The best underwater cameras 2011: our top 5 compact waterproof cameras

Top 5 compact underwater cameras 2011:

Electronics and water tend not to mix. But thanks to engineering wizardry there are a number of waterproof cameras out there - in fact these models tend to be ‘toughened up' in a variety of other ways too, which will often give them the term ‘tough compacts'.

When choosing a compact camera for use underwater there are a few things to consider: how deep you want to be able to submerge it; how small you'd like the body to be (a number of these cameras are a bit bulkier than the norm); and that non-retracting lenses will likely limit the image quality compared to a standard compact to some degree.

There are a wide variety of tough waterproof cameras available to market, so we've seen which of our favourites float to the top of the stack. Read on for our top 5 underwater cameras 2011 roundup...

1. Panasonic Lumix FT3

£266
Panasonic's ‘ultimate rugged camera' is waterproof to 12m deep - a significant depth that outshines many of its competitors and would make it ideal for snorkelling and the like. As well as being a good underwater camera, the FT3's a tough compact that can deal with temperatures as low as -10C and is both dust and shockproof.

But it's not all about waterproofing and hardiness: the FT3 has plenty of top features too, including GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology to track where shots are taken, optical image stabilisation to keep shots steady, 1080p HD movie and a 28-135mm 4.6x zoom.

2. Sony Cyber-shot TX10

£269
Sony's TX10 is an underwater wonder that's designed with style in mind and doesn't have the bulk that's typical of most underwater cameras. A sliding front looks elegant and protects the lens - but if you want to use the TX10 on the beach you'll want to avoid stand getting stuck behind this panel.

As well as waterproofing the Sony has tough features and a back-lit Exmor R CMOS sensor makes for among the best images in this category. The TX10's 25mm wideangle lens extends to 100mm at its top end - while it's not got as long a reach as some other waterproof compacts that wideangle lens is great for squeezing extra into the frame, which is ideal for underwater shots.

3. Olympus mju TOUGH 8010

£325
Olympus has long been involved in producing tough underwater compacts, and the latest mju TOUGH 8010 is a hardy waterproof addition to the range. Waterproof to 10m deep, only the Lumix FT3 can beat the Olympus on the depth front.

As well as its water-resistant credentials, the 8010 has a 14MP sensor and a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm) lens. Image stabilisation is taken care of by the sensor and via digital processing to help steady shots, plus there's 2GB of internal memory to save on purchasing a memory card.

4. Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS

£219
Pentax's WG-1 GPS is a compact waterproof camera with a couple of stand out features to set it apart from the competition: its GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) can track where you're taking photos while the LED lamps around the lens can be used to illuminate subjects - particularly useful when underwater where light is unpredictable and can be murky.

The WG-1 GPS has a 5x optical zoom lens that ranges from 28mm through to 140mm that gives it among the most versatile range of any underwater compact on the market. Water resistance to 10m deep further strengthens the features list. The WG-1 GPS is a top job from Pentax, and all those extra features have little impact on the price - for under £220 it's a bargain!

5. Casio EXILIM EX-G1

£219
The Casio G1 is the company's first tough, weather-proof compact and is designed to survive a variety of harsh conditions. It can be used underwater to 3m deep, so better for swimming pool use than deeper waters. The thing that sells the EX-G1, though, is its innovative and slim design that makes it extra small - the smallest waterproof compact you're likely to find.

But because of that slim body, the features list is a tad slimmer than some of the other waterproof cameras on the market: the 3x optical zoom lens ranges from a not-so-wide 38mm through to 114mm at the top end and its screen is 2.5in in size. But the price is also suitably squeezed, so if you're looking for an affordable underwater camera than the EX-G1 ticks the price box.

Click to read our full Casio EXILIM EX-G1 review...

For more waterproof cameras see our Tough Test 2011