Waterproof Cameras

[mikeg]

Anyone have any experience with waterproof digital point&shoot cameras?

I've currently got a PowerShot SD850IS and I'm looking to get a waterproof one, probably just to replace that. The waterproof case for the 850 is like $250 and hard to find anyway, so it doesn't make much sense.

I'm looking at the Canon D10, which looks like it's probably the best choice, but ugly.... and the AKT-DC1 accessory kit for the straps and stuff is impossible to get in Canada for a decent price.

The Olympus ones look really nice - the Tough 8000 in black, specifically. But the reviews of picture quality are pretty negative.

Does anyone have one/or have an opinion on differences...?

[Ice_GT]

95% of the people here should have an opinion

[mikeg]

That's what I figured Lots of photographers on here, although you don't see any talk about waterproof cameras specifically, most people are interested in DSLRs. Although I'm interested in photography, I haven't had a chance to commit enough time to it to justify buying a DSLR and learning how to use it. However, I have lots of time committed to vacations and I think a waterproof camera would be worthwhile

[dmogx]

i have a friend who has one of those models of Olympus waterproof cameras.  He showed it off to us by filling a bag of water, taking a pic inside the water, and showing it to us afterwards.  They're apparently very shock proof too, he dropped it on the ground for fun.  I was very impressed lol.

having owned an olympus p&s, i can safely say that it sucks ass lol.. i'm sure the new ones are a lot better though.

oh iirc olympus uses xD format, which is a pain in the ass to buy (and pricey).

[derrick]

95% of the people here should have an opinion

The other 5% don't have anything constructive to add to the thread.

I looked into rugged cameras for use here at work, but we just ended up getting some Canon Powershot somethings. They took a beating, and some broke, but overall it didn't really make a difference.

The guys here at work use these things on construction sites, lots of dirt, dust, etc. Just have to be really careful of the lens covers getting dirty and sticking.

Water usually isn't that big of a deal unless you really plan on dunking the thing.

[M Speed]

how often you will be under water? Even those out of the box water proof P&S can only with stand a few meters of water. Good if you are looking for one that can safely take pictures in pouring rain. If you going to go deeper, you need the casing.

depending on price I might be interested in your 850is.

[dirtychoncho]

I purchased the Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 for work for the very same reasons Derrick mentioned. The camera takes pretty good shots considering it is just a point and shoot. Haven't used it underwater, but the main concern was rugged enough to take tumbles and water proof so if you drop it in a puddle in the field the camera isn't toast. So far it has lived up to it's use. This one takes XD and micro SD memory.

[hansolocujo]

I just bought the D10 yesterday.  Bestbuy has them on sale for $379 ($50 off).  + you get $20 off with an online coupon when you spend over 350.  The reviews rate the D10 and the Pentax best in picture quality.  The thing that sold me on the canon was the image stability feature.

The Olympus picture quality is not that great.  My brother has one and he will only use it for underwater as the pics arent' good enough for your standard indoor shots.  I also have a SD880 which we've been using as our main point and shoot.  I'd say stick with Canon since you're already use to the Canon menu.

BTW the Best Buy sale ends tomorrow for both the coupon and sale of the camera.

[IMASA]

If you're not going very deep and you're very careful, then camera in a zip lock bag.  I've used that for years on my old cheapy P&S.

[M Speed]

^ LOL that will really impress the chicks at the beach.

[dirtychoncho]

If your trying to impress girls with a camera, good luck with that, LOL 

[dmogx]

so you're telling me a big professional looking camera doesn't get girls?

DAMNIT, i'm quitting photography

[RX Renesis]

the olympus seems to be pretty tough. my photography teacher/pro photographer seems pretty impressed with what it can do for a point and shoot.
he brought it with him on his vacation to mexico, put it in his shorts and went for a swim. everyone freaked out, but he just kept on shooting and swimming.

[dmogx]

i don't suppose your teachers name is jimmy, known predator, especially known for taking pics of women underwater?

[M Speed]

If your trying to impress girls with a camera, good luck with that, LOL 

like you never run into a hot babe at the beach that you want to snap a pic together? Imagine you pull out your camera in a Ziploc bag.....it would be hilarious....

[dirtychoncho]

hahahaha so true! Ziploc FTW!

[mikeg]

Thanks for all the input guys! Glad to hear some people have some experience with them. Looks like the D10 will be the way to go (on that deal specifically at Best Buy) as it concerns me that the Olympus picture quality isn't good enough to use on a daily basis.

I'm not really up for just using a ziploc bag... And I do want one that's waterproof so I can swim with it!

[mikeg]

depending on price I might be interested in your 850is.

If I end up getting one, and deciding to sell my 850IS, I'll definitely post some info up here No idea what they're going for at the moment, but I'm not gonna try and get much for it. It's in great shape, I have all the accessories, box, etc.

I just ordered a D10 for my buddy to thank him for some work he did for me, hopefully once I give it to him he'll try it out right away and let me know how it is!