Waterproof Digital Camera Fact-File

Is a waterproof digital camera really waterproof? What about the terms 'splash-proof' or 'water resistant'. Which should you go for if you want to take underwater photographs without damaging your digital camera?

If a camera is described as a waterproof digital camera it should be suitable for underwater photography. However, it is always worth checking the camera statistics to find out the maximum depth of water the camera can be used in.

There are some waterproof digital cameras which will allow you to go to depths of 25m, perfect for diving, whereas others will only allow for depths of up to 3m. Even so, 3m or 10ft is deep enough for the amateur underwater photographer. Very few swimming pools require a waterproof digital camera capable of going deeper and holiday snaps while snorkelling are a 'snap'.

Watch out, however, for the water resistant or splash proof cameras rather than fully waterproof digital cameras. These are NOT suitable for underwater photography and will very quickly fill up and be ruined if underwater activity is attempted.

So why do they use such terms? Well, splash proof cameras are ideal for kids, as accidental spills of fizzy drinks or a quick drop in the bath tub will do no harm. A quick wipe down to dry it off and its as good as new. Water resistant cameras might be suitable for rainy days or the odd water-related accident, but prolonged use under water would not do it any good.

For example: The Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Waterproof Digital Camera which you may have seen advertised on TV has won awards for its design and technology. You can drop it, bang it, abuse it and even soak it and it will take clear, perfect pictures every time. It is ideal for younger kids as it has two viewfinders and simple push-button operations. Image resolution of 1.3 megapixels is fine for prints of 4" x 6" and a built-in memory of 64MB allows up to 500 pictures to be stored.

Sounds great, and is. However, do not be misled into thinking that it can be used in or under water. It can't. Further down the product description we get the single one line stating that the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Waterproof Digital Camera is waterproof for 30 minutes in up to 3 feet of water (not suitable for underwater use).

So please don't try to send it back dripping wet claiming that it's faulty, because you have been warned!

If underwater photography is your kid's thing, then there are other products on the market specifically designed for underwater use. See our page on Underwater Digital Camera facts and find out if there is a relatively inexpensive fully waterproof digital camera available that you would be happy for your kid to play with.

Final thoughts... The kid-tough camera will most certainly break if used in water for any length of time, but any other camera would most probably break if being used by a small child for any length of time anyway (I speak from painful experience). So you have to decide what you need: An every day digital camera that is accident and splash proof or a waterproof digital camera for those underwater action shots. You decide.