The next time you’re at the beach, leave your expensive smartphone behind. If you’re trying to take pictures at the pool or on the lake but are worried about water damage to your phone or camera, try a rugged Fuji waterproof camera. This complete review will give you all the information you need to choose the best waterproof camera. You’ll see a head-to-head comparison of popular waterproof cameras and learn all the important features to look for in a high-quality waterproof camera. Whether you are an avid photographer or just want to take a few selfies on your vacation, the popular Fujifilm FinePix XP80 camera is an excellent choice.

The Fujifilm FinePix XP80 is a highly rated and durable camera. It comes with an extremely tough case, reasonable picture quality and a very affordable price tag. It’s hard to find a tough camera that’s a better bargain. To understand why this Fujifilm camera is so popular, and to determine whether it’s the right choice for you, take a look at some of the most important features to consider when buying waterproof cameras.

Professional or Amateur Camera

One quick scan of any camera website or department store, and you’ll realize there’s an incredibly wide range of prices for cameras. Obviously, the features and picture quality will vary with each one, as well.

Basic, inexpensive cameras are often called point-and-shoots. These inexpensive cameras may have a zoom function, but otherwise they offer little additional manual controls. They don’t come with interchangeable lenses, manual focus options or a large sensor. The FinePix XP80 is a point-and-shoot camera. While it takes reasonable pictures for your own photo albums and social media, it isn’t considered a professional-quality camera.

More expensive cameras, like SLRs and DSLRs, have large sensors and manually adjusted lenses that are interchangeable. These cameras are far more expensive and have a steep learning curve, but they can take truly professional-quality pictures.

Camera Controls

Do you want a camera you can manually adjust to get the perfect shot, or do you want an automatic option that instantly takes great, focused pictures? Some cameras come with loads of controls, color and flash options and video capabilities. Others are easy-to-use cameras, with very few settings or controls. Consider how much time you take setting up a shot, and whether you want to be in control or take stress-free photos with slightly lower image quality and less customization.

Other camera controls can be important, too. Many cameras have interval timers. This allows you to take photos at certain intervals, such as every five minutes or 30 seconds. This lets you take great pictures of flowers, sunsets or other unique settings. Most digital cameras allow video recording, but not of them all have this feature. Consider the resolution, microphone and editing capabilities of each camera if you are interested in recording excellent videos.

Portable Design

Do you want a giant camera weighing you down, or a small, pocket-sized one? Smaller cameras, like the FinePix XP80, are better suited for travel. While they don’t offer the image quality of a professional camera, they are far more durable and easy to pack in a backpack, suitcase or carry-on bag. Of course, you’ll sacrifice overall image quality for a portable design, so smaller point-and-shoot cameras aren’t the best option for every situation.

Wi-Fi Functions

Some cameras are equipped with Wi-Fi functionality. There are several great reasons to choose a camera with this feature. First, you’ll never have to worry about setting a timer again. For great family photos, simply set up your camera and connect to your smartphone. You’ll be able to use your device to take photos wirelessly. You can even adjust the zoom and record videos through your phone.

With cameras such as the FinePix XP80, you can also upload photos to your smartphone instantly. You won’t have to worry about the storage capacity of these cameras, as you can use your entire phone’s storage, as well. Or, your phone can automatically upload the photos to a cloud storage service, giving you access to far more storage space than you’ll ever need for high-quality photos and videos.

Zoom

Most point-and-shoot and professional cameras have zoom functions, but not all are created equal. Zoom features are usually classified by their magnification power. There is a wide range of magnification power available, so consider how far you’ll want to zoom. As you zoom in, the image quality may suffer. If you are looking for high-quality, long-range photos, consider a professional camera with a larger lens specifically designed for higher magnification levels. Otherwise, you’ll take the clearest photos if you don’t use the zoom function.

LCD Screen

Do you want to see the image you are going to take? Do you need to make sure the photo turned out the way you wanted? You’ll want an LCD display for both of these purposes. A high-quality LCD display makes it easy to take the perfect photo, easily navigate menus and look at older pictures.

Most point-and-shoot cameras come with an LCD display. However, some have larger displays than others, and the resolutions of the displays aren't always the same. Consider choosing a large, high-resolution LCD display if you want more convenience when taking pictures and reviewing old photos. However, a larger screen will dramatically decrease the battery life of your camera. Some cameras only last a few hours if you are using the LCD display. For added convenience, consider choosing a camera that has an LCD display and a viewfinder.

