It was only by chance I discovered this optimum solution for solving the problem of always having to worry about keeping my digital camera protected from both the elements, and too much knocking around.

I'd been wanting a replacement for my dive camera and in the process of researching alternatives, came across this new generation of underwater cameras that work equally well out of the water. Even better is that they're still compact and lightweight enough to make sense as a replacement for my land use only digital camera.

So what's the point? Simply that I've gotten fed up with digital cameras that can't take a little sand or water. When do we generally take the most pictures? How about while on excursions to new places or while vacationing or on holiday. Where do we often do these things? Beaches, snow-capped mountains, rivers, hiking trails - the list goes on.

The majority of our photographs are taken in environments where there's a better than average chance that our camera will get wet, muddy, or banged about. Instead of worrying about splashes or a little rain, and dropping it in everything from sand to snow, wouldn't it be handy if these technological marvels were just a bit hardier?

Well a handful of dive camera manufacturers have apparently gotten the message because they've produced some rugged multi-purpose digital waterproof cameras. Better still is unlike their predecessors, they can be had at a much more reasonable price.

By predecessors, I mean those super-expensive, special-purpose underwater cameras with special housings that scuba divers and underwater photographers used. They are bulky and awkward to handle out of water and while one could remove the camera itself from the housing, that sort of defeats the purpose, as we're back to the original problem of having to take extra care with protecting the camera.

But these latest generation dive cameras are integrated units where the camera is made into a waterproof case comprised of impact resistant composite materials and armored with rubber at all the key places. Dropping them from several feet up leaves them unfazed.

They are lightweight (about a pound) and compact (less than 4 inches x 5 inches), and despite their small size, offer superb picture quality with ultra sharp, high-resolution images, even in low-light conditions such as those typically found underwater. Prices are comparable to a higher-end land use digital camera.

Of particular use are the settings that can be changed depending on whether you're shooting above or under the water. In "undersea" mode the various settings improve colors underwater by automatically adjusting shutter speeds and aperture settings. For "land" use they work like other land cameras allowing the user to adjust to conditions encountered above water. Other features include face detection and image stabilization.

Bottom line is eliminating the need for more than one camera. The same one that's perfect for scuba diving, now does double duty for hiking, mountain climbing, ocean kayaking, going to the beach, being out on the boat, and pretty much any other activity one might think of.

Even if you aren't a diver there are models made for snorkeling, and even though waterproof down to just about 10 feet or so, are less expensive. This is especially good news if your primary concern is finding a more rugged digital camera that won't give out after being splashed at the lake or left in the rain.