BajaNomad - Waterproof Digital Cameras ?

Waterproof Digital Cameras ?

MrBillM - 7-8-2006 at 04:47 PM

Anyone out there have any Firsthand experience with a waterproof Digital Camera ? There are a few that I can find available in the $300-400 range. Sony made one (DSC U60-$299) in 2003, but it appears to have been discontinued and I don't see anything on their website.

Bruce R Leech - 7-8-2006 at 05:19 PM

I think it is better to get a good camera and buy a good housing for it.

MrBill--------

Barry A. - 7-8-2006 at 07:35 PM

I checked with my sources, "Sierra Trading Post" and "The Sportsman guide" and came up with nada!! That is strange as I know that they have had them in the past.

wornout - 7-8-2006 at 07:50 PM

Maybe they were not that waterproof.

BajaNomad - 7-8-2006 at 08:10 PM

The depth that a unit could go would be of note as well.

Might want to also consider a unit that has an optional waterproof housing. Sounds like it could be an option based upon the prices you've quoted.

Have a look on eBay, if for no other reason but to see what's out there.

--
Doug

Pentax Optio WP

Skipjack Joe - 7-8-2006 at 09:30 PM

http://www.peninsulaflyfishers.org/Other_Articles/PentaxOptioWP/pentaxOptioWP.html

Here's one made for sailors/kayakers/fishermen ...can withstand a drop...has viewfinder

CasaManzana - 7-9-2006 at 05:05 AM

I think way better than a bulky waterproof case-
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0605/06050801ricoh500g.asp

BajaNomad - 7-9-2006 at 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CasaManzana
I think way better than a bulky waterproof case-
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0605/06050801ricoh500g.asp

Looks to be a very, very nice camera. 8MP, $600 price tag and a max depth of 1M.

My guess is that may not be what he was looking for though. Silly me.

-- and Bill, no, no firsthand experience. For snorkeling, I always liked the throw-away cameras for the water - then scanning any good prints. Talk about if there was a camera you might lose.... but again, silly me. And if I found the right digital one today, I'm sure I'd prefer that instead.

[Edited on 7-9-2006 by BajaNomad]

Ken Bondy - 7-9-2006 at 08:09 AM

You can buy a Nikonos V underwater camera with the standard 35mm lens (which can be used in air) on eBay now for less than $200. This camera for many years was the standard for underwater photography for both pros and amateurs. It is a great product. about the size of a typical air SLR camera. If you don't mind shooting film, you should take a look at a Nikonos V.

Thanks for The Replies

MrBillM - 7-9-2006 at 09:00 AM

I will check out the links provided.

No question that the Nikonos V is a great Film Camera. I had a close friend who owned one and I was impressed.

Lately I've been thinking about a waterproof Digital camera because everytime I go down to the water I have to be especially careful with my camera and, therefore, I miss a lot of good shots. I'm trying to avoid a bulky camera housing. I went that way years ago with my 35mm and I didn't care for it.

I'm not really interested in taking underwater pics at any depth. I just want to be confident that I can get the camera in the water and not worry about it. Years ago, I had a very good Nikon 35mm with a bunch of lenses and accessories, but because it was so expensive, I had the same problem I have now.

In 1978 or 1979 Fuji came out with a basic 35mm waterproof camera good to 3 meters and I bought one. Shot pics all over, including the Caribbean. I still have it, although the rewind motor is about to go. Five years ago, the rewind motor stuck and I took it to a camera shop. They sent it in to their repair source for a $15.00 evaluation fee. It came back that he would clean and repair the camera for $80, but since the gaskets, etc were no longer available, they couldn't guarantee the waterproof feature. It turned out that his taking it apart for evaluation cleared the problem so I'm still using it.

I have scanned many film pics into the computer, but I'm now looking for a better answer.

Thanks.

Ken Bondy - 7-9-2006 at 09:31 AM

Bill
Take a look at this

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/1digital.html

Ikelite is a great company and they make a wide range of relatively inexpensive housings for virtually all digital cameras, PNS and SLR. Maybe you can find something here.

++Ken++

Keri - 7-9-2006 at 09:49 AM

Casa Manzana, great avatar. Love it. k :spingrin:

jimgrms - 7-9-2006 at 10:48 AM

Bill go to waterproof digital cameras then click canoe kayak gear,
there is a good comparason on water proof digitals jim

Don Alley - 7-9-2006 at 11:34 AM

I have a Pentax Optio WR (Water Resistent), a 2004 model that was supposedly replaced by the Optio WP (Water Proof).

It's good little camera, 4.0 megapixels, theoretically good for only brief immersions to 3 foot depths. I don't immerse it, I got water resistent "just in case." It uses either 2 AA batteries or for much longer life and more pics the high priced battery. 2.8X zoom.

Unfortunately, the Optio WP seems to have disappeared...in fact, all I ever heard of it was pre-release hype and don't know if it ever lived up to the hype.

So looks like now you have to play "camera housing tag" where the camera manufacturers seem to replace camera models as soon as a housing becomes available.

