Waterproof cameras

[Tara619]

I've been planning on using disposable waterproof cameras for our excursions and at CC but after doing the math ($7-9 ea for 27 exp + $10 ea to develop), I wonder if its better just to get a digital waterproof camera.

Amazon has a Kodak Easy share sport c123 for $70 (12mp, 10 ft deep). I don't think I'd want to spend more than that since we don't vacation much.

Any thoughts?

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

We tried that too last year. I hope you do better than we did. I forgot which one we got, but we paid over $100 for it I think. The sad thing is that it took AMAZING motion shots. You could get pics of all four of my doggies feet off the ground! It was super fast. But for the stingray encounter, the FIRST time it got under water? It had water condensation in it RIGHT AWAY. It went right back after our trip.

This year, we bought these black and clear plastic water cameras for $15 on the ship (not DCL). They actualy turned out to be amazing. AND NOT DISPOSABLE. Surprisingly, you can reload normal film into it, which is what we did. The photos I have posted for my castaway cay fish column are all taken on it. Of course not every photo turns out (because its hard to shoot underwater) but I got some great ones with it.

I bought a box of film and with these 2 waterproof reusable, I'll be good for a while.

Do I wish it was digital? Sure, but after the one we had, I just don't trust it and take my film to Walgreens and get a CD. for $15 and some film, I have definitely gotten my money's worth. In fact, the Walgreens guy was amazed at it because you can open and close back up the waterproof case. He thought it was a pretty cool camera.

It was this camera:

 

[wiigirl]

I got one off of Amazon for under $100 on our cruise...took amazing photos underwater.

 

[Tara619]

I got one off of Amazon for under $100 on our cruise...took amazing photos underwater.

Do you know the brand?

 

[NurseDave]

I would certainly go digital, your colour balance is off taking pics underwater and just a little adjustment with basic photo editing software makes a world of difference.

 

[aenan]

Last year we took a Kodak Playful on vacation with us. It only gets okay reviews on amazon but I was really impressed! $40 or so was the cost and we have the most amazing underwater pictures from it! We've had other waterproof cameras but was impressed by this one!

 

[black magic]

I purchased a Sony waterproof digital camera before our 2011 Dream cruise and it took amazing pictures and video. The only downfall of this camera is interior shots. I would not recomend it for your "full-time" pocket camera. I realize you are leaning toward a more inxpensive camera, but if you spend a lot of time outside and take pictures, this camera is tough and takes great outdoor pictures.

 

[jilljill]

We have 2 Olympus cameras that are waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. Love them and use them all the time, not just for travel.

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

We just bought a new digital because our old canon was getting glitchy. We do have a very nice DSLR however we wanted something portable and could withstand the elements. We were also going to Aulani so we wanted an underwater camera as well.

Its out of your price range but we love the one we bought. Its an Olympus tough. It took great indoor and outdoor pics, as well as amazing underwater pool and snorkeling pics.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Olympus...7481&skuId=4983194&st=olympus tough&cp=1&lp=2


You can see all our photos (day 4 & 5 especially have underwater and beach shots) at: http://ouradventuresasafoursome.blogspot.com/?m=0
we used it pretty much as our primary camera, and will from now on. Also, I dropped it and banged it on a rock during a hike and it was fine definitely durable!

 

[Embraer]

Try this thread as well

 

[CruznLexi]

We bought the easy share some time ago nearly 2 years ago to take to HH to use in the pool. Well it has turned into my full time camera. The pictures it takes are great and we have used in pools at Kidani, HH, Vero and the snorkeling area at CC and grand Turk too.

 

[thdarragh]

I've been planning on using disposable waterproof cameras for our excursions and at CC but after doing the math ($7-9 ea for 27 exp + $10 ea to develop), I wonder if its better just to get a digital waterproof camera.

Amazon has a Kodak Easy share sport c123 for $70 (12mp, 10 ft deep). I don't think I'd want to spend more than that since we don't vacation much.

Any thoughts?

