2012 Waterproof Camera Showdown

The Contenders

Your iPhone can't swim, which is why the camera industry thinks that you'll buy a waterproof point-and-shoot. Some companies seem pretty sure that demand for drown-proof cameras will increase, so they've introduced multiple snorkel-ready models into their lineups.

• Fujifilm, for example, makes four waterproof cameras, three of which are identical aside from a GPS antenna in one, and wireless capabilities in another.

• Panasonic makes two, including one full-on, tank-like tough guy, and one that can survive in a few feet of water, but costs half as much.

• Olympus now has four tough cams, with diminishing durability as the price drops.

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How We Chose the Contenders

How We Chose the Contenders

For the purposes of this roundup, we picked the most expensive models that could be considered all-around rugged cameras. They are:

Canon PowerShot D20
Canon's first waterproof camera in three years packs a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x zoom lens, and 3-inch screen into a colorful, slightly bulbous body.

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Fujifilm Finepix XP150

Fujifilm adds toughness to their waterproof lineup. The XP150 sports a 14.4 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch LCD.

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Nikon Coolpix AW100

Released in 2011, the AW100 is still Nikon's most recent waterproof model. Vitals include a 16-megapixel sensor, 5x zoom lens, and 3-inch LCD.

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Olympus Tough TG-1

Longtime players in the tough-cam game, Olympus surprised many by equipping the TG-1 with an f/2 maximum aperture and OLED display.

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Panasonic Lumix TS4

The fan-favorite TS series returns with another modest update, including a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 4.6x zoom, and a great in-camera GPS system.

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Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS

Pentax plays up the toughness angle with the rugged-looking WG-2, sporting a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x zoom, and 3-inch display.

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Sony Cyber-shot TX20

Ever fashion-conscious, Sony refreshes their ultra-compact waterproof model. Not much has changed, though it's available in new colors.

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We could have made a few substitutions, like swapping the wireless-ready Fujifilm XP170 for the GPS-equipped XP150. But they have the same MSRP, and it was easier for us to get the XP150. The Sony TX200 could have fit too, but it's much more expensive than the TX20, and isn't really marketed as a tough cam. We left out the Kodak Sport, too; technically it's Kodak's best waterproof camera, but it's cheap on purpose, and uh, well, Kodak doesn't actually make cameras anymore.

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How We Tested the Contenders

How We Tested the Contenders

We tested each of these tough cameras the same way that we test all cameras that come through our labs. Full-length, in-depth reviews of all the cameras in this roundup have already been posted. How we test.

But the traits that make a great tough cam aren't quite the same as a great all-around camera, so we put together a shorter, tweaked version of our rubric for this roundup. Most of the data comes from our regular reviews, but we've weighted certain scores differently. We also added a few mini-tests, including an underwater still life, and an indoor shutter-speed test.