Shooting Modes

If you have a point-and-shoot camera, you may miss the ability to manually adjust it. Depending on the situation, you may want to change the focus or use other features.

While a point-and-shoot camera lacks some of these basic capabilities, most offer a variety of shooting modes. Each of these modes is preset to provide the best camera settings for specific areas. The FinePix XP80, for example, has a wide variety of modes. Choose among night, snow, beach, portrait, action or many other options to take the best pictures in each location. Not all point-and-shoot cameras come with this many shooting modes, so consider this feature if you plan to use your camera in a variety of places. This is particularly important for a well-rounded outdoor camera like the FinePix XP80.

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• $169.00
• 16.4 million pixels
• 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• Micro HDMI output
• Waterproof up to 15 meters or 50 feet
• 5x optical zoom
• 6.3 ounces
• 3.8 stars from customers

The Fujifilm FinePix XP80 is an excellent camera for almost any outdoor excursion. Pick up this durable camera for a day at the beach, a hike through the mountains or a trip to any other adventurous location. It’s not only waterproof for 15 meters, but it’s also shockproof. It can handle a drop from up to 5.8 feet.

When outside the water, it takes pictures of reasonable color and sharpness. Underwater photos have lower image quality, so this camera isn’t the best choice if you want ultra-sharp pictures. It also can’t withstand the same depth of water as other, more expensive waterproof cameras. Still, it’s a very affordable underwater camera, particularly when used as a backup option. The plastic case is stylish and ergonomic, giving you a lightweight and practical camera for all-weather photos.

When it comes to cameras, you usually get what you pay for. If you want crystal-clear pictures with lots of vivid color, expect to pay for a high-end camera. DSLR cameras, in particular, can cost as much as $3,000, without any additional lenses. Inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras are usually at least $100. The waterproof cameras on this list cost between $169.00 and $699.00. Determine the image quality you are looking for, and find the best camera in your price range. Some premium cameras also have additional features and higher waterproof ratings.

With its high-speed sensor, the 12-megapixel Olympus TG-5 is an excellent mid-range camera. It’s waterproof up to 50 feet and drop-proof up to seven feet. It comes with the same durable features of the FinePix XP80, but it also takes clearer images and offers high-definition video recording. It captures 20 frames per second, so it’s designed to shoot action shots without blurry lines. The large sensor allows it to take clearer photos in low-light situations, so you can use this camera underwater. Customers love this durable and convenient camera, particularly for underwater photos. However, it’s considerably more expensive than the FinePix XP80, so it isn’t appropriate for budget shoppers.

With an impressive 20 megapixels and a speed of 60 frames per second, the SeaLife DC2000 HD offers some of the best specifications among waterproof cameras. It’s waterproof up to 60 feet, and it can handle drops of up to five feet. It has the largest sensor of these underwater cameras, along with plenty of functions and impressive features. Try taking full high-definition videos, or photos with full manual controls. The included battery lasts over two hours with continuous use, so you’ll be able to take pictures throughout your dive or day at the beach. If you’re diving in particularly dark areas, consider purchasing a light or flash bulb attachment for even better image quality. However, this camera is far more expensive than the other options. Many customers also feel the pictures aren’t any clearer than those taken by the Olympus TG-5.

While it isn’t the most professional-grade camera on the market, there are many great reasons to choose this Fuji waterproof camera. Take a look at the pros and cons of the Fujifilm FinePix XP80, and consider whether it’s the right camera for you.

A rugged and convenient underwater camera, the Fujifilm FinePix XP80 receives 4 out of 5 stars. It’s an excellent option that balances cost and durability. Take this camera on your next adventure, and see how well it stands up to water, drops, cold temperatures and dust. Take reasonable pictures and video, and remember your big adventure for a lifetime. However, consider each waterproof camera option carefully. While this camera doesn’t offer the best quality photos or the most durable design, it’s one of the most affordable waterproof cameras on the market that still retains some image excellence.

So grab your camera and backpack and get ready for your next adventure. Choose the Fuji waterproof camera, and wherever you go, you’ll enjoy excellent pictures from this durable, affordable camera.