Last year "rugged" was the new buzz, as manufactures added freezeproof and shockproof features. Now, in order to distinguish their devices—or keep-up with the buzz—several manufactures have added global positioning system receivers (GPS) into their cameras, so when you get back home you know exactly where those rapids were that your friend—or you—took a spill.
Fujifilm FinePix XP30
The FinePix XP30 continues the tradition of being a colourful, cheerful body that is inexpensive and takes photos. If your choice is between this or the EasyShare Sport, you should get the FinePix XP30. The FinePix XP30 is rugged and includes a GPS receiver.
Kodak EasyShare Sport
The EasyShare Sport is waterproof only (not rugged), and cheap. If you want to buy a camera for your toddler to use at the beach, they won't know the difference between this and a good one.
Olympus Tough TG-810
The Olympus Tough line has a lot of mind share, and checks on the spec sheet. It continues to be a bit of a bear to use: bulky, slow, and mediocre output.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
Panasonic has made a go with its Lumix brand in many segments, and the DMC-TS3 does quite well with Panasonic's Venus image processor. The new model, besides having best-in-class image quality, adds many nice-to-haves for the rugged traveler: an altimeter, a barometer, and a digital compass [which presumably makes use of the GPS receiver].
Pentax WG-1 GPS
The Pentax WG-1 GPS (or its non-GPS variant) is but the latest in the longest line of compact waterproof cameras. The latest variant has indeed improved, especially in its handling of noise at higher ISO settings, but the Lumix DMC-TS3 continues to overshadow it.
Ricoh G700SE
The Ricoh G700SE is the successor to the G500 line, a compact-sized rugged camera. The new model, in addition to a general upgrade (the last model was four years ago), also comes with 802.11 (WiFi) and Bluetooth standard. The G700SE is also lighter and smaller than its predecessor.
Ricoh PX
We are both a little saddened and pleasantly surprised by the Ricoh PX. Ricoh makes a few niche cameras—like the hardened G700SE above and the fixed-focal length GR Digital enthusiast line—and the Ricoh PX is very mainstream. It is a nice side to see from them, and the Ricoh PX performs nicely, but in the end is true to itself, and puts on no airs of grandeur.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10
The tiny DSC-TX10 is Sony's latest super-slim rugged camera, and it takes gorgeous photos. Unfortunately, almost everything about this camera (other than power and the shutter) is controlled through a capacitive touch-screen which can be difficult if not impossible to use while underwater.