Underwater/waterproof cameras, cases and housings

[MarkBarbieri]

One of the reasons that I saved my old DSLR (Canon 10D) is so that I could use it in an EWA Marine bag without worrying so much about it.

Here are some shots I've taken in our pool:

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Wow, Mark. Now I am really confused!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Unless you really want the extra hassles (and picture quality) of a DSLR, I'd strongly recommend something like the W30. It's just so much simpler.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I understand what you are saying Mark but the quality of your pictures are so perfect!

 

[DueyDooDah]

Here is the main reason I picked up a Canon Powershot S80:

I'm a SCUBA instructor and love taking UW photos, when I have the chance. Unfortunately, I didn't get this little item until AFTER I moved to Seattle from Hawaii. Picture opportunities have dropped dramatically since I found out that cold water is much hard to get into than warm water. (It has to do with the hard shell that covers the seawater above latitude 23 deg. north)

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Here is the main reason I picked up a Canon Powershot S80:

I'm a SCUBA instructor and love taking UW photos, when I have the chance. Unfortunately, I didn't get this little item until AFTER I moved to Seattle from Hawaii. Picture opportunities have dropped dramatically since I found out that cold water is much hard to get into than warm water. (It has to do with the hard shell that covers the seawater above latitude 23 deg. north)

I'm so glad that you posted the picture. I am one that needs to see to understand things.

BTW, warm water is the best, you're right!

 

[Alacrity]

Here is the main reason I picked up a Canon Powershot S80:

I'm a SCUBA instructor and love taking UW photos, when I have the chance. Unfortunately, I didn't get this little item until AFTER I moved to Seattle from Hawaii. Picture opportunities have dropped dramatically since I found out that cold water is much hard to get into than warm water. (It has to do with the hard shell that covers the seawater above latitude 23 deg. north)

Heh! And I missed out on ice diving this year...maybe next!

A housed camera like this one gives you a bit of flexability. Even if you are not a diver the housing will protect the camera very will in all kinds of conditions. Digideep (http://www.digideep.com/) has posting that match a camera with a housing so you can see if your camera has a housing available. And they still work in the cold! I have a number of shots in the Great Lakes!

 

[MellaWDWnut]

I was looking for a waterproof camera bag that I can put everything in for the parks. Something on the small lightweight side. We do not have lens for our camera. We have a Canon A620. Any ideas?

 

[photo_chick]

I am reading this as you are looking for a bag to carry your camera and accesories in , not a bag to put your camera in to shoot underwater, right?

Tamrac has some nice weatherproof bags. They have all diferent sizes and are very affordable.

Here is the one I just got (in the camo)...
http://www.tamrac.com/AdventureBacpacks.htm

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I have the 200 aw and love it. There are others sizes too. They come with a built in cover that stores in the bottom of the bag. Heres the linkhttp://lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/All_Weather_Cover/ Its a sling bag so you dont have to take it off when you go on most rides just swing it around in front of you.

 

[boBQuincy]

My guess is you are looking for something to keep your camera dry through things like Kali River, more than just a rain shower. LowePro's AW series bags work very well for rain but for a drenching a more serious approach is needed!

I carry a small lightweight "dry bag" as is sold at outdoor provision stores like REI.

http://www.rei.com/kayak/TOC/Dry+Bags?cm_re=toc*toc*dry_bags&vcat=REI_SSHP_PADDLING_LD

I put my camera bag in the dry bag and have not seen any water in it after a good ride on Kail River. Sure wish I had put my shoes in the dry bag too!

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

My guess is you are looking for something to keep your camera dry through things like Kali River, more than just a rain shower. LowePro's AW series bags work very well for rain but for a drenching a more serious approach is needed!

I carry a small lightweight "dry bag" as is sold at outdoor provision stores like REI.

http://www.rei.com/kayak/TOC/Dry+Bags?cm_re=toc*toc*dry_bags&vcat=REI_SSHP_PADDLING_LD

I put my camera bag in the dry bag and have not seen any water in it after a good ride on Kail River. Sure wish I had put my shoes in the dry bag too!

Hey I like the idea of a dry bag. Heck we even have one. I'm adding it to the list of stuff to take. thanks.

 

[LeslieG]

I'm planning some snorkeling trips while on DCL and was wondering about waterproof cameras. In the past I've just used the disposable, but the quality is definitely lacking. And also since they contain 800 speed film, I've had to have them hand checked going through security.

I was wondering about purchasing a waterproof camera, not disposable, and using 400 speed film, thus alleviating the need to have it hand checked at security.

 

[deletedpenguin]

Do you currently have a P&S? If so, check out some of the waterproof containers. THey work well. I've got one for my Canon A520. They run about $160, but it's well worth it. You pictures will be 1000X better.

 

[LeslieG]

I have a Kodak digital camera, but I've never seen a housing for Kodaks. Lots and lots of Canons, but no Kodaks. Have I missed them somwhere?

 

[deletedpenguin]

http://www.waterproofcases.net/kodak.html

 

[spoon2003]

I'm planning some snorkeling trips while on DCL and was wondering about waterproof cameras. In the past I've just used the disposable, but the quality is definitely lacking. And also since they contain 800 speed film, I've had to have them hand checked going through security.

I was wondering about purchasing a waterproof camera, not disposable, and using 400 speed film, thus alleviating the need to have it hand checked at security.

I would recommend Pentax or Olympus waterproof digital. I have a Pentax Optio W10 (last year's model) and has been satisfied with the pictures. Here are 2 from our DCL cruise last week, catamaran snorkle excursion and CC Stingray adventure:

At CC, Stingray meets fish

pretty good out of water too.

Sue

 

[LeslieG]

If I decide to go with a digital, which would be better? Regular digital camera with a housing or an underwater digital?

I checked with Kodak directly, and they do not make a housing for their cameras. I'm a little hesitant to buy an off brand type.

 

[tinksdad]

There is no such thing as a "waterproof" camera. Just water resistant. I know it's splitting hairs, but the water resistant ones are only resistant down to a certain water pressure, some only 10'-15' max.

If you're only going to snorkel with it then that would be the easiest thing to get, since you have one less thing to pack and the housings need to be assembled correctly with special attention paid to the o-ring. Any small hairs or lint can cause them to flood. That said, it would be more waterproof in the housing than one without.

 

[LeslieG]

Any recommendations on a good "water resistant" camera? It sounds like that would be the best way to go. The housing makes me a little nervous with such an expensive camera inside. We're not planning to dive, just snorkel, so depth isn't really an issue for us. Thanks for everyone's input.