Camera thread offshoot

[amcnj]

Hi. I saw another thread about camera recommendations and didn’t want to hijack it. A family member is looking to take shots on an upcoming trip that involves some snorkeling.

They are trying to decide between some sort of waterproof case for their phone (iPhone) versus purchasing an underwater camera. Does anyone have any recommendations or experiences to share?

Thanks!

 

[sam_gordon]

Hi. I saw another thread about camera recommendations and didn’t want to hijack it. A family member is looking to take shots on an upcoming trip that involves some snorkeling.

They are trying to decide between some sort of waterproof case for their phone (iPhone) versus purchasing an underwater camera. Does anyone have any recommendations or experiences to share?

Thanks!

Waterproof cases for phones would make me nervous. I would prefer an underwater camera.

 

[amcnj]

Waterproof cases for phones would make me nervous. I would prefer an underwater camera.

Thanks. That’s what they were leaning towards too, for that very reason.

 

[HopperFan]

My iPhone is not going in the water!

I have had a few underwater cameras, what is great is they usually are good in water, on sand, in snow, extreme temps, you can drop them. So good at the beach or skiing or any outdoor event. I never paid more than $200 but haven't needed to replace my last one so not sure what they run now. My does video as well. I get an extra battery too.

 

[kdonnel]

We have moved from a dedicated waterproof camera to just using our phones in a simple water proof pouch.

The dedicated waterproof cameras generally only lasted 2 vacations before they started having issues. The lenses would get condensation or in one case the battery compartment would fill with water.

We have never had an issue with water intrusion with our phones in the water proof pouches. Sometimes they are a little difficult to operate the phone while underwater but otherwise work perfect.

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-Case-Cellphone-Samsung/dp/B079HV3TC9?th=1

 

[sam_gordon]

We have moved from a dedicated waterproof camera to just using our phones in a simple water proof pouch.

The dedicated waterproof cameras generally only lasted 2 vacations before they started having issues. The lenses would get condensation or in one case the battery compartment would fill with water.

We have never had an issue with water intrusion with our phones in the water proof pouches. Sometimes they are a little difficult to operate the phone while underwater but otherwise work perfect.

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-Case-Cellphone-Samsung/dp/B079HV3TC9?th=1

Even if I had to replace a $150 waterproof camera every two vacations (say every two years), I can get almost 10 cameras for the price of (possibly) destroying a phone. All it would take is a manufacturing defect or human error (not sealing the bag correctly) and your phone is toast.

 

[SueInBoston]

I use both a waterproof pouch for the phone but sometimes it's hard to operate. I just bought a GoPro for my next trip

 

[RamblingMad]

Olympus makes some point and shoot tough cameras that are already built to get wet.

https://getolympus.com/us/en/tough-tg-6.html

 

[Pooh2]

I bought an Olympus tg3 in 2014 for a Hawaii trip.
It is still going strong and stays in our canoe or beach bag all summer.

 

[kdonnel]

Even if I had to replace a $150 waterproof camera every two vacations (say every two years), I can get almost 10 cameras for the price of (possibly) destroying a phone. All it would take is a manufacturing defect or human error (not sealing the bag correctly) and your phone is toast.

It’s a risk we are willing to take to only have to carry a single device.

Knock on wood, we have managed fine with the pouches for 5-7 years. Beaches, pools, water parks, boats, etc.