does any one know of a good water proof digital camera that is fairly resistant to knocks and not too expensive(<£200)?

yes - the Pentax Optio W20 - heres the spiel:

'The Optio W20 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio W series of cameras that are capable of underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. The waterproof design of the Optio W20 meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, enabling it to withstand up to 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of up to five feet'

costs about £180 and is a bit of a marvel - saw it tested once on The Gadget Show and it performed really well - even when they let explosive charges off under water to simulate increased pressure.

it's about to be replaced by the Optio W30 that is even more waterproof and resiliant but no idea what that will cost - hopefully around the same.

thanks for the help i also heard of a waterproof digital camera made by olympus which looked quite good but i cant remember what it was called if any one has any info on this camera i would be grateful.

that's the Mju Digital 770 SW - it's waterproof to 10m, shockproof against falls from up to 1.5m and freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius. It's also good for taking upto 100KG being dropped on to it without damage - but I wouldnt fancy being the one to try that out on my new camera :-)

But it's about £250.

My parents have a Pentax Option WPi which is (i think) 6 megapixels. But...i think the W30 is newer...

yes - the W30 is the latest model - announced at this months PMA show.

hmmm.. with a water proof camera, now a shark can show his buddies the screaming face of his lunch intead of having to explain it to them....um ok, not really sure where that came from..

I bought my 8 year old son the Olympus 720 SW (7.1 mp) for X-mas. Great little camera, compact, light, several picture modes, of course, shock and waterproof and it takes great pictures. Highly recomended. Tony

I think that model is called the 725SW in the UK and is still for sale presumably until stocks run out now that the 770SW has been launched.

thanks for all the help i'll check out all the suggestions.

Just as an update to this thread – Olympus have just released a collection of waterproofing solutions upto a depth of 60m for all of their cameras including the E series SLR’s, flash guns and lenses as well as their compact range.