Waterproof Camera

[Ralph Southerland]

Does anyone have suggestions as to a waterproof camera?  I've seen some from several manufacturers and wondered what may be in use for kayaking and the pros and cons of what you may use.  I use a FinePix S700 and FinePix 5200 for most of my photography and we carry a Sony Cybershot in a dry bag.  I really want to be able to hang the camera near our Etrex GPS and not worry about splashing or rain.

[Dannette]

I use an Olympus Stylus 725 SW. It's a small waterproof, shock resistant digital that takes fairly decent photos...not professional quality, but decent. It came with a wrist strap that will keep the camera floating if it falls into the water. I've had it a few years and it has taken quite a beating, and now it resides in my net side compartment of my Tarpon. Hope that helps!

I just did a quick search and there is one on eBay currently at 40.00 If I was ever going to replace mine, I would search to get another one just like it. I found this review and totall agree:

When other manufacturers say their cameras can “cope with anything” they usually mean the extremes of exposure or focusing, they don’t mean being dropped on the ground or dunked in water! Being shockproof up to 1.5m* and waterproof up to 5m**, the Olympus µ (mju) 725 SW’s gives a whole new meaning to this phrase.

[Erick Bell]

I use the Olympus WP Stylus also. It is a 10 mp camera and takes great photos. I have only once tried underwater shots with the kids and it was too murky for anything to come out of it. But the camera still works fine and I hope to be experimenting with it further in the near future. I bought mine at Wal-Mart on sale. It is now off their modular this year and I have seen them in a store called "Ollies" new for $99. Ollies buys close outs, overstocks, etc. You may or may not have one near you.

[Dannette]

Your question turned into a fun afternoon! It set me off in search of a camera which was great. I tend to be very loyal to equipment that has been good to me even if it gets old. While my Olympus is old it still works adequately so I have avoided looking for any upgrades. I confess it has been in the back of my mind though.

What I've found, and this is assuming your budget is wide open, comes down to three choices (for me). The new Olympus Tough 8010 is a newer version of a camera I love, it would be a great choice for the rugged need category.

If it comes down to image quality in a waterproof, then the Cannon Powershot D10 is the one. I'm still undecided on this myself. I want a camera that I can fit it my pocket and this is a bit bulker, but will fit in the netted compartment of my Tarpon. Also, the video on this isn't as good...amazing still pictures though.

The one I'm personally thinking will win out is the Sony Cybershot TX5. Images aren't quite as good as the Canon, but they are good, and better than what I currently have. It's small enough to fit in a pocket, still works in very cold temps (snow country), crush and shock proof within reason, and takes amazing hd video in and out of water.

All of these are in the 300.00 range. Some a bit more, some a bit less depending on where you look. I am in no rush so I think I will wait a bit to see if the Sony comes down in price, or if one of the wholsale stores offers it...like Costco. They have a great return policy and usually do nice bundles.

[Tommy Samuels]

I have an older Olympus 550WP that I absolutely love. I've been abusing it on a regular basis and it just keeps coming back for more.

As for image quality, it's a 10mp camera with 3x zoom and shoots a couple of different video formats. I use it in my guide service for client grip n grin shots and for doing Too Busy's Tech Tips youtube videos. I've seen them discounted lately to under $100.

[Wilson Mark Jr.]

i also have an older Olympus 550WP; also most of the Pentax WP cameras, WP, 10wp, 20wp, 60wp, and 80wp; and a newer Olympus 1080swp.  Here's my personal take on the cameras I have:  the older Olympus WP took great pictures all around, it was a pleasent surprise; all the Pentax WP cameras took sharper, better pictures period. the wp took on water, after 8 yrs and died, the others are still working, the 60wp got taken out to see, by a tide and came back working fine, but the body was riddled with pits by the pounding ocean/sand; ended up trying the newer Olympus WP camera, because my brother in-law got one, not happy with it at all.  pictures just weren't as sharp as the Pentax; after all that, I decided to stay with Pentax, but other ones may turn out fine for you.

[Harold Christensen]

May want to check out the Kodak Playsport video and still waterproof camera.  Can also get it with remote.  Very reasonable price wise.  I have been using it for about 6 months and am love it.

Harry

[Lorna Bruce]

Purchased the Finepix XP20 a couple of months ago and love it.  Shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof and dustproof. Have tried all but the freezeproof scenario and the camera performs great and takes excellent pics.  No worries throwing it into a knapsack or having it bounce around inside your milk crate.  It's been splashed and bashed without fail.  I did purchase a floating wrist strap just in case it goes overboard.  For the money you can't go wrong with this camera.

[Bob Canning]

I highly recommend the Olympus tough series. I have the 6020 model and it is everything I could want in a WP point and shoot. HD video too!!