Waterproof recommendation

[cbiegel]

Hey guys, I’m looking for a recommendation on a small, inexpensive, waterproof, point and click camera to take fishing. For example, I currently use a digital elf but am constantly worried that I’m going to splash it let alone drop it into the drink. My only other concern is good battery life.

So, any tips on a simple digital camera that won’t die when it gets wet?

[Clive]

This is one of those items you cant go cheap. I picked up a Pentax w80 last summer but took it back almost right away. We also have an Elph, and despite being newer, the images on the w80 were nowhere near the quality of the Elph. The images weren't terrible, but I just expected better.

My suggestion is the Canon d10 - haven't used it, but it gets the best reviews out of all of the underwater POS cameras. Its pretty ugly (especially compared to the Elph series) but it is a great performer.

Here is a site that reviewed all of the underwater cams last year.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

[Clive]

The other option is an underwater casing for your current camera. Canon offers cases for several models, and there are third part offerings as well. The arent cheap, but are cheaper then a whole new camera would be.

[pierre]

Olympus 850 SW was a great camera and not so expensive normally it's chock proof and water proof till 3 meters but i'm not sure any more mine broke during my trip to the Andaman but the quality of under water picture was nice and it was really easy to use

[jwm]

I've heard some great things about the olympus, but the price was too much for me, and the camera was super ugly. I also didnt like the idea of paying for features I thought were mostly unnecessary like the ability to tap the sides of the cameras to change settings underwater. Probably great if your a parent taking pictures of your kids underwater in a pool or something, but most of my shots are quick and spur of the moment. I dont have time to change settings in most cases.

If you already have a camera you like and trust, I would recommend getting a case for it. Unfortunately the cases can often run as much as the camera, and sometimes more.

If you're looking for a video camera thats waterproof you should checkout the Sanyo WH1, both Clive and I have one now. I love mine!

[cbiegel]

A friend of mine has one that is pretty simple but does take ok video and cost less than $250 I believe. I'll ask what it is and let you know. Hopefully you've heard good things because that's right around my price range. I'll also look at your recommendations because no one said what they considered expensive/inexpensive (including me )

[pierre]

mine was arround 100 euros it was one of the first series but as the quality of the picture was good it just break last week when i was on the Andaman. I've cheked the new version bu they are way more expensive.

[cbiegel]

This is the one they have Pentax Optio W80 Kit though I think it's silver.

http://pentaxwebstore.com/detail/PTX+17771

At $250 it's not dirt cheap but doesn't seem crazy either. What do people think?

[jwm]

This is the one they have Pentax Optio W80 Kit though I think it's silver.

http://pentaxwebstore.com/detail/PTX+17771

At $250 it's not dirt cheap but doesn't seem crazy either. What do people think?

I'm pretty sure Clive bought one of those and returned it. If I recall correctly the image quality was very grainy. Dont think there was any problem with it getting wet though, heh.

[Clive]

Yeah thats the one I mentioned above - like I said it wasnt terrible, but I was not impressed enough with it to keep it. The camera was also very light and felt pretty cheap. I have never had any such complaints with Canon's build quality.