Underwater Digital Camera Info - Different Models (merged threads)

[coastiewifern]

I cannot find this post but I remember looking at someones photos from snorkeling. They said they took their pics with a camera that could go under water up to 30 ft I believe. It took beautiful photos and I cannot remember the brand or model. I believe it was also under $200! Anyone out there seen this thread and have that info for me?

Much thanks!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Hi, we have an Olympus 770SW and love it. The new model is 1030SW. I think they run around 300.00. DD has it on the PC cruise right now and fell in love with it. Now she wants one. We ALL have taken it snorkeling with great results.

 

[cruisinmama06]

I just got the Olympus SW 850 and I was part of that thread. But the camera that was under $200 was a different brand.

Here is the thread original thread...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1929027

The one for $130 was a Vivitar Vivicam

 

[ntheory]

I have the 1030 and LOVE it. I can't wait to take it on the cruise. It is 10.1 megapixels and can go down 33 ft. It's shockproof (up to 6 1/2 feet) and crushproof (up to 250 lbs.). Awesome camera. I paid around $400 for it, and it's well worth the price.

 

[Amlee]

I have the 770SW and can't wait to use it week after next.

 

[pls3399]

If you don't want to spend alot of money, Kodak sells and underwater one time use camera for $15

 

[brucechase]

Also for anyone who wants to use their own digital camera and not buy a new one, there are these:
Aquapac
http://www.amazon.com/Aquapac-Waterproof-Compact-Camera-Case/dp/B000BTNYJ4
and Dicapac
http://www.amazon.com/DicaPac-WP300-Medium-105mm-Waterproof/dp/B000I566J6/ref=pd_sbs_a_16

I'm sure there are others but someone on a trip report used the dicapac and I was impressed with the pictures. At $20-$30, almost a cheap as 2 disposables.

 

[MickeyCruiser]

I just got the Olympus SW 850 2 weeks ago and love it. Took amazing underwater shots in the pool of the kids. Took it out today in the rain to a function and didn't have to worry about it at all.

 

[IwannaseeMickey]

Add me to the list...just received my Olympus 850 today (in pink!). Can't wait to use it! I paid $237 for the camera, 1 Gig stick and got free shipping from Newegg.

 

[wideeyedwonder]

I have the 1030 and LOVE it.

Thumbs up from me too. Not only can you take it underwater, but you can take it jet skiing, dolphin encounter-ing, water sliding, etc., and take great pictures AND VIDEO! It's a great "take anywhere" camera.

(However, next cruise, I will probably take my DSLR as well, as it is more predictable re:quality of exposure when a rugged, small, take anywhere camera is not required).

 

[Risnsun]

I also bought the Olympus and I love it. We had looked at several cameras and did some tests on them and they were Horrible. The olympus is AWESOME!! I am still taking my Nikon DSLR for those other magical moments.

 

[Anal Annie]

If you're not looking to spend $200+ for a new point & shoot digital then the Vivitar ViviCam 6200 is a great deal for about $130 with tax & shipping (can order from Amazon). If I was looking to replace a digital point & shoot the Olympus model might be worth looking into - but of course it's gonna cost ya another $100 or so. Cruisinmama06 already posted a link to the thread where I posted a link for the camera and some pics I took with the Vivitar last month. The camera bag things by Dicapac did not seem appropriate for use outside of the water and if they don't fit your camera exactly right can cause some distortion on the pictures. I researched them briefly before choosing the Vivitar and was looking for better quality on the pictures. They were just not the solution I was looking for.

Anyway, you need to decide if you want to replace whatever camera you already have or if you're just looking for a reasonably priced underwater digital to supplement your time in the water... My Canon Powershot was not that old so I wasn't looking to replace it and I didn't want to spend that much. There was no underwater housing available for it and housings for DSLR's are WAY TOO EXPENSIVE unless you're a professional photographer who would use it on a regular basis. Plus DSLR's are bulkier than what I would care to take snorkeling. For us, the Vivitar was the right choice! Good luck!

 

[coastiewifern]

Thanks for all the info. Our regular digital is fairly new and we are happy with it. I am just looking for something to supplement. The vivitar although not as high quality looks rugged. I think it would be a great little camera for the kids to have on the ship. They can take their own memory pictures. My 6 year old LOVES taking pics and I won't be nervous it she drops the cheaper camera.

 

[virginiamama]

Was it the Pentax Optio W30? That's what I have and we got some great underwater shots but we were just snorkeling, not diving. Check the specs on it to see how deep it goes safely, because I can't remember, maybe 5 meters? I love it, and I use it at the parks when it is rainy and I leave my Canon S3 in the room. I love being able to take pictures no matter what the weather is like.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I just got the Olympus SW 850 2 weeks ago and love it. Took amazing underwater shots in the pool of the kids. Took it out today in the rain to a function and didn't have to worry about it at all.

I bought one too and it is so easy to use, will be great for sking trips also!!

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Add me to the list...just received my Olympus 850 today (in pink!). Can't wait to use it! I paid $237 for the camera, 1 Gig stick and got free shipping from Newegg.

My hubby was not pleased with this choice of colour , it is so smart isnt it?

 

[nikkistevej]

I bought one too and it is so easy to use, will be great for sking trips also!!

Add me to the list of having this great camera!! People thought I was crazy for buying it, but then everybody loves taking pictures in the pool, and when we went jet-skiing. LOL All of them want one now.

 

[mmouse37]

The other day Hubby asked me what I want for our upcoming Anniversary.....after reading this thread I want the Olympus 850......I told him this morning and he was perplexed I would want an underwater digital camera.... but that is EXACTLY what I want!!!

I love my Sony digital camera with 12X zoom but I wanted a small, compact, rugged camera for times I don't want to lug the Sony around....this camera looks like it fits the bill. Have been reading tons of reviews and most love the camera!!!

 

[nikkistevej]

The other day Hubby asked me what I want for our upcoming Anniversary.....after reading this thread I want the Olympus 850......I told him this morning and he was perplexed I would want an underwater digital camera.... but that is EXACTLY what I want!!!

I love my Sony digital camera with 12X zoom but I wanted a small, compact, rugged camera for times I don't want to lug the Sony around....this camera looks like it fits the bill. Have been reading tons of reviews and most love the camera!!!

I agree with you!!! I love my Olympus(BTW- mine is orange- so cute!!), it's so much easier to carry, and fits in all of my cute little purses, my big Canon rebel doesn't, although it is my first love!!! Oh, the Olympus also takes video underwater, that's awesome too!!!

 

[cruisinmama06]

My Olympus is a bright raspberry blue. And I got it from my hubby as an early Anniversary present too. He wanted me to have it for our Disney cruise which will be celebrating our anniversary.