Cool Cameras

A Housing to Flip For
It seems nearly everyone is armed with a Flip video camera these days ? they're compact, easy to use and customizable. But the last thing you'd want to do is drop yours in water, unless, of course, it's safely contained within an Ikelite underwater housing. Ikelite offers a full range of housings for SLR, digital still and video cameras, including one specifically designed for the Flip SlideHD. The compact housing is depth rated to 200 feet, weighs less than a pound and provides access to all of the camera's external controls. The Ikelite Flip SlideHD housing also comes fitted with a UR/Pro color-correcting filter for tropical blue water settings, which replaces some of the reds and more natural tones that would otherwise be lost underwater. $260 (housing only). ikelite.com, theflip.com

Flash, Film, Fish
Still photos are lovely, but sometimes to really capture a moment you need to have it on video, or in the case of the JVC Picsio Pocket Camera, on a flash memory. The compact HD video recorder stores movies, stills and MP3 audio on your choice of SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card and is operated via a 3-inch touch-screen panel. Since it's waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, you can film fish while you snorkel or capture the kids as they jump off the swim platform. This model (GC-WP10A) also comes with an image stabilizer and built-in LoiLoScope EX software for easy plug-and-share and is capable of recording in HD for more than 11 hours. $200. camcorder.jvc.com

Xoom In
Tablets are all the rage, and there's little doubt some will venture out onto the seas this summer with one in tow. Most come equipped with a single, multiple-use camera, but the recently released Motorola Xoom comes with two. The rear-mounted 5-megapixel unit is equipped with autofocus and an accompanying dual-LED flash. Capable of shooting stills and 720p HD video, it's clear this camera was meant to handle the bulk of users' photographic needs. The 2-megapixel front-facing camera, meanwhile, is fix-focused and is likely best suited for video conferencing. While Motorola's latest won't be your go-to gadget for high-resolution photos, it's nice to know in between checking your navigation apps or Skype sessions you can snap a quick photo or two. $599. motorola.com

Life in 3D
Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-TS3 digital camera has, well, everything ? especially where outdoorsmen are concerned. This pocketsize camera was designed for active users and includes features like a built-in GPS, compass and altimeter so users know exactly where they are when taking top-quality stills or shooting 1920 by 1080 high-definition video. Boasting rugged construction, the TS3 is waterproof (to 40 feet), shockproof (to 6.6 feet) and freeze-proof (to 14 degrees). It also has the ability to shoot in realistic 3D, thanks to Panasonic's new 3D Photo mode. Twenty consecutive photos are taken with the two best overlaid to create a 3D image. All photos and video can be shared instantly on Facebook or YouTube with the Lumix Image Uploader. $400. panasonic.com/lumix

Rough and Tumble
A few bumps, dings and splashes are inevitable while boating, and it only makes sense to have a camera that can handle them. The PowerShot D10 from Canon is a 12.1- megapixel camera that can take anything you throw at it ? literally. The D10 is waterproof to depths of 33 feet, shockproof on drops of up to 4 feet and can withstand temperatures ranging from 14 to 104 degrees. The D10 does not sacrifice photo quality for the sake of durability, either. It has a 3x optical zoom lens, face-detection software, a self-timer, blink detection and 18 scene-specific settings, including one for underwater shots. $300. usa.canon.com

Insight
Sometimes snapping photos has nothing to do with building memories and everything to do with vessel security. An on-board security/ surveillance system like GOST Insight from Paradox Marine monitors conditions on board when you're away. Interior cameras and sensors keep an eye on areas like the engine room and bilge. The Insight can also be rigged for exterior surveillance ? handy for thwarting would-be thieves. The system's camera(s) can be accessed remotely from any Web-enabled device, and is capable of taking snapshots and video clips in the event of an alarm. It also warns owners of tripped sensors via text or e-mail. GOST Insight comes standard with one IP67 3.6 mm analog camera, but various other cameras can be purchased and integrated into the system. Starting at $5,000. gostglobal.com

Cameras to Keep Us Safe
The Poseidon HD Tri-Camera System from OceanView incorporates thermal, low-light and full-color imaging into one unit with two axis gyro-stabilization. The resulting surveillance and navigation system allows for boat monitoring and handling at any time of day. The thermal imager, for example, has been designed with 4x optical zoom for easy identification of things like floating debris. The low-light camera amplifies barely discernable light, making operation in adverse conditions, like fog, more manageable. The color daylight camera, meanwhile, has a 312x zoom for spotting vessels and landmarks in the distance. The Tri-Camera unit can be controlled remotely via smartphone. Radar comes standard. $87,340. nightboating.com

For Aquatic Afficionados
Have you invested in a SLR or DSLR camera to document your travels? If so, you know how gorgeous the resulting photos can be ? and how expensive the equipment is. Protecting your pricey camera while on the water is easily done with a soft housing from Aquapac. The waterproof SLR Camera Case is guaranteed to depths of up to 15 feet for one hour and features an acrylic lens that enables you to take high-quality photos from inside the housing. Its pliable plastic material allows you to use all of your camera's controls and buttons without the need for external dials, and it utilizes a patented, rustproof, injection-molded seal to protect against intrusion. $140. aquapac.net