Waterproof camera?

[mom2rtk]

I think we're driving to the southwest again this summer. If we do, we're considering a float down the Colorado. It will drive me nuts to do this with no camera. I'm looking for recommendations on something not too expensive, but not too junky either. Maybe $250 range, although I'm flexible.

 

[smadath]

I don't know too much about waterproof cameras, sorry! But, if you already have a camera, you might consider getting a waterproof case for it. It's got to be cheaper, and they make them for just about every brand and model!

 

[Jn3va3]

I have used two, the Nikon Coolpix AW110 and a Olympus TG2. The TG2 is more rugged but much more expensive. Both have been on scuba diving trips and work very well. The TG2 takes slightly better photos under water and has a few more options for creative photographic control. The Nikon is much more compact and lighter. I think it will depend on what you are going to do with it. Since the TG2 is more rugged I use that more especially when the camera might be banged around a little more (rock climbing/scrambling etc.) If you think you will be doing anything more than surface water I would get a waterproof camera instead of a case. Either way either get a tether or a float. Personally I like the tether because if you drop it in current or are boating it might get swept away. e.g. something a Gear Keeper RT4-5912 Retractor on Amazon

 

[Luvscrappin]

We have the Sony ..cant remember the model, its something like DSC-TX20 and we really like it. It takes stills and video. We have taken it to Hawaii and went snorkeling and to the Disney waterparks. Its not my DSLR but the pics are good..I can't complain and I think its about $299

 

[AmyB2006]

I actually just bought a $20 waterproof iPhone case and I use that. It works good enough for pictures.

 

[photo_chick]

I don't know too much about waterproof cameras, sorry! But, if you already have a camera, you might consider getting a waterproof case for it. It's got to be cheaper, and they make them for just about every brand and model!

It's not cheap to get a decent housing. I was going to get one for my son's $70 point and shoot and a hard case (not an Aquapack bag) was going to run me $200. May as well get a rugged point and shoot for that much.

mom2rtk have you checked the dpreview.com guide yet? I'm leaning toward their rec of the Pentax Optio W3 because it's got a decently fast f/2.0 and a relatively low price. Plus my son saw the green and black one and thought it looked really cool. LOL

Edited to add.... Darn it... I went to actually follow through on the buy from B&H and it's been discontinued? dpreview.com needs to update their articles.

 

[ashleighbass06]

DO NOT buy a Kodak Playsport! I bought one, took it with me on my honeymoon cruise and it got water in it when we went snorkeling. It was still under warranty so Kodak repaired it for me. Then, we went tubing down the river at our cottage and set it in an inch of water in one of the tubes and it broke again. I'm not even going to contact them about. I just threw the thing away.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I have the Olympus TG2 and it takes great underwater pictures and the f/2 lens is great! I got amazing pictures from my nighttime manta ray snorkel on it. I think it only takes ok photos out of the water (however I have very high photo standards!), especially if it's really sunny. It's expensive, but I got it for around $250 new on ebay. For my kayaking trips I use a Lifeproof case for my iphone and have gotten very good pictures.

 

[mom2rtk]

I actually just bought a $20 waterproof iPhone case and I use that. It works good enough for pictures.

I hadn't thought about that. But I think we'll be leaving phones stowed away in the car. Sounds like a good plan for other wet sorts of outings though.

It's not cheap to get a decent housing. I was going to get one for my son's $70 point and shoot and a hard case (not an Aquapack bag) was going to run me $200. May as well get a rugged point and shoot for that much.

mom2rtk have you checked the dpreview.com guide yet? I'm leaning toward their rec of the Pentax Optio W3 because it's got a decently fast f/2.0 and a relatively low price. Plus my son saw the green and black one and thought it looked really cool. LOL

Edited to add.... Darn it... I went to actually follow through on the buy from B&H and it's been discontinued? dpreview.com needs to update their articles.

Thanks Danielle. I need to go spend some time on dpreview. Maybe I'll see if that one's around on Ebay or something.

