Is the waterproof camera safe to use underwater?

Intrinsically safe means a device is safe to use in hazardous areas that may contain fuel in the atmosphere, such as flammable gasses or vapors, or combustible dust.

An intrinsically safe device is therefore incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite the fuel and cause fire or explosion.

So technically waterproof does not necessarily mean it is intrinsically safe. always be sure to read the specification of a device before purchasing to save you time in the long run..

~Kat Johnson

A waterproof camera is like a submarine. The manufacturers do all they can to make sure it can sustain water pressure at certain specified depth. But if there's any problem with the battery/memory doors, the camera will be ruined instantly.

Because of this, you should always check the depth rating of a waterproof camera and make sure you never go beyond the specified limit.

There have been one occasion where an Olympus mju 720SW was found to be working even after 1 year submerged in bottom of the ocean.

If you're interested in a waterproof camera, the best waterproof camera for 2011 is the Panasonic TS3. It won the prestigious TIPA award in April.