Seven years ago, rugged cameras that can survive water are expensive and rare. And even if they can handle water, you still need to put a casing to make sure that water pressure won't break the seals and damage the electronics.

But Moore's Law and advances in manufacturing techniques in the last few years have made a tremendous impact on the development of such gadgets. You no longer have to buy a casing to take your camera underwater. You can simply take them into the sea whenever you feel like shooting underwater.

This year, if you still cling to your old compact for your daily shooting excursion, you'll definitely have to consider a waterproof camera as a replacement. Here are 4 reasons why:-

1.You Can Shoot in All Weather and Conditions
Every seasoned photographer has experienced bad weather. They wreck good photo opportunity, and if they last the whole week of your travel or shooting job, you're out of luck. Your powerful DSLR won't help. Because the expensive gadget cannot handle rain.

But if you have a waterproof camera, you can shoot while people are taking shelter. When people stop shooting, you're the only on the field. And when no one is there shooting, you have all the good spots for yourself.

If that is not good enough, consider these facts too. Some are crushproof and freeze proof - meaning that you can toss them into your backpack, crammed with all your belongings and not worry at all about damaging your prized gadget.

2.Picture Quality is Improving
The first few years when waterproof cameras are released into the market, ordinary people shy away from them. Only people involved in hiking or surfing use them. This is simply because the picture quality is not good enough for daily use. But for people involved in such activities, poor quality pictures are better than no pictures at all.

Recently we are seeing better quality pictures in such cameras. Despite the limitation of fix lens, makers like Panasonic and Sony have managed to produce tough, rugged cameras with quality photos. They may not be as good as many high end compact cameras yet, but they are far better than the first generations of waterproof cameras.

3.They are Cheaper
Searching for an under $100 digital waterproof camera to buy for your trip to Bahamas used to tough. Even if you could buy one, it's one of those disposable cameras you buy under the hut near the sea.

But come 2011, things are changing. You could buy an inexpensive under $100 waterproof camera from Kodak for a start. Or try Fuji if you're not a Kodak fan.

If you're serious, try the high end ones from Panasonic, Sony or Canon. They should be around $300 and will be a lot more fun than any DSLR you've ever own. Like many people, you'll probably end up using the rugged camera for most of your shooting days because they are so versatile.

4.Better Features
This year, many high end cameras come with features you'll normally find in normal compact camera. We are talking about things like geotagging, GPS and 3D modes. Sony even makes a touchscreen camera that you could use underwater.

Imagine trying the touchscreen feature while trying to shoot a turtle swimming beside you during your snorkeling trip. Imagine seeing the 3D image of the turtle. Imagine the envy look of your friend when you show them the picture you took underwater.

And if you're hiking, some rugged cameras come equipped with a compass, altimeter and a GPS. That way, the camera is no longer a memory recording device. It could also be a life saving device.

So those are 4 reasons why a waterproof camera should be in your mind this year. Last year we saw how Canon D10 rugged camera became one of the world's top bestseller. This year, we think Pentax and Panasonic will lead the way. Waterproof camera is a new trend because people are tired of cameras that could be ruined easily. We believe you're in the same boat too.