape, Text, Flower, Food, Pet, Soft and Kids
• Max Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec
• Min Shutter Speed: 2 sec
• Digital Video Format: H.264
• Still Image Format: JPEG
• Continuous Shooting Speed: 1 frame per second
• Memory Card: Yes
• Camera Flash: Built In
• Self Timer: Yes
• Underwater Depth: Up to 16.5 ft
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 32.0°F
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104.0°F

Camera Buying Tips Now that some specifications are clear, readers might at least have a rough idea about their desired product.

• The most important thing while buying a waterproof camera is to check its sealing. If you see any broken seals never buy such pieces.
• Having a decent resolution is a must for waterproof cameras. Buy a camera with minimum 5 megapixels for better image quality.
• Check the style and shape of the camera and buy the one which actually suits your requirements. For most people a compact camera is enough, also inquire about all the accessories that you get with the camera.
• These cameras have a depth rating related to water pressure and it's necessary that you stick to it. Don't pressurize the camera gaskets by taking it deep into the water. Last but not the least, check the warranty terms and services.

Don't expect SLR like speed in these cameras. Even with the quick succession mode, clicking multiple pictures at a time is something which should not be practiced. Also it is a good idea to have a nesting for your camera, manufacturers make some good bags or plastic holders which they sell with the camera or as a separate accessory.