Underwater/waterproof cameras, cases and housings

[Daisy14'sDH]

I didn't know what to think from your title. Where I come from "pos" means something completely different and point and shoot

From everything I have heard, the quality of shots is nearly equal with the major brands. The newer more expensive models will have the best features, but that does not mean that a closeout one or a step above the best will not suit you just fine. It is probably best to read some reviews to learn about the differences b/c someone on here might like a feature that you do not and so on. I would probably stick to Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, and Canon. As far as I know, the other major brands do not make waterproof ones yet.

I was at Walmart yesterday and saw that Fuji has an entry camera in this feild. Same specs (on paper so what do I know) as the Olympus tough line, at $194 CDN each. And it comes invarious colours...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Sony recently announced they are joining the ranks with a waterproof camera. One particularly neat feature is in-camera panorama.

I have the Canon powershot D10. It's a nice camera with quite a few features, takes nice pictures and is rugged. The main thing I don't care for is the shape. It's fine for holding and taking pictures but it's difficult to find cases for and isn't as compact as others. I didn't think I'd mind it so much but it's kind of a PITB.

 

[photo_chick]

I just ordered the Pentax W80. Normally I'm a big fan of Fuji point and shoots but in this case the Pentax meets our needs just a little bit better.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I have several cameras and one of my favorites sounds like something you might want to check on.
Its an Olympus Stylus 410. Its not going to give you the picture quality of your SLR by any means, but consider these points:

1) Its water RESISTANT. You can't swim with it, but if you drop it in the pool it will be OK if you grab it fast before it sinks! (Experience with that one)

2) I like the design. You slide the front cover open to turn it on. This means it can NOT EVER come on in your pocket! No accidentally turning it on!!! No dead batteries because the power button got hit and the thing has been on for hours. It also means no scratches on the lens. The lens is always covered by the cover when the camera is off.

3) It takes pretty good pictures for a P&S! Seriously. See the food thread at some of the shots I have taken of food at WDW! I can do better with the DSLR of course, but for it's size...

4) You can grab one on ebay for 20 - 30 dollars. (seriously) I just bought my wife one (our 3rd Stylus 410, we all have our own except for my DD, and I'm planning to get my DD one soon.)

5) a full waterproof kit is available online.

If you use the settings and a mini-tripod or steady it up on a tree you can get some nice shots with this little camera. Its perfect for vacation if you dont want to lug around a bigger camera.

 

[Snappy in OK]

We were looking for a waterproof camera last year. A friend of mine has a Pentax W60, and her pictures turned out great. She took it on a cruise to the Bahamas and all of her pictured were awesome - under water and out of water. Her pictures with the Pentax looked better than the pictures with her P&S non-waterproof camera.

I really debated on getting the Pentax W80 (the W60's replacement), but DH didn't want to spend that much. We settled for the Fuji W33, and it is okay. The pictures taken during the day are okay, but we took some pictures at the beach one night and they didn't turn out so great.

I really wish we would have spent the extra money for the Pentax.

 

[Goofygirl17]

I think we've narrowed it down to the Olympus, Pentax, or Canon. Now to decide which one!

Thanks everyone!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'm a bit late, but you may want to check out the Panasonic TS1. I bought it last year and I love it for a waterproof camera. It records video in HD which is a plus. I've had a couple of Panasonic P&S cameras and have been very hapy with what I get out of it for P&S.

 

[Goofygirl17]

Update!

We bought a Canon Powershot D10. We also got the kit that includes the case and tripod. The battery is charging right now and I can't wait to try it! The kids asked DH if we got a waterproof camera in case mom drops it in the sink I've done that with my phone guess they think I might do it with the camera too.

Thanks for all the advice! I can't wait to use it in less than two weeks

 

[PixieDust32]

Hi, we are looking for a waterproof camera, nothing too fancy or super expensive, just a good camera to take to the beach, pool, take good pictures underwater, reefs etc.

Price range up to $200.00

I was looking a couple on ebay like the Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital, but the reviews for underwater shots weren't so good.
Also like this one:
Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP Waterproof Digital 10 MP

Thank you ♥

 

[MarkBarbieri]

This comparison is starting to get old, but I think just about all of the cameras in it are current models.

 

[PixieDust32]

Thank you Mark, I appreciate your help.

 

[JJ71]

In case you're just looking for something for a vacation, then maybe it's worth considering a rental. These folks offer two different underwater cameras for rental:

http://www.lensrentals.com/category/bodies-and-accessories/for-all

 

[Shutterbug]

Kodak has also just released a camcorder that is waterproof to 10ft, the Playsport.

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYSPORT_Video_Camera/productID.169976100

 

[PixieDust32]

In case you're just looking for something for a vacation, then maybe it's worth considering a rental. These folks offer two different underwater cameras for rental:

http://www.lensrentals.com/category/bodies-and-accessories/for-all

I didn't know about the rental, I'll take a look. Thank you

 

[PixieDust32]

Kodak has also just released a camcorder that is waterproof to 10ft, the Playsport.

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYSPORT_Video_Camera/productID.169976100

Nice! Thank you.

 

[PixieDust32]

Thank you

 

[mjbens01]

I have the Olympus Stylus 850SW. Took some great underwater video's this weekend of my kids swimming. For a small pocket size + waterproof camera I think it takes good pics & video. Don't know the price anymore, but I'm thinking when I bought it last year it was ~200.

 

[PixieDust32]

I have the Olympus Stylus 850SW. Took some great underwater video's this weekend of my kids swimming. For a small pocket size + waterproof camera I think it takes good pics & video. Don't know the price anymore, but I'm thinking when I bought it last year it was ~200.

Thank you

 

[KatInHat]

I'm looking for a reasonably priced waterproof digital camera for our upcoming cruise.

Any recommendations?

I was looking at the Vivitar 5399 with the underwater case. What do you think?

Thanks

 

[JJ71]

Check out this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447086