waterproof digital camera help

[Jaime4004]

DD9 is asking for an "underwater camera" as her big present for christmas this year. Anyone have advice? Not really looking to spend more than $150 on it. I've seen a few on amazon with decent reviews, just wondering if anyone has one they like/dislike? Thanks!

 

[bear_mom]

Dh and I got one for Hawaii that we really liked and took GREAT pictures, but it was about twice what you are looking to spend.

There was a website by a photographer blogger (on cnet.com) who had videos of some of the waterproof cameras that I found helpful when also comparing with the reviews on Amazon.

Emily

 

[JessB320]

We got one of the Olympus tough ones and love it. I think some of the older models are under $150 on amazon now. Also check Costco a friend of mine got one that was similar to put olympus last summer. It was a little simpler but was water proof up to 33 feet and was under $100

 

[DisneyEater]

I bought a UW camera at Walmart for my daughter last Christmas for pretty cheap ($40-$50). It isn't going to win you any awards, but takes decent pictures.

 

[maggs1035]

I guess if that's your price range I would look into the Fuji!

 

[Jaime4004]

Thanks for the replies, especially the pics! It's for a 9 yr old, so I don't want to spend a ton, however, i'm sure i'll be borrowing it on our upcoming cruise and discovery cove vacations, so some decent pics would be nice!

 

[sharbear]

I bought my S a go pro camera. It is waterproof, but is not exactly a camera. They have them at target this week, $199 plus a $25 GC.

They are really cool if you have another camera.

 

[Aneille]

I got our kids one at Walmart too right before our trip. We picked up the $40 one. Probably the same as the person above.

I thought it did great underwater and took good pics for the $$. We used it at the pool and underwater at the beach (castaway cay).

The kids even cracked a corner of it (6 year old dropped it and it wasn't in a case) and it didn't leak and we used it in saltwater after.

 

[mikehn]

The kodak play sport is under $100 at Amazon. Takes both pictures and HD video underwater. It only has like 4 buttons so pretty simple camera to operate for a 9 year old, if you wanna spend that kinda money.

 

[BCV2003]

Last Christmas my fiance bought me a basic Kodak camera that is waterproof (its not the Playsport) and I used it on our recent cruise underwater for the first time. It did a great job with underwater pictures and also did a pretty good job with regular pictures and my usual go to camera is a DSLR.

 

[tink2dw]

Thank-you!! DisneyEater! For the info and the great pic's! I was looking for a good UW Camera for a Cruise and a Dolphin Experience.

 

[TEK224]

I have the Fuji (comes in different colors) and used it for my Hawaii trip a couple years ago. Pictures came out great. I think I actually bought it on sale for around $100

 

[Tiger926]

I would absolutely stay away from the Fuji underwater cameras, despite recommendations on here.

Inside photos (low light) are horrid as is battery life. The battery does not hold a charge for long, which means you have to keep it plugged in, or purchase a spare. Our little daughter hardly uses her camera, because of the battery issue.

It does take ok underwater photos, as well as photos in outside, but I would steer clear of it as there are limitations.

Check the Olympus or Panasonic lower end waterproofs, as they are under $150.00.

Tiger

 

[CarlisleMom]

While I love my Kodak Playsport, remember that Kodak got out the digital camera business!

I am also looking for a camera for DD11. I am willing to spend between $100 and $200. THis will be be her main present and she is learning about digital photography at girl scouts and is loving it.

It also helps that we scrapbook and she wants to be able to take her photos and make albums.

Being waterproof would be a great addition since we have a pool and a creek in our yard...2 favorite spots for us to take pictures.

ANy suggestions....

 

[lucigo]

We also went with the play sport. Be sure to get a floating strap for it! We have taken it on several cruises and used it in our salt water pool. Be sure to rinse it off after each use in salt water. Go to youtube to watch videos about the different cameras you are considering.

Here are a couple of our short clips:

In the pool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TrwXy3dvXU&feature=plcp

In Grand Cayman with the sea turtles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohFp6EqyzjQ&feature=plcp

It also takes still shots, and you can take still shots from a video.

 

[Keegansmommy]

Another Kodak Playsport here and it works great!

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Instead of buying a camera we bought an Aqua Pac for our regular camera for our DCL cruise last May. It worked fantastic and took great pictures!

http://www.amazon.com/Aquapac-Under...35677&sr=1-3&keywords=aquapac+waterproof+case

Here are some pictures from both under the water and above the water with the Aqua Pac on the camera:

 

[Jenny3]

I did a lot of research a few months ago as I wanted one for our trip. We got the Panasonic Lumix TS4. It was a bit more expensive than your budget though. They have the T20 that is very nice. I seriously considered that one.

 

[DisneyEater]

Thank-you!! DisneyEater! For the info and the great pic's! I was looking for a good UW Camera for a Cruise and a Dolphin Experience.

Your welcome. I should say, as others have mentioned, that this camera (and any underwater camera I have seen) works best when it is bright and doesn't take very good pictures inside.

Here are some bad ones from dim lighting.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I bought a UW camera at Walmart for my daughter last Christmas for pretty cheap ($40-$50). It isn't going to win you any awards, but takes decent pictures

Do you know what brand camera this is? This would be perfect for DD for Discovery Cove!