Underwater Digital Camera Info - Different Models (merged threads)

[dta87]

How do you like your DicaPac protector? I was looking at the waterproof housing for our Canon SD850 but they don't make it anymore. With all the reviews about underwater cameras leaking, I'm thinking maybe this is the way to go. Does it come with a wrist strap?

I like it a lot. Mine (from Amazon) came with a strap you can tighten around your wrist or hang off your neck. Like I said we have used it on 4 cruises and have not had a real problem with it (no leakage when used properly I did find water in the case when I forgot to zip the enclosure once though). My main issue with it is it is difficult to change the settings on the camera while it is in the case. Some other things I have seen are sometimes the camera can shift in the case and you get a little obstruction around the edge in the picture from the casing around the lens (not so much that it ruins the picture) and you can get water droplets on the lens cover as you can see in this photo (the black in the upper right corner is from the camera shifting)

 

[ranidayz]

how can i post a pic? I've tried before, but get so confused. I'd love to show you the pic from my Olympus Stylus 6000 - amazing!

 

[carmie3377]

how can i post a pic? I've tried before, but get so confused. I'd love to show you the pic from my Olympus Stylus 6000 - amazing!

Upload your photos to photobucket.com. Then you just copy and paste the IMG code here

 

[BethC1952]

I have a Fuji under water camera and I absolutely love it. The pictures come out beautiful! It's currently $165 on QVC with a few extras:

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/...ther-10MP3X-ZoomFaceDetect-Case-Charger-Corel

I have the same camera. I bought it onboard Magic back in February when it was the "Camera of the Day". Besides all the above mentioned uses for a waterproof camera, taking pictures on a VERY rainy vacation is much nicer when you don't have to worry about soaking your camera.

Another absolutely awesome thing (and this will apply to any underwater camera) is that you can wash it off when it gets covered with sand and cake crumbs at your grandchildren's birthday parties.

Beth

 

[debg]

I've spent quite a bit of time today researching various cameras, starting out wanting the Olympus Tough 6020... then thinking about the Pentax Option W90 simply because it looks cool and manly and the camera is for DH... and then I starting thinking about the Pentax Lumix DMC-TS2 because I absolutely love our non-waterproof Lumix cameras.

I studied this chart, and the in-depth review:

http://www.waterproof-camera.org/compare-specifications-2010/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

dppreview.com is a great site - I've been using them for years, so I guess now it's between the Canon and the Pentax. But, rumors are that new Canon is to be released soon. Adding to the confusion, the newer Pentax TS2 is about a hundred dollars more than the previous version, the TS1, which is still available. I'm not sure the difference in price equals the upgrade in features, for our needs.

I've been trying to make a decision for about four years, LOL! Every year when it's time to cruise I start over. This time I'm going to buy something. Just wish I could decide what it will be.

debg

 

[disneywonderfun]

Everything with cameras is a compromise. I enjoy our underwater Olympus but would never consider it a substitute for a nicer and more refined camera. By the same token, my small Leica is not a replacement for a large digital SLR that I may or may not want to lug around. Underwater cameras are great for their intended purpose. But, I would not get one thinking it would be my "everyday" camera.

DWF

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I agree with you Disneywonderfun.

 

[disney4dan]

We (I actually) bought the Olympus Stylus Tough last fall for our anniversary celebration cruise on the Wonder in hopes of getting some underwater shots on Castaway Cay. The camera has worked great, although we did not get any shots underwater at the Cay because of bad weather.

However, the camera has been through a lot of camping trips, vacations in the rain, hiking, underwater at ponds and pools and withstood the test of time.

It seems to have finally met its match this past week when my 11 yo daughter and her friends took it to the beach in Maine last Thursday. I got that sinking feeling in my gut when she said the battery died early in the day (it had been fully charged and usually goes all day). Sure enough, the lens cover was open on it. I tried powering it up, saw the display illuminate on the screen and started to breathe a sigh of relief. Then it made a series of short beeps and shut off . The cover did not close either.

I've tried charging the battery, checked all seals (which seemed fine with no moisture in the battery or USB connector area) and tried leaving it open for days to dry. Still does the same thing. The pictures were fine on the microSD card, and the battery took a charge, but can't get the camera to work.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I'm thinking we're out of luck on this, and the DW and I have just signed up for another couples only getaway weekend in November.