If I were you I'd look into the waterproof digital cameras. They cost a bit more but, unlike the disposable film version you mention, are reusable. You also get the advantage of having immediate access to your photos. You can get one similar to the disposable film camera for about $30 (I'd guess) or you can spend a little more and get a nice point and shoot digital camera that can be used underwater. They run anywhere from $70.00 to $200 I'd say. Just "google" digital underwater camera or waterproof digital camera.

I have this one but it also serves as a nice, more portable, everyday
camera that the kids can use. But I am a photo buff and LOVE cameras!

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tough/tough-tg-1.html

Good luck.

 

[Debers17]

I found and bought an underwater housing unit that was specifically made for my point and shoot Sony digital. When I first bought the camera it was about $200 and I found one almost brand new for $15 on ebay! I love my Sony and didn't want to give up the quality of photos for a disposable. If you already have a digital that you like, it's possible there might be a underwater housing unit for it. GL!

 

[NickyDa]

Before our last DCL vacation, we purchased a Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1 TOUGH Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Optical Zoom (Orange) from newegg.com. It's a great size to carry around and we have also used it as a regular point-and-shoot on land.

Here are some pics from this weekend

And a fish in the water at Castaway Cay (very close to shore and a bit cloudy)

 

[racingfandj]

We have 2 Olympus cameras that are waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. Love them and use them all the time, not just for travel.

I second and third the Olympus Tough. My DD dropped mine while ice skating the very first day we had it. We've taken hundreds of pictures land and sea in both pool and ocean and even video. I can't say enough good things about it. My kids like to take it to the pool and play with it during the summer just to be goofy. They'll attach the floating strap and have a blast.

Jill

 

[ElenaRN]

I have an Olympus Tough as well. I really like it. My 2 year old has dropped it many times and it was fine.

The only underwater pics I took with it so far were in lake water and they came out way clearer than I ever expected. I was very happy!

 

[denamo]

We purchased the Kodak camera from Amazon that you mentioned about two weeks ago, but got the latest version. We have just returned from our cruise on the Allure. It spent a lot of time underwater since we used it to take snorkeling pictures. It got no water in it and no condensation. Just remember to close the inner door first where the battery and memory card are stored and then the outer door.

Also DH took a video of my SIL on the zipline and it's really pretty good. The zoom can get a little grainy if zoomed too far. Got great indoor and outdoor shots. Maybe that's what the newer version has improved.

Here is the title as listed on Amazon: EasyShare Sport C135 14 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 2.4-Inch LCD (Red) (New Model)

Very happy with the results and the price.
It was only $8.98 more and had good reviews. Thought it was worth the extra.

 

[sippican]

I second and third the Olympus Tough. My DD dropped mine while ice skating the very first day we had it. We've taken hundreds of pictures land and sea in both pool and ocean and even video. I can't say enough good things about it. My kids like to take it to the pool and play with it during the summer just to be goofy. They'll attach the floating strap and have a blast.

Jill

Another vote for the Olympus Tough. Just returned from the Caribbean with amazing photos. I love the scene settings, from underwater to macro and even a fireworks setting!

 

[Tara619]

We purchased the Kodak camera from Amazon that you mentioned about two weeks ago, but got the latest version. We have just returned from our cruise on the Allure. It spent a lot of time underwater since we used it to take snorkeling pictures. It got no water in it and no condensation. Just remember to close the inner door first where the battery and memory card are stored and then the outer door.

Also DH took a video of my SIL on the zipline and it's really pretty good. The zoom can get a little grainy if zoomed too far. Got great indoor and outdoor shots. Maybe that's what the newer version has improved.

Here is the title as listed on Amazon: EasyShare Sport C135 14 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 2.4-Inch LCD (Red) (New Model)

Very happy with the results and the price.
It was only $8.98 more and had good reviews. Thought it was worth the extra.

Thanks so much! I want to stay around $75 because I already have a nicer newer Canon, so this one is only needed for water/beach. I'm not willing to risk putting a $500 camera in a $20 bag. And the older canon I have from 2008, they don't make the bags for anymore.