Waterproof Features/Underwater Performance: Olympus 1050 SW
There are only a few digital cameras that can venture under water without a separate housing. These two cameras come from that small pool.

• The Pentax Optio W60 is rated to dip to 13 feet below water for up to two hours.
• The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW can go 10 feet down for up to two hours.

Yes, the Pentax can go a little deeper, but who has their measuring stick handy when going for a little swim? Neither camera is built for deep diving; they would be good for snorkeling, boating, and beach-going.

Both cameras advise users to take care to not force water into the camera bodies while underwater. Each camera is outfitted with rubber seals at vulnerable points such as the microphone and speaker; if a current pushes hard enough, it can break that seal. In fact, Olympus recommends that its sliding cover not be closed underwater so as not to disrupt that seal. The company also recommends replacing the waterproof seals annually; no word on how much that costs, but that does make the idea of a separate underwater housing make a little more sense.

The cover on the Pentax W60’s battery compartment is flimsy and vulnerable. It has a rubber seal on the inside, but the cover itself is made of a cheap plastic that looks sure to break. The hinge is cheaply made too. The Olympus 1050 SW has a stronger hinge that snaps tightly shut and a sturdier metal battery compartment cover with a rubber seal in it. You know when the 1050 SW is closed; the W60’s cover slides and could easily be left open – which could be detrimental when dipped in water.

Pentax W60	Olympus 1050SW

Both digital cameras have underwater scene modes to make shooting really easy. If you do need to use the controls though, you’ll be in trouble with the slippery and small Pentax W60. Good luck navigating the menus on those little controls. The Olympus also has tiny controls, but comes with a “tap control” feature that lets you bypass those when underwater or otherwise want to use it. This makes using the camera really easy.

When it comes right down to it, neither camera is made for heavy use in the water. They can take a dip every once in awhile, but if you spend hours and hours snorkeling every day, these aren’t the cameras to take. Both cameras are well-sealed, although the sliding door on the Olympus could be a problem; sand and salt from water easily creeps into it and makes a grinding sound for a few slides after all is dried out. These cameras are great for taking to the beach though. You won’t have to worry about dust getting into them nor will you have to worry about splashes or even a few waves.

Pentax W60	Olympus 1050SW

Frozen 1050SW

As far as the pictures go when underwater, they aren’t great from either camera. The Pentax delivers the sharper shots more often than the Olympus, but both have problems focusing underwater.

Both are rated to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, but Olympus hypes it more in its advertising. The freezeproof feature is great for skiers and snowboarders who want to record their tricks and lines; almost all other digital cameras stop functioning when the thermometer hits the freezing point. These cameras have an edge on other cameras in that way, but they still aren’t immune to the cold.

After enduring an hour in the freezer (which is below the recommended temperature), both cameras claimed that their batteries were depleted and couldn’t function. The Olympus did manage to cowboy up and take one picture before shutting down though. After ten minutes of thawing, both cameras were up and running. The only problem was remembering to rub the condensation off the lenses – but that’s my problem, not the cameras’.