Waterproof

Kodak has a new waterproof video camera that's about the size of a credit card - the new PLAYFULL Waterproof Video Camera / Ze2. It records 720p HD video, is fully waterproof up to 10 feet, is dustproof, and can even withstand a fall from 5 ft.

The Kodak PLAYFULL Ze2 features a 2.0-inch LCD display, fits easily in a pocket or purse, and includes a Share button and pop-out USB arm so you can easily e-mail videos to your friends or upload to Facebook or YouTube. Not just limited to video, you can also take still pictures by using the convenient video/photo button.

The PLAYFULL Ze2 includes built-in digital image stabilization, smart face tracking technology, macro mode for close-up shots, an LCD Glare Shield feature for shooting in bright sunlight and an underwater white balance mode, providing true-to-life colors when recording video underwater. Read more

Now that the weather is warming up, camera manufacturers are bringing us their latest waterproof digital cameras and camcorders. Samsung's new W200 Pocket Cam records video in full HD at 30fps, has a 5 megapixel BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor for digital stills, and touts a F2.2 Bright Lens. All of this is housed in an ultra-rugged shock, water and dust-proof body.

Waterproof up to three meters, the W200 features an anti-water drop coating keeping the 2.3-inch LCD screen condensation-free, and an anti-fog coating on the lens allows for blur-free videos/pictures. Recording underwater video is easy too - the cameras' "Aqua Mode" setting automatically sets the ideal parameters.

Additional features include "Record Pause," which allows you to pause during filming then resume where you left off, with the footage kept in one file so you don't have to merge them when finished. Two Smart Filters are also on the device: Vignetting fades the edges and Fish-Eye gives your footage an arty, distorted feel. A handy built-in USB arm is included for easy uploading.

The Samsung W200 will be available in May for $159.

Last week Toshiba unveiled the latest in its line of CAMILEO HD camcorders, only this one is waterproof! The CAMILEO BW10 is the company's first waterproof digital camcorder that records full HD 1080p video up to six and a half feet under water. Its rubberized coating also withstands dirt, snow and more.

The ultra-portable camcorder weighs just 3.5 ounces and features a two-inch diagonal LCD screen, 10x digital zoom, electronic image stabilization and super-easy YouTube uploading using the CAMILEO Uploader software.

In addition to recording HD video, the BW10 captures five megapixel digital stills and has separate video and photo functions. Videos and photos can be viewed on a computer or HDTV with a mini HDMI cable (sold separately). Read more

Panasonic added three new Dual Cameras to its lineup, the waterproof HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. Sporting a vertical design, all three shoot full high definition videos (1920 x 1080) in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4) and can take 2-megapixel still photos while shooting full-HD videos.

But not just limited to video (or low resolution photos), the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 also capture 16-megapixel stills, while the HX-DC1 takes 14-megapixel photos. The HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 models also add in Panasonic's Backside Illumination (BSI) technology for shooting in low light, and HX-WA10 is the only waterproof camera of the bunch (to approximately 10 feet). All three feature a 5x optical zoom.

Additional features:

• 2.6-inch wide LCD monitor for the HX-WA10, and 3.0-inch wide LCD monitor for the HX-DC10 and HX-DC1
• Electrical Image Stabilizer to help limit blurry videos
• Panasonic's iA (Intelligent Auto) mode
• Face Detection
• Stereo microphones for clear audio recording
• Mini HDMI Terminal for enjoying even more beautiful Full-HD resolution

Kodak sold its 100 millionth (!!) digital camera in early 2011, so you would have thought they already had a waterproof digital camera in the marketplace before now. But no, the EasyShare Sport is the company's first-ever waterproof digital still camera.

The EasyShare Sport can go up to 10 feet underwater, and is also dustproof to withstand dirt, dust and sand. It features 12-megapixels, a 2.4-inch LCD display, Kodak's Smart Capture feature, as well as multiple scene and color modes, allowing you to get creative and have more fun with your pictures.

