Waterproof camera

[crystal1313]

Hi! We are headed to Aulani in July. SO excited! Initially I had figured we would just get one of those waterproof cases for our iPhones and use that for photos in the ocean and pool since I think that is where we will spend the majority of our time. The more I think about it, I don't want to damage my expensive phone. I am looking into waterproof cameras. Was wondering if anyone here has used one they would recommend?

Rubygoose gave me a great recommendation for the Fuji XP80 and that is high on my list. Also looking into the GoPro LCD, but open to other options. I don't really want to spend much more over $200. Thanks in advance!!

 

[jtba]

Hi! We are headed to Aulani in July. SO excited! Initially I had figured we would just get one of those waterproof cases for our iPhones and use that for photos in the ocean and pool since I think that is where we will spend the majority of our time. The more I think about it, I don't want to damage my expensive phone. I am looking into waterproof cameras. Was wondering if anyone here has used one they would recommend?

Rubygoose gave me a great recommendation for the Fuji XP80 and that is high on my list. Also looking into the GoPro LCD, but open to other options. I don't really want to spend much more over $200. Thanks in advance!!

we also took @Rubygoose 's suggestion of the Fuji XP80 and got very good results last week. here are a few samples (i shrank them to 640x480 but the original quality was even better):











thank you @Rubygoose !

p.s. the only thing about using waterproof cameras is that you should check there aren't any water droplets on the lens before you take the shot. at the beginning i have many that looked like this:

 

[jtba]

btw like you i initially looked into one of those waterproof cases and even purchased it on amazon, but DH convinced me it's better to spend $160 to buy a waterproof camera, rather than ruining an iphone. so we got the fuji xp80.

btw i highly recommend this wrist bracelet for the camera instead of the thin one that comes with it. it was easy on the wrist when it was wet.

now the waterproof case is just sitting in a corner...

 

[crystal1313]

You DH was thinking exactly what I am thinking! I'd rather replace the camera, not the phone!

Ok, between your photos and Rubygoose's, I am now leaning towards the Fuji. Reading the reviews made me nervous as many said that the camera failed after being wet, and I would be so upset if that happened on our trip. But many said the same for the Go Pro as well. Not that it got wet, but that it failed....I appreciate your response!!

 

[skylynx]

I have an earlier version of this FujiXP and hopefully am getting the XP80 as my Mother's Day present in anticipation of our Aulani trip in December. On several cruises, snorkeling expeditions, and water parks, this camera has taken some serious abuse and just keeps on delivering great performance above and below the water, with both stills and video. I'm hopeful the XP80 will be even better...the pictures posted above look fabulous! I also second getting the flotation cuff for the camera...there were times I literally had to just let the camera float next to me while I struggled to put on my fins in a strong current!

 

[jtba]

DH is one of those freaks of nature who actually read the manuals. he said we are supposed to immerse it in water no more than 2 hours at a time, and that we're to rinse it under the faucet after each use, wipe clean, open the "hatch" to let it dry out, etc., so that's what we did every time we went back to the hotel room. i hope that makes the camera last long and not "fail"!

good luck and have a great time on your trip!

 

[crystal1313]

Good to know jtba! I will definitely be doing that!!