good underwater camera

[luv4u859]

I am looking for a good underwater camera. First I was looking at the nikon coolpix aw110 which I really do like. Only reason why I haven't got it yet is because there isn't many reviews on it at all and I like to read reviews about a product before buying it.

Now I am looking at the Pentax Optio WG-2. Trying to see which one is better.

The Nikon is newer.

Any tips for me? Or help?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I am looking for a good underwater camera. First I was looking at the nikon coolpix aw110 which I really do like. Only reason why I haven't got it yet is because there isn't many reviews on it at all and I like to read reviews about a product before buying it.

Now I am looking at the Pentax Optio WG-2. Trying to see which one is better.

The Nikon is newer.

Any tips for me? Or help?

I'm not going to make a recommendation for a ruggedized P & S because I just don't know enough about them (I do shoot Pentax DSLR's). I just wanted to point out that the Pentax WG-2 is not the latest iteration, but the WG-3 and WG-3 GPS.

 

[luv4u859]

I'm not going to make a recommendation for a ruggedized P & S because I just don't know enough about them (I do shoot Pentax DSLR's). I just wanted to point out that the Pentax WG-2 is not the latest iteration, but the WG-3 and WG-3 GPS.

yeah I saw that on their website and meant to update it. Don't know if you know or not but are they good for just regular pics to? Or just underwater?

I am looking for a all around new camera that is also waterproof.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I have never used one of the WG series. I did look at Pentax' specs for the camera and on paper it looked rather impressive. It doesn't have a long zoom, however it does have a new lens for that series that at the shorter end has a f2 aperture. This makes it fairly useful in lowlight conditions and underwater. If I was in the market for a ruggedized P & S, I would probably purchase this one (but I am a long time Pentax shooter so I do tend to lean toward their products).

 

[Hunnypaw]

we have the Nikon nikon coolpix aw110. pretty good for a PS...

I too.... hope to learn more about the pentax from this thread.

 

[photo_chick]

I am looking for a good underwater camera. First I was looking at the nikon coolpix aw110 which I really do like. Only reason why I haven't got it yet is because there isn't many reviews on it at all and I like to read reviews about a product before buying it.

Now I am looking at the Pentax Optio WG-2. Trying to see which one is better.

The Nikon is newer.

Any tips for me? Or help?

What are you planning to do with it? Take it in the pool? Snorkel? Dive?

 

[luv4u859]

What are you planning to do with it? Take it in the pool? Snorkel? Dive?

we are going to cozumel on a cruise this summer, so I am expecting to use it while snorkeling. I also have a season pass to the local waterpark so wamt to use it there to. Also the pool.

I am looking for it to take good pics out of the water to so I can just use it as a regular camera as well.

 

[luv4u859]

we have the Nikon nikon coolpix aw110. pretty good for a PS...

I too.... hope to learn more about the pentax from this thread.

have you used it in the water yet?

 

[photo_chick]

we are going to cozumel on a cruise this summer, so I am expecting to use it while snorkeling. I also have a season pass to the local waterpark so wamt to use it there to. Also the pool.

I am looking for it to take good pics out of the water to so I can just use it as a regular camera as well.

Most of the water friendly point and shoots I've used really don't put out impressive shots. Like any camera, in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing you can get a lot, but there are better point and shoots out there for the same money. Have you considered an Aquapac or other underwater housing for your existing point and shoot?

If you get a waterproof camera know that they all will flood at some point if you submerge them below the surface on a regular basis. Make sure you check the depth rating since you will be snorkeling. I know most snorkeling is on the surface but if you decide to dive down to see something you will want your camera to be able to withstand the depth. Personally I like Sea Life cameras for underwater shooting because they're designed from the ground up with that environment in mind.

 

[luv4u859]

Most of the water friendly point and shoots I've used really don't put out impressive shots. Like any camera, in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing you can get a lot, but there are better point and shoots out there for the same money. Have you considered an Aquapac or other underwater housing for your existing point and shoot?

If you get a waterproof camera know that they all will flood at some point if you submerge them below the surface on a regular basis. Make sure you check the depth rating since you will be snorkeling. I know most snorkeling is on the surface but if you decide to dive down to see something you will want your camera to be able to withstand the depth. Personally I like Sea Life cameras for underwater shooting because they're designed from the ground up with that environment in mind.

I have a underwater case for my current Nikon but its really difficult to change the settings to say from photo to video. It is also hard to take pictures. I have issues with the battery with this camera to and since its been discontinued I just really want to get a new one.

The depth for the nikon is 18m/59ft, don't plan to go that deep lol. Most of the time if I take it to a waterpark it would be just to video while going down the slide, not really submerging it in the water.

Thanks the tips. I am going to check out the sea life cameras.

 

[luv4u859]

I ended up getting the nikon aw110 camera. Love it so far. Can't wait to test it out in the water.

 

[xanderj]

Before you make the plunge, read some reviews and take suggestions from the forum. Don't aim too low when choosing a camera. I've never heard anyone complaining that the camera they bought is too good.
Don't rule out used and refurbished cameras from dealers and manufacturers.

Camera Reviews
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.photographytalk.com/compare-prices/camera-buying-guide
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://topbestwaterproofcamera.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

 

[SplashMo]

This is the top P&S for under water photos: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tg-2-ihs.html

 

[hakepb]

This is an oddly resurrected thread, but just in case someone still looks at this thread for a decision, here's a link to DPReviews waterproof camera roundup they published last month:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2013-waterproof-roundup