If you're spending a day lounging on the beach or snorkeling at an exotic locale, you may choose to leave your camera at home for fear of getting it wet or otherwise damaged. If those are the only things holding you back from snapping photos during your outdoor adventures, consider picking up a camera that can withstand some abuse and even shoot underwater and keep on ticking.
We've reviewed specialized moels like the SeaLife Micro 2.0, which is rated to work at depths of 200 feet, where only the most highly-trained scuba divers dare venture. If your needs aren't that stringent, you can also shop for a better all-around compact, like our Editors' Choice Olympus TG-4. It has a wide-aperture lens, can survive drops and extreme cold, and is rated for 50-foot dives. It, and the TG-3 that came before it, are the best rugged models point-and-shoot models we've tested.
Nikon has a unique offering in the form of the 1 AW1. It's the only interchangeable lens model on the market that can go underwater without a housing. It uses a 1-inch image sensor, much larger than those in a typical compact, and you can take it as deep as 49 feet. There are currently two lenses available for the camera that can go underwater with it, but if you're on dry land it can accept any 1 Nikkor lens.
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If a 1-inch sensor isn't big enough, and you've got deep pockets, the Leica X-U is a solid option. It's rated for use 49 feet below the surface and has an image sensor that's the same size found in consumer SLRs. Its lens is also a gem, with a bright f/1.7 aperture and a fixed 35mm field of view.
If none of these models tickle your fancy, consider choosing a camera that's not natively rated for underwater use and pair it with an external housing from Ikelite, Sea and Sea, or another well-regarded manufacturer. And if you're focused more on video, or simply looking for something you can wear or mount, check out our picks for The Best Action Cameras.
For a look at every camera we've reviewed, not just those that can go underwater, check out our Digital Cameras Product Guide. We've also got roundups that highlight The Best D-SLRs, The Best Mirrorless Cameras, and The Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras.