Nikon Coolpix AW100

• 16 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 1.5 meters
The Coolpix AW100 is the latest waterproof model from Nikon. In addition to a 28-140mm lens and vibration reduction for clearer images, travelers should appreciate that it’s GPS is capable of not only recording the location of each shot, but also tracking the user’s movements and looking up routes with a new built-in world map display. There’s also full-HD recording with slow-motion and macro modes. The effects may be limited, but Nikon makes up for that with the model’s fast shutter speed button. Available in orange, black and military green for B11,800.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20

• 16.2 megapixels

Waterproof: 5 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 1.5 meters
Sony’s new DSC TX20 model is almost identical to the last, the DSX TX10, with the same slim and sleek design, shutter buttons, and touch screen. What’s new is a more stylish sliding cover, a 25-100mm lens, a high-resolution Exmor R CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ image processor, which improves low-light performance. And the 16.2 megapixel camera sure is impressive for a waterproof camera. Available in pink, yellow, black, silver and green for B12,900.

FujiFilm FinePix XP100

• 14.4 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
After a prolonged absence, Japanese manufacturer Fuji returns with a new model for outdoor types, the FinePix XP100. The various rubber ridges and grooves facilitate one-handed shooting, while the battery/memory slot comes with a double-lock design for better protection. The model also offers a 14 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x 28-140mm zoom lens with an aperture of f3.9-4.9. Available in black, blue, orange, silver and green for B10,499.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4

• 12.1 megapixels
Waterproof: 12 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
Just when we hadn’t heard from them in a while, Panasonic rolls out their Lumix DMC-FT4, the upgrade on last year’s FT3 incarnation. Not much has changed, but its waterproof capabilities still leave many of the rivals gasping for air, while it also comes with a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure. The Full-HD recording, 28-128mm lens, built-in GPS and tough exterior make for fine company on any trip. Available in blue, orange and silver at B13,990.

Olympus TG-820

• 12 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
Forget flashy design, the Olympus TG 820 is as rugged as any rough n’ tumble waterproof camera should be. It has Tough written on the front for starters! Complete with 28-140mm lens, an aperture of f3.9-5.9, and fast shutter speeds, the real highlight is the ISO setting of 6400 that allows you to capture photos of fast moving objects and in limited light. So whether it’s cliff diving or any other high-adrenaline act, the TG 820 is most likely able to handle the ride (it’s also crushproof to 100kg). Available in grey at B12,990.

Coming Clickers

Canon PowerShot D20

This new waterproof model, an upgrade on the three-year-old Powershot D10, is not scheduled to go on sale until mid-next year for approximately B10,500.

Olympus Tough TG-1

This recently-announced model, an improved version of the TG-820, will come with built-in GPS and an f2.0 aperture, and retail for approximately B12,000.

FujiFilm FinePix XP150

Designed for the most adventurous of users, this waterproof model will come with a geo-tagging GPS that shows the distance and directions from the current location to the exact spot of the tagged photo. Sales date TBA for approximately B8,900.

Essentials

FujiFilm Fine Pix XP100 & Nikon Coolpix AW100. AV Camera, Charoenkrung Soi 50 next to Robinson Bangrak, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-237-1041-2.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4, Olympus TG 820. 3/F, Big Camera, MBK Shopping Center, Phayathai Rd., 02-686-3503. BTS National Stadium.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20. 4/F, Central Plaza Rama 9, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-108-1061. MRT Rama 9.