Olympus Stylus 1030SW or Sealife SL321 Ecoshot or ??? Going to Grand Cayman and want an easy to use camera that will give me the better underwater pictures. I plan on snokelling and taking local wildlife and reef photos. So which camera should I choose? I'm not ready to shell out a lot of cash, and even the 1030SW is almost out of the price range I wanted... Olympus Stylus 1030SW or Sealife SL321 Ecoshot or ??? Going to Grand Cayman and want an easy to use camera that will give me the better underwater pictures. I plan on snokelling and taking local... » Read More Olympus Stylus 1030SW or Sealife SL321 Ecoshot or ??? Going to Grand Cayman and want an easy to use camera that will give me the better underwater pictures. I plan on snokelling and taking local wildlife and reef photos. So which camera should I choose? I'm not ready to shell out a lot of cash, and even the 1030SW is almost out of the price range I wanted... « Show Less
52917
I like everything about the Olympus except the XD card, I have close to a dozen SD cards already and a couple of readers. I expect that in a year or two Olympus will drop the XD card and go to the more common SD. I will be the first to buy that generation of this camera. I decided on going with a clone of the Sealife (Vivitar Vivicam 6200w) for now. It is significantly cheaper and shares all the same specifications, except the ability to link with an external flash. Which is pointless in this range of camera ...if you are going to be lugging that stuff around anyway you might as well step up to at least the Sealife DC800 or the DX-1G by Sea&Sea; I like everything about the Olympus except the XD card, I have close to a dozen SD cards already and a couple of readers. I expect that in a year or two Olympus will drop the XD card and go to the more common SD. I will be the first to buy that generation of this camera. I decided on going with a clone of the Sealife (Vivitar Vivicam 6200w) for now. It is significantly cheaper and shares all the same specifications, except the ability to link with an external flash. Which is pointless in this range of camera ...if you are going to be lugging that stuff around anyway you might as well step... » Read More I like everything about the Olympus except the XD card, I have close to a dozen SD cards already and a couple of readers. I expect that in a year or two Olympus will drop the XD card and go to the more common SD. I will be the first to buy that generation of this camera. I decided on going with a clone of the Sealife (Vivitar Vivicam 6200w) for now. It is significantly cheaper and shares all the same specifications, except the ability to link with an external flash. Which is pointless in this range of camera ...if you are going to be lugging that stuff around anyway you might as well step up to at least the Sealife DC800 or the DX-1G by Sea&Sea; « Show Less
52918
I've had a 720SW for a few years. It has been drug through outdoor hell and still is great. Can't wait to try the 1030.
52919
Same question here. I am tired of missing opportunities to have a picture of an event because the environment wasn't clean and dry. I would really like see a head to head of these two because they seem to have the right combination of durability and portability. Hard to tell if reviews on these products which slam the picture quality of both are from DSLR snobs who spend their vacation time taking pictures rather than having fun.
122905
I just bought a 40D and I think it is a great camera. As posted, there is not best choice but I am sure if the extra (few) bucks is not an issue, we should go for the 40D. It is also the latest sensor and I found it to be really good. Took some shots and it is great.
132645
I have the sony and love it. I particularly like the fantastic panoramic feature - I dont see a reference to that on the panasonic description here. I have had the Olympus variants of the waterproof cameras in the past and they were quite good. Have not taken the sony into the water yet - I assume it will be trouble free (as the olympus cameras have been in the past). The picture quality on the sony is a step up from my past cameras. Having not tried the Panasonic yet, I recommend the sony.
512447
The Stylus 500, 600, 710 and 800 are all "weather resistant", "splash-proof" or whatever you'd like to call it. This means that you can take shots fairly confidently in wet weather conditions and the camera can take a good splashing by the pool here and there. They are not submersible, however, and I wouldn't recommend prolonged use of these kinds of cameras in a torrential downpour. For underwater use, you need to buy the underwater housing for the Stylus series; otherwise, Olympus also offers the Stylus 720 SW which is water-resistant to 3M (10ft).
590898
Thank you Stephen,I just tried to buy the SX210is from amazon but was told they won't ship it to Brunei where I am at the moment - wierd, they sent me a dive computer a few months back.Does any one know a camera whole saler with similar prices that ship overseas?Anyway, I think I will buy the SX210is somehow anyway, I think it sounds like a great little camera to take on holidays and snap family pics/movies.For diving I am thinking I might use and old canon A520 that I have - I'll just have to chase up the housing for it, until I get decent at it then I'll sink more money into a good dive camera. Thank you Stephen,I just tried to buy the SX210is from amazon but was told they won't ship it to Brunei where I am at the moment - wierd, they sent me a dive computer a few months back.Does any one know a camera whole saler with similar prices that ship overseas?Anyway, I think I will buy the SX210is somehow anyway, I think it sounds like a great little camera to take on holidays and snap family pics/movies.For diving I am thinking I might use and old canon A520 that I have - I'll just have to chase up the housing for it, until I get decent at... » Read More Thank you Stephen,I just tried to buy the SX210is from amazon but was told they won't ship it to Brunei where I am at the moment - wierd, they sent me a dive computer a few months back.Does any one know a camera whole saler with similar prices that ship overseas?Anyway, I think I will buy the SX210is somehow anyway, I think it sounds like a great little camera to take on holidays and snap family pics/movies.For diving I am thinking I might use and old canon A520 that I have - I'll just have to chase up the housing for it, until I get decent at it then I'll sink more money into a good dive camera. « Show Less
445661
It comes with a standard camera wrist strap but if u plan on taking it under water snorkeling etc I would recommend getting a water wrist strap like the Olympus foam float water camera stap worked wonders for my wife & I. We used this camera on a Carribbean cruise by the way. As for a case you will have to buy that, I got a decent one at walmart for $8 it wasn't waterproof but it worked well. The camera comes with very little memory so you will want to buy a memory card it takes the micro memory card kind. I would highly recommend this camera we got some awesome underwater pics while snorkeling and even above water we actually used this camera our whole trip we initially bought it for just the underwater part. It's a great camera. Anymore questions please ask.
1196682
If you go to Beach Camera, who sells through here, you will get detailed info. I had bought the sx 160 from them and got a Dane Electro 16GB card (although a San disk would be preferred), 4 double A batteries, the wall charger which also gives a car adapter for it, a card reader, lens cleaning kit and a mini tripod. I sent the camera back because the images it displays on my computer have grain that shows up on the zoom. It goes down to 100 ISO while my old Canon A200 is goes down to 80, if that matters. My old one has cleaner images, otherwise the sx160 has good features and controls. ...And a carrying pouch as stated in Tom's post. If you go to Beach Camera, who sells through here, you will get detailed info. I had bought the sx 160 from them and got a Dane Electro 16GB card (although a San disk would be preferred), 4 double A batteries, the wall charger which also gives a car adapter for it, a card reader, lens cleaning kit and a mini tripod. I sent the camera back because the images it displays on my computer have grain that shows up on the zoom. It goes down to 100 ISO while my old Canon A200 is goes down to 80, if that matters. My old one has cleaner images, otherwise the sx160 has good features and controls.... » Read More If you go to Beach Camera, who sells through here, you will get detailed info. I had bought the sx 160 from them and got a Dane Electro 16GB card (although a San disk would be preferred), 4 double A batteries, the wall charger which also gives a car adapter for it, a card reader, lens cleaning kit and a mini tripod. I sent the camera back because the images it displays on my computer have grain that shows up on the zoom. It goes down to 100 ISO while my old Canon A200 is goes down to 80, if that matters. My old one has cleaner images, otherwise the sx160 has good features and controls. ...And a carrying pouch as stated in Tom's post. « Show Less
1869737
This camera uses a card, which we had to buy separately. It also comes with a cord to attach to camera and upload pics to your computer. It took wonderful underwater pictures! Only problem we had was that when you take a picture it takes a while to focus and you end up with a lot of blurry pictures if you don't wait for it. You won't notice the blurriness till you upload them.