Roberto - 7-9-2006 at 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
You can buy a Nikonos V underwater camera with the standard 35mm lens (which can be used in air) on eBay now for less than $200. This camera for many years was the standard for underwater photography for both pros and amateurs. It is a great product. about the size of a typical air SLR camera. If you don't mind shooting film, you should take a look at a Nikonos V.

I second the Nikonos - maybe with a Nikon film scanner.

Pentax Optio WP

MrBillM - 7-9-2006 at 05:08 PM

I found the same thing. I went to a Discount Camera Website and they listed the Pentax as no longer available new. Bummer.

ncampion - 7-10-2006 at 07:11 PM

Lots Pentax Optio WP available on eBay, some claim to be new.

Me Too!

Sharksbaja - 7-11-2006 at 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keri
Casa Manzana, great avatar. Love it. k :spingrin:

as long as yer a gal! :lol:

BajaHawk - 7-11-2006 at 09:25 PM

Canon makes a varity of cameras (wide price range) that have underwater housings available separately. I have a power s70 (7 megapics) and a housing that does very nicely. The camera alone was spendy but you can get a cheaper one and housing for less' very likely in the $300-$400 range. Check out Canon's website.

Waterproof Housings

MrBillM - 7-12-2006 at 10:07 AM

For me, a waterproof housing would be a last resort. In the past, I've used them, including one for my Sony 8mm Handycam, and I just don't care for them. The Pentax sounds like a decent deal if I can find one. I'm headed for Costco tomorrow.

As far as all this Megapixel business goes, to me it's a little like the processor race in computers. The latest and greatest have far more speed than I have a use for. With my digital camera, I usually shoot my pics at the 1M setting. Originally, I shot at the VGA setting and was satisfied until I burned some on to a CD and viewed them on my TV. They were a little grainy. They look fine, however, at the 1M setting.

Pentax Optio W10

MrBillM - 7-13-2006 at 10:37 AM

Samys Camera, http://www.samyscamera.com, in Los Angeles lists the camera at $259.00 Store price, $249.95 online.

BajaNomad - 7-14-2006 at 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I'm not really interested in taking underwater pics at any depth.

"Weather-proof" work for ya too?

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?produc...

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=225690-DT

[Edited on 7-14-2006 by BajaNomad]

Pentax Optio W10 Waterproof

MrBillM - 7-23-2006 at 05:26 PM

Ordered on Friday night from www.circuitcity.com $254.99 (free shipping). Took the option to pick up ayer at the Palm Desert store. I haven't yet taken a pic because I'm still reading the 200 page manual. When I first looked at the manual I thought it was one of those in six different languages that only appear large. The newer the technology, the more tricks available and the harder it seems to do the simple things.

Thanks for all the replies.

BajaNomad - 7-27-2006 at 05:14 AM

Pixtreme 3.2MP 4x Digital Zoom Camera - waterproof up to 125 feet.

$88.95

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PX2&cat=CAM

You might try to use the "DEALNEWS" 10%-off coupon since it's not a "Geeks Special" (though it's on sale - and might not apply):
http://dealnews.com/coupons/online-stores/Geeks-com/212/

Computer Geeks are in Oceanside, CA.

--
Doug

THAT sounds like a great deal.

MrBillM - 7-27-2006 at 09:04 AM

Unfortunately (or not), I have purchased the Pentax Optio W10. It seems like a good camera so far, although I haven't tested the "Waterproof" feature beyond immersing it in the kitchen sink. It has an imposing number of features, both still and movie, shown in the 200 page manual, BUT, for anyone considering a purchase, it appears to lack one very basic feature and that is to have the date and time shown on the photo. I have been through the manual (three times) one page at a time and that option is listed nowhere. It does show the ability to place the info on any photos in memory, but only if the are being printed to a "compliant" photo printer or by a commercial service that has the facilities to recognize that format.

A minor complaint, but odd that such a basic option would not be there considering the wide variety of options available.

Cypress - 7-27-2006 at 11:18 AM

Thanks Super Admin. for the camera info!!!

So Far, So Good

MrBillM - 7-27-2006 at 07:46 PM

I gave the Optio the pool test today, taking a few at 2-3 foot down. A-OK.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Percebubill/MyBaja/LndaUW01.jpg

One other consideration (or irritation) for anyone contemplating a purchase is that the camera's USB cord is not a mini-B like most, but is a proprietary connector on the camera. It seems odd given that there is room for a mini-B. Perhaps this is a Pentax feature. This is my first experience with a Pentax other than 35mm.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Pooches would disagree with JZ if they could. All of the dogs I've owned and loved throughout my life have been pampered and spoiled to excess. Of course, even Adolph and multitudes of other disreputable characters loved their dogs.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Percebubill/MyBaja/DaBrood1.jpg

[Edited on 7-28-2006 by MrBillM]

bajalou - 7-28-2006 at 08:32 AM

The time/date is probably saved in the EXIF data that is saved with the picture. You might look for a 3rd party program that would copy it onto the print.

EXIF contains - Camera Model, Image Size, Date/Time, Shutter speed, Aperture, Quality mode as well as having fields for GPS Information which can include Altitude, Lat, Long, GPS time stamp, and a bit more.

I'm sure someone has written a program to copy any of this to the print.

:saint: