I bought this camera because it had underwater capbilites,and we were taking our computer on vacation and I thought it would be fun to review some pictures as the trip progressed. Considering the price..this camera did great! We snorkled everyday...and got some great shots...you can't expect wonders, but I was plesantly surprised. We photographed a sleeping sea turle, sting rays, and lots of little reef fish...all were clearly visible, some well lit and very colorful, others blurry. The kids loved seeing themselves snorkling. I have an old underwater Canon (sureshot- 35mm) which takes better pictures....but this camera just gave us another option. Our outdoor pictures came out pretty good, too...although, as the other reviewer said...conditions have to be just right to get good pictures.
This camera is not without it's faults. Like any cheap piece of electronics it occasionally does crazy stuff. The last day diving we lost our pictures, because one of the kids may have pressed the wrong buttons in some sequence...or...the batteries ran out...or the camera program just froze. Battery life does seem a little short..and if they die...you lose your pictures..which is a bummer. The pictures can also be somewhat "pixely," especially if you zoom in and crop closely.
My 10 year old loves this camera..and we have had lots of fun with it. It's small, lightweight, and waterproof in the case. We bought one for her best friend, and they love to go around taking photos, then running in and putting them on the computer to "see what they have." Photos can be a range of quality...but again.....it's a $24.00 camera.