camera question

[Backtotheislands]

I don't have a trip planned yet, but hoping things will work out soon and I will need a new underwater camera. I loved my 4 Canon D10s (2 had to be replaced due to a lens error message. The first replaced one drowned in Hawaii because I didn't close it after downloading pics.) I bought a replacement for the first 2 after said drowning and got another lens error message and they replaced it. I had some issues so bought a D20 as a backup last summer which I also loved, BUT both cameras (the older D10 and new D20) died while snorkeling. Both were securely latched (I learned that lesson in Hawaii), but both had water inside, therefore I am leary of the Canon although they have awesome customer service! I have been reading up on the Nikon Coolpix A100 but a lot of people have had "leak" problems with it. I have also been looking at the new Olympus TG1. It was very disappointing to be snorkeling and suddenly not be able to take pics. I also think taking pictures makes me feel more secure in the water (less fear of the unknown). Anyway, does anyone have recommendations? I'd like this camera to last awhile and to feel confident it won't leak or quit midtrip. Oh, and I am a non-techie person, quite a novice photographer. Thanks for any input!

[Coconuts]

I like the Panasonic TS4 (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Waterpr ... B00728ZC1A). Mine worked very well until an accident cracked its lens cover glass, so I pried that off and gave it to a daughter as a dry land camera. None of the simple underwater point and shoots will image in RAW, so I then switched to a Canon S110 with a compact underwater case, but that is a bit bulkier and more costly solution, and probably overkill for your needs.

All the best,

Kevin

[TrvlJohn]

I also had the Canon D10 but I put the TG-1 on my wish list at amazon and my wife bought it for me for Christmas. I like the fact that it has the ability to add lens filters (UV, Polarized, etc...). Also, there is a fisheye and a telephoto lens available (they are still on the wish list-hint, hint!). I have not used it underwater yet (too cold right now in NC!), but I have been playing with it at the local state park and like it quite a bit. The most recent issue of Backpacker Magazine (http://goo.gl/BTwN0) rated it best all-around. I too am a photography novice, but I like this camera a lot.

I am headed to the island in May and look forward to taking it underwater.
-John

It has an amazing macro zoom feature and lots of other built-in filters. I have included a few of the pictures I have taken in the past few weeks at the park.

Raven Rock State Park by JRSIII, on Flickr

Raven Rock State Park by JRSIII, on Flickr

Raven Rock State Park by JRSIII, on Flickr

Raven Rock State Park by JRSIII, on Flickr

[PA Girl]

Our friends bought this for their recent trip to STJ

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digita ... epix_xp50/

I was very impressed with the quality of the underwater and land pictures. So much so, I just bought two, one for us and one for my mom.

[equineannie]

As a diving instructor, I teach and dive with the GoPro series. They are built for outdoors and sports, and come with the ability to photo & video. Easy to use, rugged & durable.

[2muchsnow]

I second the Gopro. it's bombproof in the underwater housing. Used one in STJ, Hawaii, and So California boogie boarding.
Prior to having the gopro, we used an inexpensive panasonic lumix point and shoot in a $40 dikapac underwater bag.
Made it really simple, going snorkling, toss the camera in the bag, seal it up, take it out.

[jimg20]

I feel your pain due to being in that beautiful setting and not having a working camera. We have experienced all the things you described. Our solution was to buy the Olympus TG-110. Since it is not sufficient by itself for diving, we bought Ikelite waterproof cases for them. We could have bought a camera that was not waterproof to put in the case, but wanted the "belt and suspenders" protection of both. When the case leaks, and yes it will eventually leak, the camera itself should be OK. The reason the waterproof cameras leak when diving is the increased pressure. In the case, it will not experience the additional pressure -- unless the case comes open at depth. It should only get wet. We dove with them last year and had no leaks -- even at 75 feet. For only snorkeling, I might not have gone to all that trouble. If one is careful, one should not have a problem. It is, however, easy to get complacent and make a mistake.

JIM

[Backtotheislands]

Thanks guys! Hopefully my trip will come together SOON and I'll figure out which camera to go with! I have 2 sons getting married this summer & helping with their weddings, one still in college, and my first grandbaby is almost 7 months old so I feel like a money drain at the moment! I come here for temporary dream fulfillment!