What digital camera do you use on the water?

[beavertom]

I have seen some great photos :shock: take on the water recently on this site and wondered what cameras that everyone uses.
Can you give me some insite to a good waterproof setup? :roll:
Thanks Tom :D

[dgax65]

You might want to check out the Pentax OptioWPi
http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--OptioWPi/reqID--6941188/subsection--optio

Samy's Camera in L.A. has a good price and a mfg rebate. http://www.samys.com/product.php?ItemNo=PENT18563
I've heard that Pt. Loma Camera also has them.

[Dennis]

I got one of those Sony Cybershot 7.1 in a manufacturer underwater housing/case. The camera is probably cheaper since it's been out for a couple of years. I found the housing on the internet for $100. Hope this helps.
-D
http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/images/sony_marine.jpeg

[T-Rex]

I just bought a Pentax Optio WPi from www.beachcamera.com for $235 incl tax & shipping and after $30 rebate. (Don't see it on their website anymore.) It's 6 MP and I'm really pleased with the quality of the photos. Now all I gotta do is catch a fish bigger than my freakin' bait!! :oops:

[Iceman]

I got a Concord 5.0 from Fry's for $147 last Fathers Day. It is a great camera for the money. I keep it in a Pelican case for storage.

http://www.timeshop.dk/billeder/5345z.jpg

[Holy Mackerel]

I use this one... Takes great pictures of other peoples fish. :roll: :lol:

http://www.geek-guy.com/product_info.php?currency=USD&products_id=29753

I am a little leary of the optical lens because moving parts in a digital camera in a harsh environment worries me a little. Although, I have been quite reckless with it, and it still works. A waterproof Pelican box, or something to that effect, IMHO is a must.

Chris

[potto]

Hmmmmm from someone who is experienced at taking pictures out at sea, I think you have 2 maybe 3 options.

1.) Buy a cheap one like Iceman Andy did. You won't reget the amount of money you spent if it was to get destroyed. House it in a pelican box and it should last you a long time. Remember to dry your hands before taking it out and snapping a picture. Great idea! If the conditions are rough you would be less inclined to pull it out and take a pic of that kodak moment.

2.) Get the Pentax waterproof camera, or any waterproof camera. There are no moving parts which is what makes it a waterproof camera. A little more $$$. Still store it in a Pelican box and dry your hands before taking pictures. You can use these cameras in any weather and get that kodak moment to share for everyone.

3.) There are weatherproof camera's (not waterprrof) I hear that work pretty good.

I own a FujiFilm camera and stored it in a Pelcan box. My problems started when I had to use gloves out at sea. ( Skin problem ). When I pulled out the camera my gloves were wet and one day got the camera wet. From my experience, FujiFilm has horrible service.

Anyways, since your out in the water, the chances of getting the camera wet is pretty high.

If I was to do it over again I would have bought the Pentax waterproof camera with a 3 year warranty. Get an extended warranty if you plan on using it out at sea. The warranty will pay for itself.

One other note: Digital cameras don't last forever. If you were to take perfect care for them, they might last 4 years. Use them out at sea and expect them to last even less. That is why I say get the extended warranty. I had my FujiFilm camera for 1 year and now it is broken. There goes $400. The camera broke right after the warranty ran out. Live and learn.

Confused on what to get?

TL

[beavertom]

Thanks for all the imput. :D
I'm finding out that everything takes a beating out there. :?
You just need to work at getting the right information so that you don't just keep throwing your money away. :roll:
Thanks again,
Tom : :D

[Brad Wells]

I have a olympus stylus 500 with an underwater housing that I use for scuba diving. I bought the housing at 17 photo on the internet. Steve'sdigicams.com has an excellent site with reviews for all cameras. You'll want to look for a large screen that you can see in the sunlight and a short shutter lag. Brad.

[blackcloud9]

Go cheap with a low-end Canon, and a Ziploc bag! If it stops working, Canon Cust Service replaces for 1/2 price in my experience anyway. I use a refurbished Canon A300.... was like $120
http://www.refurbdepot.com/productdetails2.cfm?Product_ID=2850

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/20893244-2-300-camera+on-1.gif

THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/blackcloud9/Fishing/KayakLingLeg112505.jpg


:D Larry

[lamb]

I'm in Canon ziploc club too. I got PowerShot like Chris, just less pix 4.0.

Mine died 3 times. Twice it just ceased to operate (once otw). Salt and moisture are tough on these things. I sent it in to Canon service, each time they fixed it. Last time I had to pay something, but I dropped it and it was out of warranty.

[T-Rex]

I keep my pentax in a pelican case too. The less exposure to the elements, the better.

If you go cheap, be sure not to go too cheap. Get a camera with an SD or other type of memory card like ones mentioned above. I made the mistake of buying a $40 POS just for kayaking. It only had internal memory so it erased everything when the battieries died & it really ate batteries quickly. First time I used it I got back to the beach to discover that the the brand new batteries were dead. Lost a few photos I would have liked to keep and post. :x :cry: