Summary: YES! WP stands for "WATER PROOF"

Comment: Yes, the cameras are virtually indestructible. And NO, WP isn't "weather proof" it's "water proof" according to Canon's own literature for this camera including the owners manual. Ours says it's "waterproof to 16.4 feet" Has worked fine in our local lake and motel swimming pools. You simply can not compare the quality of photos taken with this camera with the quality of those taken with the disposable 'waterproof" cameras that you buy at the discount stores. You really can't come up with a better fun at the lake, snorkeling, hotel pool camera for this kind of money. Generally a decent waterproof camera costs a LOT more and a water proof housing for a camera yo may already own is very expensive. You're not gonna get a lot of National Geographic quality shots with this but you just may surprise yourself!

Summary: A Great Point & Shot Camera

Comment: I have taken this camera on 4,000 miles of river canoeing in all types of weather. I takes very good pictures without the need to worry about focusing. I have never used this underwater and would never consider doing so. However, I did drop it into water a few times and it suffered no damages. I am considering purchasing the A1 for its panoramic mode.

Summary: Water resistant? How about waterproof to 80 feet!

Comment: Took this camera down 80 feet in salt water. Works like a charm. My friends couldn't believe it either. I recommend this camera highly.

Summary: Canon WP1 vs Canon SureShot A1

Comment: I had WP1 and A1 before. Both of them looked almost the same except the colour of the rubber grip for the hand is different, the macro logo of the mode dial is different. WP1 is a weatherproof camera, not waterproof. It is excellent for snorkelling and rugged use. WP1 started to leak at 6m or 20ft when I used for SCUBA diving, that was my mistake. So I bought an A1, so far tested to 35m (though only guaranteed to a few metres) and still going strong, same for another 2 A1s that my friends have. Both WP1 and A1 are excellent cameras, gave excellent pictures. The price difference (almost 100%) basically gives you the peace of mind in terms of water-tightness. One thing to take note, the flash is not strong enough so underwater pictures will turn out to be greenish or bluish, and fine particles will tend to disperse the flash and over expose the pictures. Have fun!

Summary: This is a fantastic little camera.

Comment: It may not have all the cute features that you could want on a camera, but it makes up for it by being durable and rugged. I just recently discovered the "WP" stands for weatherproof, not waterproof. I've been taking mine into the pool and into the ocean for years without a problem, although the camera has never been deeper than a few feet under the water. It is not sufficient if you are a serious scuba person, but for the traveler or outdoor enthusiast, this camera will greatly expand your picture taking abilities. While I have several expensive, feature-laden cameras, I often prefer to use this camera. I find it has three advantages for me. First, its ruggedness allows it to go places my expensive cameras cannot. This includes the beach, on to boats, or into water. You can throw this camera onto the sand or take it into the ocean for fun vacation shots. Second, I'm not worried about losing this camera, as I would be of losing a more expensive camera. Not only is it moderately priced, but also you can slip it into a bathing suit pocket and swim with it. You don't have to leave it on a towel and worry about it as you swim. Thirdly, it's small and lightweight. It's not burdensome to carry-around. For those times that you would like to get a snapshot, but you don't want to lug around a camera bag and a bunch of attachments, this camera is perfect. And while you're carrying it, you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

While it may lack some features, its picture quality is surprisingly good. If you are thinking that a waterproof disposable camera has the same advantages that I listed above (i.e., waterproof with worry-free portability), be advised there is a big difference in the quality of the prints. I've used both and you get much better pictures from this camera. It may not do everything that a fancier camera can do (zoom, macro, etc.), but what it can do it does exceptionally well. This camera has taken some of my favorite vacation snapshots and family pictures, if for no other reason than it was there with me when the picture opportunity presented itself while my "good" camera sat safely (and uselessly) packed away and protected.