a good, inexpensive camera rig for the yak

[Mike K.]

Had a few people ask me about the camera I carry and thought I'd give my 2 cents....I considered one of the newer waterproof models but just didn't like the idea of exposing all the moving parts/nooks and crannys to fine sand and salt. Even if it's waterproof, it gets grimy and the lens is subject to scratches/bumps and so on. I've dropped mine on the deck, found that it had fallen out the the bag behind the seat and into the bait tank and was floating there etc. and it keeps coming back for more.
What I bought was a Sony DSC-S60 which is a year or so ago's model. On e-bay you can get them new or nearly new for around $75-110. The S90 is almost identical. It is a 4.1 megapixel with plenty of features. It takes AWESOME pictures in NO light...got some grunion photos to prove it...and nice ones in normal conditions. If you want to make poster sized pictures, get a higher resolution camera. For me, I just wanted a good all around rig. NOW THE GOOD PART...Amazon.com has a waterproof housing for it normally around 75-100$ for $19.99. You can also get a combo deal with a charging cradle, rechargeable batteries, and cables for hook up to the computer or T.V. for an extra $19.99 (about $39 total) with free shipping with orders over $25.. It's the Sony SPK-SA housing which works with both the s60 and s90. It's waterproof to only around 8-9ft. but I don't plan on diving with it so that's fine for me and possibly most of you. IT FLOATS!!! which saved my butt once already plus, the housing makes it more shock proof. It's a plastic housing so it get's scratched but the lens area is glass. I recommend making your own lens cover for the housing lens just to keep it clean it from smudges in a dirty/wet environment. For the price, I got 2 housings just in case. So for a total of around $100-120 it makes an economical and really functional set up and a lot cheaper than the $250-350 prices I've seen for the newer cameras without a housing. Only draw back so far are you must keep the rubber gasket lubed and clean which is no biggie, and you can't use the audio when shooting video in the housig cause there's no mic. outlet. Camera shoots video with sound otherwise. Definitely not pushing the product but found it to be my best option and maybe it will help someone out there. P.S....IF YOU DO DECIDE TO BUY, I'D BUY THE HOUSING FIRST. Don't know how many Amazon has left but it seems to be a clearance type item. So far, the cameras seem to be readily available on e-bay but, as always, CHECK IT ALL OUT FOR YOURSELF FIRST!