img7753Finally, a digital camera that you can take out on your boat. The new Fujinon DS-260HD is touted as "weatherproof" - not waterproof, it's not designed for underwater use. But unlike other digital cameras that will suffer mightily if an errant wave or some spray covers them, this camera can take pictures in the rain.

A protective outer shell improves the resistance to impact damage. Special gaskets, seals, and a ruggedized body makes the DS-260HD a water-resistant and dust-proof digital camera able to withstand rough handling.

Inside lies a professional quality 1.5 million pixel chip digital camera offering a level of image quality suitable for most imaging applications. A high performance RISC Microprocessor delivers fast 5-second file save to the SmartMedia card and the Digital Gamma Correction system ensures that output retains natural color and smooth gradations of the original image.

New Auto-Sensing flash technology automatically adjusts flash output according to the lighting conditions. Adjustable Flash Intensity output can be adjusted to reduce over & under exposure due to fixed flash exposure modes typical of some cameras.

The lens has a special coating that improves color quality by reducing glare and reflections that can degrade an image, particularly on a windy, sunny day when reflections off waves will be numerous.

Manual exposure options enable better exposure for difficult picture taking situations, and selectable White Balance options accommodates a variety of lighting situations; reducing the need for time consuming color-corrections on the computer. A high quality Black & White capture feature provides optimal image quality for applications using laser printers - ideal for newsletters.

Finally, a Large LCD increases ease of viewing in playback modes, and the Video Preview/ Video out is ideal for on-location or in-studio image confirmation with an optional video monitor.

List price is $799.

Available through www.ritzcamera.comRitz Camera, or see www.fujinon.co.jp