'Pop Talk' reviews three waterproof gadgets for the rainy days

Gadgets have become a constant part of the Pinoy lifestyle so much so that we either always bring them with us or consider them as one of our more valuable belongings. Now that the rainy season is here, people who love their gadgets are also going to find ways to ensure that these items would be safe and waterproof.

But if you really want to be certain that your device will be safe even if it's dunked in water, you can check out these three waterproof devices reviewed by "Pop Talk" host Tonipet Gaba, computer engineer and Taragis.com owner Bon Talampas Jr., student Avegail Santos, and "My Husband's Lover" actor and Kapuso hunk Pancho Magno.

Pentax K30
Price: P34,990



Water, dust, moisture, and extreme heat are just some of the things that can harm a digital SLR camera. Users usually have to buy accessories and protectors to ensure that their cameras remain clean and safe. Enter the Pentax K30, an entry level DSLR camera that promises to stand the test of the elements.

The "Pop Talk" reviewers tried using the Pentax K30 to get underwater shots while they're in a pool. The camera worked fine but the reviewers noticed that the LCD monitor also moistened after being submerged in water.

"Nag-moist ‘yung sa viewfinder niya pero pwede kang mag-shoot pa rin sa live view niya. Normal lang kasi pero nawawala din naman. Siguro sa sobrang dami rin nung water," explained Bon.



"Ito kasi ang first SLR na pwedeng mabasa. So far, okay naman ang mga picture," shared Pancho. "Ang okay dito kasi lalo na 'pag nababsa or may mga bata na dinadala sa may pool… Syempre iiwasan mo talagang malublob. I mean, lahat naman ng camera siguro… Sa umuulan, at least 'di sya masisira compared sa iba."

Bob gave the Pentax K30 a thumbs-up, saying: "Pop pa rin kasi yung moist niya sa labas pa rin. External lang yun pero 'di masyadong naapektuhan ang mismong machine. Nag-function pa rin siya nang maayos. It’s a mid level camera. For me pop pa rin yun."

Final verdict: 6 pop points

Rain or Shine Waterproof MP3 Player
Price: P899





People who feel the need to listen to music while they're in the bath would love the Rain or Shine Waterproof MP3 player. It not only withstands being drizzled with water, it can also continue functioning even if it's immersed in an five feet-deep pool. For a gadget that costs only P899, you'd definitely get bang for your buck.

To know if the sound quality of the MP3 player would be affected by water, the "Pop Talk" reviewers used it before diving into the pool. "Kanina tinry ko 5 feet or 6 feet, nakakarinig pa ako," shared Pancho.

"Maganda siya. 'Di nagbabago ‘yung tunog niya," said Avy. "Pop kasi sobrang handy, portable tapos waterproof… P899 meron ka nang mp3 tapos nababasa pa, 'di ba? Saan ka pa?"

Final verdict: 6 pop points

Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Price: P31,990



In the car, in restaurants, in the classroom, and even in the bedroom — no place seems to be off limits when it comes to taking selfies. Now, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra also makes it possible to take a photo of yourself underwater. Like other tabs, this tablet allows the user to play games, watch videos, take photos, surf the web and more. Another feature that makes it special is its anti-scratch film that makes its screen durable enough to be scratched by a pencil.

"Okay pa rin siya kahit iwan mo sa ilalim ng tubig. Working pa rin," commented Bon after testing the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Sony Xperia Z Ultra's design also impressed Bon: "Medyo malaki siya pero it's good for travellers. Maganda yung size niya. Para sa akin ‘yung LCD niya sobrang linaw. Ginamit dito ng Sony ‘yung Triluminous. It's an expensive tech na ginamit ng Sony sa mga TV before."



"Sobrang worth it. waterproof at magagamit mo anytime anywhere," Pancho said.

Final verdict: 9 pop points