DO NOT buy a Kodak Playsport! I bought one, took it with me on my honeymoon cruise and it got water in it when we went snorkeling. It was still under warranty so Kodak repaired it for me. Then, we went tubing down the river at our cottage and set it in an inch of water in one of the tubes and it broke again. I'm not even going to contact them about. I just threw the thing away.

Well, that just stinks. Thanks for the heads up though!

I have the Olympus TG2 and it takes great underwater pictures and the f/2 lens is great! I got amazing pictures from my nighttime manta ray snorkel on it. I think it only takes ok photos out of the water (however I have very high photo standards!), especially if it's really sunny. It's expensive, but I got it for around $250 new on ebay. For my kayaking trips I use a Lifeproof case for my iphone and have gotten very good pictures.

I do like the idea of an F/2.0. I'll check around and see if there are any deals still around.

 

[InMemory]

We did a rafting trip and the company took pics and you could buy a CD at the end. Just a thought to check on. The quality was great and they really zoomed in on faces. The camera man followed along on the banks. Well worth the money and you'd be in the pics too!

 

[mom2rtk]

We did a rafting trip and the company took pics and you could buy a CD at the end. Just a thought to check on. The quality was great and they really zoomed in on faces. The camera man followed along on the banks. Well worth the money and you'd be in the pics too!

That sounds cool. But while I want a couple family shots, I'm actually just as interested in shots of the scenery I can get from the vantage point of the raft.

 

[nvtsallo]

I have researched it and look on you tube and there is a waterproof shoot out from the camera store. Talks about the pros and cons of each. I was going for the olympus tg2 and saw the tg3 is out but will not be shipping till june 13 and I am leaving the 4th so I am looking at the tg2 or the new nikon aw120 which looks promising.

 

[fritodenny]

I like my Olympus waterproof camera for video and pictures in water. I'm not sure I'd trust a $20 case to protect my $500 iphone.

 

[Pixel Dust]

I have the Olympus TG2 and it takes great underwater pictures and the f/2 lens is great! I got amazing pictures from my nighttime manta ray snorkel on it. I think it only takes ok photos out of the water (however I have very high photo standards!), especially if it's really sunny. It's expensive, but I got it for around $250 new on ebay. For my kayaking trips I use a Lifeproof case for my iphone and have gotten very good pictures.

We also have the TG2 and used it at Stormalong Bay. I would agree with the assessment of the out of water photos. It's most likely due to the plastic that sits in front of the lens to protect it from water and other impacts. It's the norm for waterproof cameras. You can set 2 custom settings that you can recall right on the dial mode.

Olympus also just announced a ring-light for the TG line. Seems pretty interesting. I might have to pick one up. $40 is not bad for a flash accessory.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/16/olympus-led-light-guide/

 

[tractortippin]

We have 2
Canon PowerShot d10 and fugi xp20

Canon wins 100%
I love that camera. Takes good underwater pictures and video. But dry pictures come out good too
I take it everywhere, it can't do all my dslr can but as long as you don't expect it to then I think you will love it!

 

[mom2rtk]

We also have the TG2 and used it at Stormalong Bay. I would agree with the assessment of the out of water photos. It's most likely due to the plastic that sits in front of the lens to protect it from water and other impacts. It's the norm for waterproof cameras. You can set 2 custom settings that you can recall right on the dial mode.

Olympus also just announced a ring-light for the TG line. Seems pretty interesting. I might have to pick one up. $40 is not bad for a flash accessory.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/16/olympus-led-light-guide/

I appreciate you chiming in on that confirming you weren't happy with the TG2 photos out of the water. That's a deal breaker for me since I'm looking for something to use around the water more than in the water.

 

[mom2rtk]

OK, I took the plunge (so to speak ). I read a lot online and was as conflicted as ever. I ordered the Panasonic Lumix TS5. I'll come back later and let you know what I think.