Which waterproof digital camera should you choose if you are considering buying a waterproof camera, or a rugged camera, as they are also called, before you go on vacation to somewhere where you know your camera is likely to get wet.

Using a rugged camera adds flexibility to your photography especially if you have an active outdoor hobby such as kayaking, snorkeling or mountain biking. These cameras are tough all round and can cope with abuse from young children as wells as other hostile environments.

If you never go skiing or snowboarding then you may think that you do not need a camera capable of withstanding temperatures down to 14°F. All the latest rugged cameras come with the ability to cope with sub freezing temperatures as standard.

One of the major features that differs different waterproof cameras is the depth to which the camera can safely be used without damage to the camera from water ingress. Some cameras are waterproof to ten feet under water, better quality cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 can handle forty feet. That makes it more suitable for shallow water scuba divers rather than just snorkelers.

You may ask yourself why doesn’t everyone have a rugged camera and not bother with regular digital cameras. As with all things in life there is a balance and having water proof and toughness built into a camera means there is a sacrifice and it is usually in the camera size and its quality of picture and video performance.

Being a tough camera and being designed to withstand shocks and abuse and also to protect the lens means that the camera body will be a little larger than normal digital cameras. They are not designed for ladies purses and popping in a shirt pocket, they are designed for clipping on rucksacks and hanging on the belt of a snorkeler.

To compare waterproof digital cameras you should really visit a waterproof camera review website where they offer comparison tables so that you can compare the camera features side-by-side. Visiting such a website will make choosing the right camera much easier and save you time as well especially looking at the camera comparison tables.

If you visit the site and read the reviews and star ratings from people who have purchased and used the cameras you will realize that there is not a perfect rugged camera . It ultimately comes down to the camera that you think is most suitable for your requirements at the price you wish to pay for the rugged camera.