1277650
As with other digital cameras I have owned, I will get an extra battery (just be careful with off-brand models) and a memory card. I will be using this one to go deeper than 12m/40ft underwater, and plan to get the Ikelite housing that is good to 40m/200ft.
1119976
I also have a Canon and am not impressed with it. I just purchased the Sony W170 because I have a family member who used at Christmas. I was impressed with the size and ease of use. I will have to replace all my memory cards and batteries. I am not too upset about the batteries as my Canon Sureshot took about 5 pictures and died. I even bought an extra battery, same thing. I am excited about getting the camera. Should arrive by Jan 6th.
350808
Yes!! Make sure to the high speed class 10 card and the video will be seemless. I was blown away the quality in both underwater and above water shots. And while others have complained about digital drop out, I had no problems using the faster SDHC micro card.
2083105
KatherineI also saw the same mixed reviews on the Panasonic Lumix. I took the chance anyway, because I wanted to buy an U/W camera for a friend for her birthday. As it turns out, she absolutely LOVES it! I saw the results. It took great pictures and great video! It may not be one of those GoPros, but for the price range, Panasonic does work, and my friend and her family have had fun using the camera, and they cannot wait until next summer!Hope that helps KatherineGeorge
1748284
I am partial to Canon and am excited to see they are introducing a model in the rugged, waterproof class. I previously used the first generation waterproof Olympus Stylus and after it broke moved to the Pentax Optio W series. It has been a good camera as far as durability, but it just doesn't produce photos like our Canon Powershot SD1000. As far as the post question, I can't wait to see some product reviews/comparisons. Based on my previous experience with the Stylus line, I am ruling out the Olympus. Although right now I am leaning towards the Canon based on previous experience with their products and superior photos. However, the Panasonic offering higher video quality in HD format is enticing. I am partial to Canon and am excited to see they are introducing a model in the rugged, waterproof class. I previously used the first generation waterproof Olympus Stylus and after it broke moved to the Pentax Optio W series. It has been a good camera as far as durability, but it just doesn't produce photos like our Canon Powershot SD1000. As far as the post question, I can't wait to see some product reviews/comparisons. Based on my previous experience with the Stylus line, I am ruling out the Olympus. Although right now I am leaning towards the Canon based on previous... » Read More I am partial to Canon and am excited to see they are introducing a model in the rugged, waterproof class. I previously used the first generation waterproof Olympus Stylus and after it broke moved to the Pentax Optio W series. It has been a good camera as far as durability, but it just doesn't produce photos like our Canon Powershot SD1000. As far as the post question, I can't wait to see some product reviews/comparisons. Based on my previous experience with the Stylus line, I am ruling out the Olympus. Although right now I am leaning towards the Canon based on previous experience with their products and superior photos. However, the Panasonic offering higher video quality in HD format is enticing. « Show Less
806878
There is one that I know of fire this camera, you can find it searching Amazon or eBay. It is crazy expensive and it costs more than the camera. I'd suggest one of the bag style universal cases for underwater.... They work well enough for a casual weekend scuba diving anyways.
1700502
I have a good copy of the Canon 330 and wrote a good review of it - and I still like it. - BUT - I bought it on sale on Amazon. Gradually the price has crepted up to almost double what I paid. At the current price point, I might try the Canon 340, the Casio ZR700, or the Panasonic ZS25 or ZS20. I think this camera is now on premium pricing. I would not pay more than $200 or, preferably $175 for it - especially with its continuing battery issues. You can do better.
989748
I guess you could go with any of the mentioned but the olympus in my opinion gives you more bang for your buck. Olympus also has the BEST self cleaning system which is important. The lens line up from olympus is also better price wise and they give you great lenses. The e 510 is also easy to use in my experience. The battery life is also one of the best. Try them out and see which fits best in your hands. Comfort is important.
2116658
I think there are much better cameras for the money, unless waterproof is really important to you. And at this point, if I had it to do over, I'd buy the new inexpensive go-pro model instead. I find the photos to be meh at best. And the video performance is only okay. The underwater is good, but only so useful.