Waterproof phone cases or other options for snorkeling pix

chicagoans · Post by **chicagoans** » Fri Dec 13, 2013 11:43 am

The kids and I are heading back to STJ for 8 Tuff in February and my kids really want to take some pix while snorkeling. I'm looking at waterproof cases for their iPhone 5s and I'd like your experienced suggestions!

I'm a bit concerned about anything being truly waterproof. I've read some reviews and the Incipio Atlas sounds good. Any experience with it?

What do you use for underwater pix? I'm also looking at the Go Pro Hero 3+ or Panasonic Lumix underwater camera for them to share, but those are starting to get rather expensive. (I have a couple other big-ticket items I'm getting for them; I'm an only parent and also looking for a new job. Yikes! Sorry don't mean to sound like a complainer.)

On the other hand, I'd rather buy one $350 camera or $300 Go Pro then 2 iPhone cases that end up flooding, making me buy 2 new iPhones. Anyone have experience with the Go Pro, Lumix, or other that you'd recommend?

I've seen some gorgeous underwater pix on this forum and realize that most of those probably came from pricey underwater cameras. Am I nuts to think I can get something good for under $350 or even less?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Edited to add: Sorry I did a forum search after posting and saw that someone had a problem with the Lumix, and there is a recommendation for the Intova Sport. I'll look into that.

There are some threads on waterproof cameras and cases, but since technology changes so fast I'd love to hear your current recommendations!

jimg20 · Post by **jimg20** » Fri Dec 13, 2013 5:25 pm

We've had several "waterproof" cameras, and they've all leaked. We got waterproof cameras and they leaked. Just search for threads here where Canon D10/D20s leaked. We bought cameras and put them into cases. The cases leaked too.

We took the "belt and suspenders" approach this time. We bought a waterproof Olympus cameras and its waterproof cases. The concept being that when the case leaks, and they all leak as some time, the waterproof camera would be the second layer of protection.

Our situation is different than that of many of you. We want to use them for snorkeling and diving. The camera, we know, is only good to 10 or 15 feet by itself. On a dive in its case, when it leaks, it will get wet, but not be under pressure.

The case also protects the camera from minor bumps that it might get while being used.

I don't remember the cost of the case and camera, but I think it was in the $300-$350 range.

JIM

equineannie · Post by **equineannie** » Sat Dec 14, 2013 10:06 am

I wouldn't trust the housing for an iPhone. I use an Intova for underwater photos and it does a fairly nice video as well. I would go for that as it also takes nice land photos. GoPro is a nice outfit, but Intova is easier to use and a bit cheaper.

News of St. John · Post by **News of St. John** » Sat Dec 14, 2013 10:26 am

I have a Canon D20 and I have not had any problems with it. I really like it and it takes great pictures. It also takes pretty decent underwater videos. Prior to having this camera, I had the Canon D10. That was pretty good too but I had an issue with fogging. I sent it back to Canon and they gave me a brand new one. I gave that one to my parents last year and they haven't had any issues with it since.

-Jenn

Backtotheislands · Post by **Backtotheislands** » Sat Dec 14, 2013 10:33 am

I have had a Canon D10 and D20 and loved both, but they both eventually leaked. I now have the newest Olympus Tough. I'm hoping it won't leak, but probably will eventually!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Sat Dec 14, 2013 12:54 pm

I have a $100 +\- Fuji cool pix. I don't know the exact name but if you goggle it, you will find it. I was so impressed with a friend's snorkeling pics, I bought one for myself and my mom. After a year and a half, both are still going strong. I have taken it in pools, creeks and the ocean many times. My 8 yo is also allowed to use it anytime and it has proven to be one tough little camera for the price.

loria · Post by **loria** » Sat Dec 14, 2013 5:28 pm

i would NOT trust a waterproof case for an iPhone -- you will be replacing the phones! buy a cannon d 10 or whatever they are (or if you want i can send you mine to use!!!!-- i really would be happy if you guy;s wanted to take it along!)

chicagoans · Post by **chicagoans** » Sat Dec 14, 2013 7:38 pm

Thanks everyone!

After reading a bunch of reviews in tech and photo magazines, and reviews by users on Amazon, I ended up ordering a Pentax Optio waterproof camera for the kids to share. Hopefully it will work and last!

There were several options with a mix of great and very poor reviews. You can make yourself nuts second-guessing which to believe. But thanks to feedback here at least I won't be risking the iPhones!

Lori, instead of sending me the camera, how about you just bring it down yourself when we're there? Wouldn't that be great - would love to see you all again!

stjchica · Post by **stjchica** » Mon Dec 16, 2013 4:18 pm

My phone went swimming at Maho last year and it lived to tell about it with no damage. But that was not prolonged snorkeling, etc..I swear by Lifeproof. Have also dropped my phone too many times to count and no damage.
I have used a Canon Powershot and bought the Canon housing for it and that has worked well and what I use when snorkeling etc..

betsyv · Post by **betsyv** » Tue Dec 17, 2013 9:00 am

I had a Panasonic Lumix underwater camera. It lasted three snorkels(if that), then fogged, and just died...and I had it so long before the trip and being able to try it out...that I couldn't get any money back for it... It was a Christmas gift and our trip was in July.

My husband just gave me a GoPro for Christmas this year...I hope it works like the videos I have seen taken with it...But I wont be able to test it out until at least spring..for underwater...It take great Snow photos tho.

:-/

usvi-on-line