The photograph of Pudding and I playing fetch the stick reminded me about the joys of a “waterproof” camera. A few years ago Pentax came out with a point and shoot digital camera called the w10 that was waterproof to 1.5 meters. My girlfriend, Seiko, got one thinking it would be a great thing to take to the beach or even snorkeling and it has been really fun to use. 

Myself, Kim and Seb

Of course the picture quality is not as good as a larger digital SLR (or higher-end compact digital cameras), however, it’s a camera you simply don’t have to worry about. Use it and abuse it. Leave it in you jacket pocket when it rains, let the dog slobber on it, throw it in the bag full of sandy wet clothes, or simply forget to take it out of your pocket when you jump in the ocean.  I recommended the camera  first to my sister and later my dad so we now have a range of models and colors in my family.  The latest model the Pentax Optio W60 has higher resolution and is even waterproof to 4 meters.

If you live an active life and you are looking for a hassle-free way of documenting events it’s a great camera. 

Why put waterproof in speech marks? If you want to take photos while SCUBA diving this isn’t the camera for you. To take a camera diving you need a separate acrylic housing which are available for  many compact cameras (0r SLRs) and are usually rated to 40 meters.

(In the photo we were all meant to be squirting water at the camera. Unfortunately Seb and Kim look to be just dribbling while I appear to be channelling Zoolander.)