Waterproof camera recommendations

[Kayak805]

I'm looking to buy a decent waterproof and shock resistant camera. Still shots are my first priority and motion video second. Any recommendations from those of you who own one?

[Chuck D]

I have the Olympus stylus 1030w. Great camera, its waterproof shock resistant and can take underwater videos and photos. I have tested this camera repeatedly and had no issues whatsoever (submerged for long periods in saltwater, no problem). Picture quality it good, not amazing but def good enough. 10 MP is plenty for me, video works great too. Hope this helps.

[jasonb]

ive been looking for an underwater camera as well. First looked at Panasonic since my regular camera is a Panasonic and I like it a lot. http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-.../dp/B003960F8Y
A friend recommended this one from Olympus. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1497

I haven't bought one yet but those are the 2 i'm looking at. I'm sure you can find a cheaper model of these that isn't good for 30+ feet deep but Im looking for a camera to take snorkeling/diving so needed something good for over 10'

[Kayak805]

Originally Posted by Chuck D

I have the Olympus stylus 1030w. Great camera, its waterproof shock resistant and can take underwater videos and photos. I have tested this camera repeatedly and had no issues whatsoever (submerged for long periods in saltwater, no problem). Picture quality it good, not amazing but def good enough. 10 MP is plenty for me, video works great too. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the recommendation. Much appreciated.

[Kayak805]

Originally Posted by jasonb

ive been looking for an underwater camera as well. First looked at Panasonic since my regular camera is a Panasonic and I like it a lot. http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-.../dp/B003960F8Y
A friend recommended this one from Olympus. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1497

I haven't bought one yet but those are the 2 i'm looking at. I'm sure you can find a cheaper model of these that isn't good for 30+ feet deep but Im looking for a camera to take snorkeling/diving so needed something good for over 10'

Thanks for the info. Looks like a little more homework is needed. That's half the fun.

[dsafety]

If you just want something to protect your camera during an outing on the water, there are some waterproof cases that work fairly well. You can get them to fit many cameras at a fraction of the cost of a fully waterproof camera.

Is the camera as easy to use in the bag, probably not but the feature set on most waterproof cameras is pretty minimal. If you have a camera that you like but want to protect it while on the water, this may be something to consider.

Here is a link to a typical waterproof case on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Wat.../dp/B0027HRXBI

[Anthony179]

I bought the Optio W80 a few months ago. It works good.

[Kayak805]

Originally Posted by dsafety

If you just want something to protect your camera during an outing on the water, there are some waterproof cases that work fairly well. You can get them to fit many cameras at a fraction of the cost of a fully waterproof camera.

Is the camera as easy to use in the bag, probably not but the feature set on most waterproof cameras is pretty minimal. If you have a camera that you like but want to protect it while on the water, this may be something to consider.

Here is a link to a typical waterproof case on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Wat.../dp/B0027HRXBI

My daughter basically "borrowed" my Canon digital so it looks like I'll need to get myself a camera anyway. What is it about daughters anyway?

[m1k3midg3]

put your camera in a condom then tie up the end.

[sandydiego]

Originally Posted by m1k3midg3

put your camera in a condom then tie up the end.

Have not found a big enough one yet!

[bigbarrels]

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1496

This is the one I use for the kayak.......299.00 and waterproof to 16 feet rather than 33 feet for 100.00 less......HD video is great but just wished it could take in a wider angle picture/video (like the GoPro)

[Mad Daddy]

Just came back from Costco and they have the Olympus on sale for $179 and a fuji 12mp for $159

[Regor]

Originally Posted by Mad Daddy

Just came back from Costco and they have the Olympus on sale for $179 and a fuji 12mp for $159

Which Olympus model ? That's REAL cheap for an Olympus waterproof!

[Mad Daddy]

Do not remember the model but it was a 10mp, 5ft drop shock proof, 15ft water proof and freeze proof to ?? degrees, comes with a case and a 1gb card and 100 free costco prints. It is called Stylus Tough and was blue in color. I want to say I remember seeing 6000 but don't hold me to that. It was normal priced at $199 with an $20 instant rebate until 8/31/10. I was in the Chino Hills Costco and they had several of them.

[KirkG.]

I have the Olympus 770sw, it came out a couple years ago. I have had it in my vest pocket for most of the time and its still going strong. Takes good pictures and hasnt had any problems with the water or being bumped around in my vest pocket.

I was at Best Buy last week and saw the new version of the camera and it looks great. It takes pictures and video, is water resistant and crush resistant to about 220lbs.

I like mine but might be upgrading to the new one soon

KirkG.

[rogersmith]

anyone like the Canon Powershot D10?

[dsafety]

Originally Posted by rogersmith

anyone like the Canon Powershot D10?

I tried the D10 but decided to pass and get a Panasonic ZS1. This model has been replaced with some new versions that also shoot HD video. Mine just does standard video. The Panasonic is not waterproof but is a far superior camera in terms of the feature set. Its 25mm to 12X zoom is really nice.

The Canon is a point and shoot with limited zoom and minimal manual options. If you just want a durable camera to take typical snapshots in wet conditions, the canon would be a good choice. If you like to get a bit more creative with your photos, you should look elsewhere.

Bob

[Nic D]

Originally Posted by dsafety

If you like to get a bit more creative with your photos, you should look elsewhere.

Bob

like an DSLR.

[flydigital]

Originally Posted by KirkG.

I have the Olympus 770sw, it came out a couple years ago. I have had it in my vest pocket for most of the time and its still going strong. Takes good pictures and hasnt had any problems with the water or being bumped around in my vest pocket.

I was at Best Buy last week and saw the new version of the camera and it looks great. It takes pictures and video, is water resistant and crush resistant to about 220lbs.

I like mine but might be upgrading to the new one soon

KirkG.

+1 I have the 720sw, about 4 years old, still going strong, the battery even still works for a full days pics (barely, time to replace soon). Any of the Olympus SW models are great, just remember to use the shutter button correctly and read the manual, it works more like a high-end camera vs. simple point-n-shoot, you have to hold half-way, let the AF work, then finish the button press once focused to take the pic. If you rush it, or use the wrong mode in low light you will get blurry pics. Even takes decent video. I've taken this camera everywhere, dropped it dozens of times, dented it, everything short of running it over and it keeps on clickin...