 

[Tinky624]

Same thing just happened to us!
We LOVED this camera. We bought it for our Cruise last year and got some great pics at CC and Stingray City! It was also nice to take keep in the diaper bag (we have a 5 mo old) and not have to worry about dropping it or it getting rained on! We really liked the picture quality.
A couple weeks ago on our Disney Vacation, we were taking some pictures of our babies first "swim" in the pool when the camera displayed a weird message then shut off. We tried to turn the camera back on and it would not come on. I started freaking out! My babies first trip to Disney, and I wasn't going to have any pictures (we had already been there for a week when this happened and had the cutest pictures). Anyhow, when we got back to the room, I opened it al up and saw a little water droplet by the battery! I left it open to let any water moisture dry out. After a couple days, I charged the battery and the camera would come on about half of the times you pushed the power button. Luckily I had my Olympus DSLR with me and didn't chance using this camera again. Happy ending: I was able to get the pictures downloaded onto my computer!
Unfortunately, I think my camera is toast!!! I think I'm going to try contacting Olympus and see if they can do any repairs or possibly buy another battery to see if that helps. I definitely want to have this camera when my baby takes his first cruise next summer.

 

[kritter]

We (I actually) bought the Olympus Stylus Tough last fall for our anniversary celebration cruise on the Wonder in hopes of getting some underwater shots on Castaway Cay. The camera has worked great, although we did not get any shots underwater at the Cay because of bad weather.

However, the camera has been through a lot of camping trips, vacations in the rain, hiking, underwater at ponds and pools and withstood the test of time.

It seems to have finally met its match this past week when my 11 yo daughter and her friends took it to the beach in Maine last Thursday. I got that sinking feeling in my gut when she said the battery died early in the day (it had been fully charged and usually goes all day). Sure enough, the lens cover was open on it. I tried powering it up, saw the display illuminate on the screen and started to breathe a sigh of relief. Then it made a series of short beeps and shut off . The cover did not close either.

I've tried charging the battery, checked all seals (which seemed fine with no moisture in the battery or USB connector area) and tried leaving it open for days to dry. Still does the same thing. The pictures were fine on the microSD card, and the battery took a charge, but can't get the camera to work.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I'm thinking we're out of luck on this, and the DW and I have just signed up for another couples only getaway weekend in November.

We had a similair problem. Try,, taking the battery out for a few hours and try that!!GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[XMom]

Has anyone used the Kodak Playsport for pics and video? Someone told me it's a good for the money camera...not sure what that means.

 

[Anal Annie]

Has anyone used the Kodak Playsport for pics and video? Someone told me it's a good for the money camera...not sure what that means.

I just posted in great detail about the Play Sport on this thread (in post # 16): http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2516853&page=2

It does OK for the money - the videos I have taken have mostly been in the 1-2 min. range & are HUGE bcuz of the HD thing... I think it's better for videos than pics but am glad it does both! I have been using it at my sons swim meets - I wanted something small & portable. We had a really rainy one a couple of weekends ago & I couldn't bring out my DSLR but didn't worry about this little guy in the pouring down rain! I also used it out on the Chesapeake Bay over July 4 - great for jet skis & tubing etc. For snorkeling pics I still prefer our underwater Vivitar ViviCam as far as quality. Biggest downfall to me is that it has a very short battery life. It doesn't do you much good to buy say an 8 GB SD card when the battery will die after about an hour! A spare battery is almost a must have.

 

[disney4dan]

We had a similair problem. Try,, taking the battery out for a few hours and try that!!GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update - tried taking the battery out, and leaving the doors open to the battery and USB connection while placed in a zip-lock bag with dry rice. No luck, still got the same result when powered up.

Fast forward to yesterday and I needed a waterproof camera for work (heavy rain, still needed the photos). While purchasing an inexpensive, close-out version of the W560, the teller commented on the one year warranty. That was when it hit me - my original camera is less than a year old, so I will see what the warranty service tech says. Free, no obligation evaluation and they will e-mail me any suggested repairs.

I hope that works, because I really liked the Stylus 8000 Tough and can't afford to replace it for home use.

 

[LD NURSE]

Has anyone used the Kodak Playsport for pics and video? Someone told me it's a good for the money camera...not sure what that means.

It took really good video. I was so thrilled, esp for the price. Then, I took it snorkelling It stopped working--even though it is supposed to be water proof. It leaked. I almost lost ALL my vacation videos. We let the memory card dry out--and I was able to get MOST of my vacation videos. It was such a let down, because we bought it for snorkelling. But on dry land, IT took awesome video.

 

[bokolo]

I know people have posted beautiful photos taken with underwater digital cameras. I'm not looking to spend a ton, but I would like any recommendations. Thanks

 

[BBQMommy]

I am looking as well. Have seen a Canon, Fuji, two Olympuses and a Kodak camcorder that also took stills.

 

[Blanche_Neige]

a friend of mine just bought an Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 12MP Waterproof Digital Camera and it takes really nice pictures. under 200$

 

[carmie3377]

Check out this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1935015

I have the Canon D10 and really like it. Examples are in the above posts.

 

[nnyl_irret]

We have the Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 12MP and are very pleased with it. It's very durable which is great with kids and the pictures are fantastic.

 

[Izzysdad]

Also, check out drycasedotcom, they have a case which goes over your current digital camera and vacuum seals it to keep out the water and sand. I have ordered one and am waiting for it to come in. I am hoping it works because I am planning on using it on my cruise next year!