Waterproof camera

wyoMel · Post by **wyoMel** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 4:11 pm

So I'm trying to decide what to use for our trip in may. My first thought was just to use my iPhone in a waterproof bag. But I am a photographer by trade and the thought of only having iPhone photos of this trip made me cringe a bit. I don't want to pack my pro camera along, so that leaves the question do I buy a "waterproof" camera like the canon d10? Or a regular point and shoot with waterproof housing? I would like to not have to spend over $300 since at home I typically use my other camera. Wish I could rent one!

What do you all use? Any advice? Thanks!

mit43 · Post by **mit43** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 4:24 pm

You will get many opinions on which camera to get. Most will do the job. You need to decide how often you will use it and what price you are willing to pay.

Having said that, we have always used a Canon point and Shoot with a waterproof case and loved the pictures.

We do plan on buying a new Canon D20 when they hit the market in a few weeks.

2muchsnow · Post by **2muchsnow** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 5:50 pm

We have had really good results using a Dikapac bag and our 12 mp Lumix PS digital. Wasn't more than $30-40 dollars. If you already have a small point and shoot it certainly fills a temporary need for underwater usage.

here's a gallery of what we managed to get out of it on 2 different trips. Maui and STJ.

http://flickr.com/gp/ross_mike/7Hp574/

Juli B · Post by **Juli B** » Sat Apr 07, 2012 4:41 pm

While I have heard that iphones take great pictures, I cannot imagine being without a camera on STJ that you can take underwater pictures with, unless you don't plan to snorkel much. My husband bought me a Canon D10 for Christmas specifically for my Girls trip in May. There have been a number of threads on the Forum about different brands and problems with leaking but I am hopeful that my new camera will last and provide me with memories to remember for years to come. I have had a Minolta point and shoot (that takes film) for years that I have used snorkeling and in the rain. The D10 is my first digital camera and I am so excited to use it both above and below the water on STJ.

awardb · Post by **awardb** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:37 am

If you're going to get a new underwater camera, my vote (after using several other models over the years) is for the Panasonic DMC-TS3 or equivalent. Takes beautiful photos above or below the water. Sampling of last years pics taken with the Panasonic:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1051995687 ... 8KCfysGqKw

BillVT · Post by **BillVT** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:01 pm

We are Canon D10 users and have used our camera extensively for the last three years. We are boaters and skiers at home and it is nice to have a camera along that we don't have to worry much about. We have had good luck with the camera and as long as we've soaked it in fresh water after using it in salt it has been fine. So far we haven't had any problems.

Underwater:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billvt/5558542768/" title="squid by nayr48, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5260/5558 ... b4145e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="squid"></a>

Above:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billvt/4469985294/" title="Another sunset by nayr48, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4008/4469 ... 61acd1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Another sunset"></a>

The images are slightly softer than the normally very sharp images that come out Canon cameras, but I think it is a small issue compared to the convenience of just grabbing the D10 after all the other prep you do for going snorkeling.

awardb · Post by **awardb** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:47 pm

Bill VT:

Where was that last shot you posted, looking over at STT, taken from? Somewhere on Gifft Hill? If so, where?

Thanks!

BillVT · Post by **BillVT** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:55 pm

That shot is taken from Sunset Ridge Villas. That shot was taken from Unit B but most of the units have pretty good views from their decks and especially from the pool deck.

Just info:
http://www.sunsetridgevillas.com/

Rental info:
http://www.cimmaronstjohn.com/vacation- ... taID=39029
or
http://www.vrbo.com/321094

Sorry, I'm on the board of the homeowner's association. I can't stop myself.

jmq · Post by **jmq** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 9:54 am

@ wyoMel - Underwater camera discussions break out here every 3-6 months or so. Do a search and you will see the other threads.
If you already have a point n shoot that for which there is already a housing available, that certainly would be a viable option, esp if you are a photographer who wouldnt be fazed by the fussing involved. Don't know who makes housings for their point n shoots other than Canon. A point n shoot housing would likely be cheaper than a new D10 or similar.

That said, folks here have posted impressive results using the D10, which, like a lot of "waterproof' cameras, had reports of leaking problems, however with the saving grace that Canon customer service tends to be very responsive.

@ awardb - thanks for info and images re the Panasonic DMC-TS3. Looking for feedback on that one as it looks to be well designed

surfnh · Post by **surfnh** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:26 am

Lots of posts on underwater cameras, we had fantastic pics again with our Olympus Stylus Tough in March. Whether you buy the Canon (I'd wait for the new one, though old ones might be cheap now?), the Olympus (new ones are out), or Panasonic (good reviews), just buy the dang thing, you won't regret it.

I'll only mention what I've said in each post....make sure you submerge the camera in fresh water for like 10 minutes after each trip to the beach, and for sure purchase the extended warranty....these things definitely can fail, but they're tons of fun.

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 3:40 pm

Underwater:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billvt/5558542768/" title="squid by nayr48, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5260/5558 ... b4145e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="squid"></a>

Bill:

How did you get so close to the Squid? Is that a zoom? Many pixels with a crop?

wyoMel · Post by **wyoMel** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:22 am

Thanks all! I did search the forums just curious if there was something "new" out there I hadnt heard of. We actually don't own a point and shoot now. I figure with a couple little kids the waterproof capability would be handy for days at the pool, fishing, etc. I guess I better bite the bullet!

Jeff&Cindy · Post by **Jeff&Cindy** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 7:24 am

We had a blast with a Kodak Playsport. Just grab it and go in the water. Pictures/Videos above or below. No housing or anything else to deal with. Fits in your pocket. Just make sure you soak it in fresh water after use in salt water.

BillVT · Post by **BillVT** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:35 pm

Steve S asked:

Bill:

How did you get so close to the Squid? Is that a zoom? Many pixels with a crop?

This is my wife's photo and her response was, "shallow water, I floated over them and zoomed a little bit." She thinks Big Lamshur.

pnoeric · Post by **pnoeric** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:48 pm

wyoMel wrote:So I'm trying to decide what to use for our trip in may. ... I would like to not have to spend over $300 since at home I typically use my other camera. Wish I could rent one!

Mel, just to add one thought -- you mentioned renting one... I know that for many photogs stateside it's common to rent equipment from a camera shop.... have you looked into the possibility of renting one just for your trip? Pick it up at home, bring it with, return it when you get home? Sorry if this is totally obvious and you already thought of it

but it just occurred to me as I read your message, and nobody else suggested it. Might be an especially good option if you don't want to invest in buying a waterproof camera/housing right now.

usvi-on-line