How to Choose the Best Underwater Digital Camera

Underwater digital cameras are available at many price points and come with a variety of options. Before you choose your camera, first determine your needs. What is your budget? What will you be shooting with your underwater digital camera? How deep under the water will your camera travel? Will children be using the camera?

If you are looking for a basic point and shoot camera that won't break the bank and that will be easy for the entire family to handle, you'll be happy to find that several camera manufacturers offer simple digital underwater cameras for less than $150. The Kodak Playsport, the Kodak Easyshare Sport, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS10 all fit the bill. Each camera takes video as well as still photos and is waterproof up to 10 ft.

There are higher end point and shoot waterproof digital cameras on the market that offer extra features. These cameras cost anywhere between $200-$700, so be sure to read reviews, view sample images, and look at each camera's specifications. For instance, the Canon Powershot D10 Waterproof Camera sells for around $250 and comes equipped with 16 shooting modes, image stabilizer, face detection and several other features not available in the point and shoot cameras mentioned above. Sony, Nikon, Fuji and Kodak all offer similar models with similar features.

If you already own a high end DSLR camera, it may be more cost effective to purchase waterproof housing for your current camera. Nikon, Canon and Sony all offer camera specific underwater housing for their higher end DSLR cameras for around $600. One disadvantage to purchasing waterproof housing for an existing camera is the bulky size, however the bulk may be worth it depending on the purpose of your shot. If you are looking for professional quality shots, then this is the best option for you.

With so many choices and prices, you'll easily find a digital waterproof camera to suit your needs. When comparing camera features, be sure to take note of the warranty details and the return policy. After you purchase your camera, be sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly before taking the camera into the water.