Let's say you don't want to spend several thousand dollars on an airtight waterproof case for your digital SLR and instead just want to shoot some fun, spontaneous images of models with an inexpensive underwater camera. Which one do you buy?

Waterproof cameras are everywhere this summer but, for the most part, their image quality stinks. We've had fairly decent success, however, with Pentax's W-Series of underwater cameras making us wonder why Pentax doesn't just scrap the rest of its lackluster point-and-shoot line-up and concentrate solely on these models.

The latest camera in the waterproof W-Series is the Pentax Optio W80 which is its toughest yet. Along with being waterproof, dustproof and coldproof, the camera is shockproof enough to survive a fall of over 3 feet. As an underwater camera, it can be used at a depth of 16 feet under water. If you want to bring it on the slopes to shoot skiing or snowboarding, the W80 can be used in below-freezing temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).

But how is the image quality? While it's certainly not going to make you want to trade in your digital SLR, the W80 is not bad for a point-and-shoot model, featuring a 12-megapixel sensor and a 5x internal optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent range of 28-140mm. A special coating on the cover of the lens repels water, dirt, and fingerprints. You can also shoot HD movies with the W80 at 720p at 30 frames per second.

Pop it in your camera bag the next time you go to the beach. It might just be the vacation you've been looking for from your heavy gear.

Cost: $299 Further Information: www.pentaximaging.com