Camera Advice Needed

[KarenMF]

My trusty waterproof Olympus camera leaked on my last trip and died :(

 

I just bought (for my last cruise) a Samsung wifi camera that I really like! I also use my iPhone a lot on cruises to take pictures.

 

However, I need a waterproof camera. My question to you all is do I buy a new waterproof camera? And if so, what are your recommendations? OR does anyone use/know of a good waterproof bag/container thing for the Samsung? I'm a bit wary of those though only because of the ease (or lack of) using the controls.

[HarleyNana11]

I'm probably not gonna be much help, but I have always just used a large enough ziplock bag. I can still get to all the buttons and pictures are clear.

[Jeffbhhs]

Could always go with

 

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-TG-320-Series-Optical-Blue/dp/B006ZAHNHC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1363917352&sr=8-8&keywords=waterproof+camera

 

I have heard good things about this, one note that this is only good for up to 10ft.. so if you scuba its no good..

[evandbob]

My trusty waterproof Olympus camera leaked on my last trip and died :(

 

I just bought (for my last cruise) a Samsung wifi camera that I really like! I also use my iPhone a lot on cruises to take pictures.

 

However, I need a waterproof camera. My question to you all is do I buy a new waterproof camera? And if so, what are your recommendations? OR does anyone use/know of a good waterproof bag/container thing for the Samsung? I'm a bit wary of those though only because of the ease (or lack of) using the controls.

 

Karen:

Look at Fuji WP cameras, for just over $100 you can get a waterproof camera that's easy to use and good for snorkeling (not for diving). I believe Olympus, Canon, Sony etc. also have WP models - NY Giants/Yankees Fan

[topspin1267]

Olympus TG-1. First f 2.0 lens tough camera. Better colro saturation and better low light photos.

[chill6x6]

Olympus TG-1. First f 2.0 lens tough camera. Better colro saturation and better low light photos.

 

I think that's a GREAT camera! Prices have dropped some on that model. I just bought a new TG-2 and I'll be giving IT a try in about three weeks!

[sippican]

Olympus TG-1. First f 2.0 lens tough camera. Better colro saturation and better low light photos.

 

I love this camera! It takes great underwater photos and is very sturdy.

[Dabaras]

For strictly snorkeling, the Olympus mentioned above is great. If you have any interest in diving or more features, then Canon makes an underwater housing for any of their standard cameras for about $150-$180 for the smaller ones or a bit more for the G11/G12 type cameras. These are designed to let you use every function from the camera underwater and has a much better seal/latch system than the snorkeling cameras.

[KarenMF]

Thanks for the ideas - I should have mentioned that I do not dive so that's not an issue and that I would like to keep the price under $200 - closer to $100 would be best.

[awboater]

My advice; always buy a waterproof camera rated for at least 10 meters, even if you are not going that deep.

 

Realize that waterproof depth ratings are in static (non-moving) water. If you get into a river, surf, current, or any other moving water, that has the same effect as being deeper. So if you buy a 10ft depth camera and use it in the surf, it might very well leak.

 

Besides, with a 10M rating, a little reserve is not a bad idea. I have an Olymput 8010, rated for 10M. When I bought it, I also looked at the Olympus 6020, rated for 3M. The two cameras looked almost identical - with the main difference being that the 8010 had an extra o-ring around the door. I figured that had to be better so I ended up buying the 8010.

[TMWTim]

All the above mentioned cameras are probably really awesome cameras and worth every penny but before purchasing take a look at the Nikon AW100. It has all the bells and whistles including GPS map locations. I absolutely LOVE mine and if something happened to it like being stolen I would buy another one without even researching other cameras. I love it that much. It has worked out wonderfully.

 

Here is a youtube vid shot entirely on a AW100 that shows what it can do. If the link doesn't work here on CC then just do a youtube search. Good luck!

 

 

 

[Nole0202]

Hey Karen,

 

We just returned from a baseball cruise that Rico Petrocelli was on.

Before spending $$$ on another UW camera, consider what you want it for.....

The Panasonic Lumix has the highest quality images for under $150 on eBay. We were lucky and got one for $120.

 

It's good up to 16 feet.