Waterproof camera or iPhone with Waterproof case?

[GrumpyAndPrincess]

Hello all,

We are taking our children on their first cruise, 6 and 8 years old.

We would like to take a number of pictures/movies, on the Aqua duck, around the boat, with characters, and especially on Castaway Cay.

What does everyone suggest, use an iPhone with a waterproof case/waterproof bag or get a waterproof camera with a 4/5 optical zoom? If camera which ones do people recommend.

Thank you for any input!!

GrumpyAndPrincess

 

[dclpluto]

Waterproof camera.

Don't take a chance with your iPhone.
There's waterproof cases but all it takes is a small leak and your iPhone is ruin

 

[GrumpyAndPrincess]

Waterproof camera.

Don't take a chance with your iPhone.
There's waterproof cases but all it takes is a small leak and your iPhone is ruin

Do you have any suggestions? I was looking at the Olympus tg-860 or tg-4.

 

[dclpluto]

Do you have any suggestions? I was looking at the Olympus tg-860 or tg-4.

No suggestions on camera. But I know someone who had a waterproof case for iPhone and the iPhone got ruin by taking underwater pictures.

 

[Bishoparc]

My suggestion is to just buy a GoPro. The prices have come down some and if you're wanting to film on the Aqua Duck as you mentioned above, you can't hand hold the camera. It has to be strapped on to you. You can find them on eBay and Craigslist all the time. For my first cruise I actually attached one to my hat and wore it around just to capture everything I was seeing. They're also great to put out on your veranda (if you have one) to capture time lapse pulling out of port, etc.

 

[MelMomOf3]

I have a Fuji waterproof camera, I forget the model right now. I paid about $100 for is 3 years ago. It is great, takes great out of water photos (outdoors) and really good underwater photos, we have used it snorkeling a couple times, at the pool, and more than a few times at the lake! The indoor photo quality is dependent on the situation, but it's perfect for the beach!

 

[K8theGr8]

I'm so glad you asked this question! I was thinking about just getting a waterproof case for my iPhone, but I'm hesitant to do so because I'd really rather not lose my phone. I'm going for the underwater camera.
I'd love to hear about what you find if you do too. I'm hoping to find one that takes great photos, but I'm not really willing to spend too much if I'm not using it regularly. Ya know?

 

[saxguy71]

I have a TG-4. It's a fantastic camera and the Olympus TG series consistently takes 1st place in rugged/waterproof camera tests.

 

[lbus42]

I have an ActiveOn CX. I bought it on sale at a Kmart that was being closed. It comes with a waterproof case and it accepts most GoPro accessories. Takes good pictures and movies in daylight, but not so good indoors.

 

[poohs4me]

I just bought the TG-4. I haven't taken it in the water but its a great little camera so far. I tried the iphone waterproof case last year and HATED it!! It was awkward and I was scared so I kept checking it. Not an enjoyable time

 

[isabellea]

I love me Olympus TG-630. My kids also love that I let them use it whenever they ask for it since it's also shockproof (they are 3 and 6yo).

 

[Tiguron]

I have the Olympus TG-3 and love it. I suggest the new model, the TG-4. Not only is the camera waterproof, it is also very rugged and shockproof. I have no concerns handing the camera to my 7 or 9 year old and letting them walk around with it.

As far as the Aqua duck, you may not be allowed to use it. I was recently on the Fantasy and was told the camera had to be strapped to the body. Hand held cameras are not allowed. I managed to wrap an adjustable strap to my wrist. The camera was held tightly to my arm and I was allowed on the ride. It is up to the ride attendant. The olympus cameras do have a threaded connection on the bottom. You can buy a universal wrist or head mount that will work.

 

[Dvcfan55]

I purchased a waterproof case/lanyard from Amazon, a very popular highly rated one. Took it to Hawaii and regret it terribly. Sure it cost very little but my blurry family photos weren't worth saving the money and I've since bought the "Tough" Olympus camera for our next vacation. Look online at Costco we found an awesome deal on it. The waterproof pouch/case got cloudy and after day 2 every shot was barely recognizable.

 

[Partyof4LA]

We have a panasonic lumix and love it. The pictures are all very clear and the colors are good for both dry and water pictures. It takes good videos as well and was cheaper than others.

 

[DHSbutcher]

We've ruined 3 olympus waterproof cameras over the years and 2 iPhones thanks to "waterproof" cases. Nothing is completely waterproof be warned. On the cameras the battery compartments all failed to stay sealed eventually, and on the phones, well, lifeproof cases are crap. I stick to disposable water proof cameras for when i absolutely have to get picture in the water.

 

[rhinodadz]

I have a Fuji waterproof camera, I forget the model right now. I paid about $100 for is 3 years ago. It is great, takes great out of water photos (outdoors) and really good underwater photos, we have used it snorkeling a couple times, at the pool, and more than a few times at the lake! The indoor photo quality is dependent on the situation, but it's perfect for the beach!

+1 for the Fuji waterproof camera. Have had a couple over the years and have been pleased with the picture quality.

 

[Scherzermk]

We have a panasonic lumix and love it. The pictures are all very clear and the colors are good for both dry and water pictures. It takes good videos as well and was cheaper than others.

Partyof4la, how are the indoor photos? I tried to just use my galaxy last year and the indoor shots are not well lit in the ship. I bought the lumix for this trip and wondering if my poor lighting problem will be fixed.

 

[Cali Cat]

One more vote for the Olympus TG-4. I have had a TG-2 for three years and it's still taking great pictures in and out of water. It's gone in salt water, fresh water, chlorine, snow and has been dropped countless times.

 

[SCPixie]

Sooooo glad you posted this because I've been researching the waterproof bag/case things on Amazon.

 

[MunFam]

I have a Fuji waterproof camera, I forget the model right now. I paid about $100 for is 3 years ago. It is great, takes great out of water photos (outdoors) and really good underwater photos, we have used it snorkeling a couple times, at the pool, and more than a few times at the lake! The indoor photo quality is dependent on the situation, but it's perfect for the beach!

We have the Fuji XP. We bought it for our 4 year old because we did not want to spend the money on a GoPro for her. It has a flash and can go to 15m under water. We love it! Oh and it is "drop-proof".