[ Photo courtesy of h-angele]

Last week, Pentax introduced a new underwater camera. This week yet another camera maker, AgfaPhoto, did the same. If you add those to the waterproof cameras in our Ratings and ones we're currently testing, that makes at least eight waterproof point-and-shoots to choose from.

Here's a brief rundown on each (models below with links can be found in our Ratings, available to subscribers):

• 12-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-8000, $370, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 6 1/2-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

• 10-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-6000, $270, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

• 10-megapixel Olympus Stylus 550WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

• 12-megapixel Canon PowerShot D10, $330, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 4-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

• 10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

• 12-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, $400, (4.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.

• 12-megapixel Pentax Optio W80, $300, (5x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 16 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 3-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.

• 6-megapixel AgfaPhoto DC-600uw, $200, (no optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet). Includes a 2.4-inch LCD. Should be available sometime this month.

Some models listed above are claimed to be freezeproof, dustproof, or have the ability to capture high-definition resolution video. And some, like the Olympus Tough models, include special features like tap technology, which let you operate certain camera functions by tapping the camera body. —Terry Sullivan

[ Photo courtesy of woodleywonderworks/Flickr. ]

When I was younger, I enjoyed flipping through National Geographic and Life magazines for their amazing travel images. It might be an unforgettable portrait of a woman from Afghanistan or maybe a wolf in a barren landscape. If you like to shoot photos when you travel, here are some models to consider.

All are very good overall, but vary in response speed and other aspects, which we don't cover here. To see how they fared in our tests, check our point-and-shoot Ratings (information is available to Consumer Reports.org subscribers only):

• Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
  This superzoom has plenty of features; two that stand out for travelers are its long, 20x optical zoom with wide-angle capability and ability to shoot high-def video.
• Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
  This subcompact has a very flexible sensor that can automatically adapt to ambient lighting or a particular scene. So, if you're in the Uffizi gallery in Florence, it might switch to a low-light setting. But if you're strolling across the Ponte Vecchio on a sunny day, it might use a dynamic range setting.

Of course, for the best quality shots, you'll want an SLR. Here are two suggested models listed in our SLR Ratings:

• Nikon D90
  With this, you no longer need to lug around a camcorder with you to shoot video. It's got hi-def video built in. It won't replace your camcorder, but you can hold your cold drink in one hand, while snapping photos or capturing video with the other.
• Canon Rebel XSi
  This reasonably priced model has excellent image quality and includes a live-view LCD for composing, as you can with a point-and-shoot. —Terry Sullivan

PC World, Wired, and other media outlets have reported that the new iPhone 3G S models have been running a little hot—hot enough to turn their white plastic cases brown, according to Wired  .
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Apple Support has acknowledged an overheating problem with both the 3G S and 3G phones, when they "run certain applications in hot conditions or direct sunlight for long periods of time, such as GPS tracking in a car on a sunny day or listening to music while in direct sunlight."

This problem may be limited to specific lots of phones, as such problems have not turned up during our tests, which are still ongoing.

Besides feeling hot, symptoms of an iPhone suffering from heat exhaustion may include a dimming display and a weak cellular signal. The most-obvious sign is an on-screen message "iPhone needs to cool before you can use it" (see image at right).

We'll keep you posted as the story unfolds. In the meantime, please let us know if you've experienced an overheating problem with your phone. —Mike Gikas

PC World, Wired, and other media outlets have reported that the new iPhone 3G S models have been running a little hot—hot enough to turn their white plastic cases brown, according to Wired  .
.
Apple Support has acknowledged an overheating problem with both the 3G S and 3G phones, when they "run certain applications in hot conditions or direct sunlight for long periods of time, such as GPS tracking in a car on a sunny day or listening to music while in direct sunlight."

This problem may be limited to specific lots of phones, as such problems have not turned up during our tests, which are still ongoing.

Besides feeling hot, symptoms of an iPhone suffering from heat exhaustion may include a dimming display and a weak cellular signal. The most-obvious sign is an on-screen message "iPhone needs to cool before you can use it" (see image at right).

We'll keep you posted as the story unfolds. In the meantime, please let us know if you've experienced an overheating problem with your phone. —Mike Gikas