The Kodak EasyShare Sport will be available in white, grey, red, yellow and blue for $79.95. But you'll have to wait until Spring 2011 to pick it up at major retailers and www.Kodak.com.

Power strips. Everyone has at least one power strip/surge protector either at work or at home protecting their electronics. Have you ever wondered what would happen if it got wet? Scary thought, isn't it? Well, a company called Wet Circuits thought they would come out with a power strip that is both water-resistant and shockproof. Built to withstand accidental spills (even rain and snow!), with a Wet Circuits power strip you can feel safe knowing your electronics are still powered up and good to go! Heck - you can even stick a tweezer in the outlet and you won't be electrocuted.

Check out these demonstration videos:

Experiment 1

Read more

Summer is in full swing…and it's a hot one! If your summer activities include cooling off at the swimming pool or beach and you want to capture some of those moments, check out the latest camcorder from DXG. The Sportster 1080p HD waterproof camcorder not only captures video on land but underwater as well.

Available now for $169.99, the DXG Sportster features a rugged waterproof design that captures 1080p HD video up to 10 feet underwater by just pushing the "Dive" button. The Sportster lenses automatically adjust to adapt to underwater colors and conditions, allowing you to film up to 10 feet underwater for one hour. The camcorder captures HD video and 12-megapixel still images on a 3-inch LCD display. It also features USB/AV and HDMI outputs and cables for easy sharing on Facebook or YouTube and supports instant playback on HDTVs. Read more

H2O Audio just unveiled the new CAPTURE Waterproof Case designed for the iPod nano (5th generation). Each CAPTURE Waterproof Case is 100% waterproof and is perfect to use while skiing, swimming, snowboarding, surfing, and well…just having fun! For a complete waterproof solution, CAPTURE cases can be paired with any of H2O Audio's waterproof headphones.

Features of CAPTURE:

• Underwater Video Recording – Shoot video from the action, not the waterline with a new polished polycarbonate lense!
• Convenient Controls – H2O Audio's patented Commander scroll wheel technology provides full control of the iPod wheel deck underwater and above ground
• Ultimate Portability – H2O Audio's patented technology allows you to "capture" moments and enjoy music anywhere
• Premium Engineering – Durable polycarbonate construction protects against drops, impacts, and scratches
• 100% Waterproof – Submersible to 12ft underwater, and safe to rinse off after use
• Sport Armband and Removable Belt Clip included
• Compatible 3.55mm plug for headphones, and 1 year warranty

The CAPTURE is available now at www.H2OAudio.com for $79.99.

H2O Audio just unveiled three new waterproof/sweatproof headphones, the Surge Pro, Surge Sportwrap and the Interval Waterproof Headphone System. The entire line of H2O Audio's headsets are 100% waterproof and sweatproof…because really, do you like putting on sweaty headphones day after day? Simply rinse them after heavy perspiration, and you're set! The headphones can also be submerged under water up to 12 ft. In fact, Michael Phelps is an H2O Audio Athlete Ambassador, and now trains with his iPod in the water!

"H2O Audio offers a great line of waterproof products and I am excited to see their progress in design and technology," commented Michael Phelps. "I hope more people get in the pool for exercise now that they can bring their music with them."

The new Surge Pro (pictured above) is the company's smallest and most high performance headphones. They are designed with a Balanced Armature driver for premium sound. Seven sets of earplugs are included with new foam fabrication for a perfect fit. They are available now for $99.99. Read more

PENTAX just unveiled their latest waterproof digital camera, the Optio WS80. This 10 megapixel camera features a 5X internal optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD and is less than an inch thick. Photos and HD video can be taken up to five feet (1.5 meters) underwater.

The WS80 has a water-repellent SP (Super Protect) coating on the protective glass panel that covers the zoom lens. Because of this, the camera can be rinsed with fresh water if it becomes covered with dirt or sand.

Other features include:

• Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 of a second
• Smile Capture automatically releases the shutter when a subject smiles and Blink Detection alerts the photographer if the subject's eyes are closed during the exposure.
• PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR, stabilizing your images and video for blur-free results.
• PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
• Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.