Waterproof Camera - which one is the best There are many new waterproof cameras coming to market. My research indicates the Cannon D10 has a known defect - it takes on water and has fuzzy pix, W80 also has problems with grainy pix and Luminx users complain that the lens is not protected. Are there any good waterproof cameras out there? I just want something that can be taken to the beach and to use take for snorkling, sailing, etc. Any and all advise is appreciated. Waterproof Camera - which one is the best There are many new waterproof cameras coming to market. My research indicates the Cannon D10 has a known defect - it takes on water and has fuzzy pix, W80... » Read More Waterproof Camera - which one is the best There are many new waterproof cameras coming to market. My research indicates the Cannon D10 has a known defect - it takes on water and has fuzzy pix, W80 also has problems with grainy pix and Luminx users complain that the lens is not protected. Are there any good waterproof cameras out there? I just want something that can be taken to the beach and to use take for snorkling, sailing, etc. Any and all advise is appreciated. « Show Less
54421
I have the older version of the Pentax waterproof camera, the Optio WR43. It has worked great for me. I was thinking of upgrading to the new Optio 90. It supposedly does HD. I used my older optio WR43 for taking kayaking. I have special helmet that I strap it onto so I can film going off of waterfalls and stuff, 20 to 25 footers. I also used it Paragliding one time. Here is my Kayaking video using the Optio 43WR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udX2ERY7R0s-Scott
54422
I've had the W20 for 5 years now and it's been around the world in all kinds of conditions and still takes great images. I decided to get the W90 because of it's ability to take HD video and it's LED lighting for Macro shots. These cameras need good lighting and don't do well in dim taverns, but I don't care as I bought it for rugged outdoor use.
1302818
This camera would surely be damaged by submerging in water. Look for something water PROOF if you're going to be using it on the water. A waterproof bag will be fine if you're just transporting it on the water.
1067605
The camera is water proof. I have used one for my work in harsh environments for some time now, and it is an excellent camera. Due to this, I bought one for my son.
1976046
Hi Fred, I have this camera and it is rated to only 49 feet, which is fine for the shallow-depth snorkeling that I do on occasion, but obviously doesn't cover the depths you're looking at. Your best alternative might be combining the new Nikon 1 J4 with the Nikon WP-N3 Waterproof Housing. The underwater housing is rated all the way to 147 feet, which definitely covers the depths you need. The underwater sealing looks to be definitely more substantial than the AW1. Of course, it's going to cost significantly more, as the camera with kit lens runs about $599 and the underwater housing is about $749, so together you're looking at about $1,350. Still, that's a lot cheaper than rigging a full-size D-SLR with an underwater housing. And I will tell you, the shots I've taken with the AW1 (the J4 has even better specs) are excellent! Very sharp, well exposed and the colors are really vibrant but not over-saturated. You can easily find both the J4 and WP-N3 Waterproof Housing on Amazon or other major camera retailers. Good luck.
1425795
I believe that the camera can be used under water, BUT it has to be in a waterproof case. I am not sure how this "feature" makes it different from any other camera, but that is my understanding
665018
O wish I could answer for you. We used the camera while at the beach and the camera was never underwater for that length of time. It never leaked, though.
2083102
I bought the camera before having my vacation in Miami. It is good for water activities. however u need to read the manual.Make sure water not get in
514197
I wouldn't recommend that. I went less than ten feet in water and it ruined the camera. Fortunately I was just within warranty and it was repaired for a small fee but I haven't tried it in water since.
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
1188435
Well I was thinking the same thing while looking at GoPro cameras. My thought on this was I already have the camera, housing makes it waterproof for my needs, and I can still use the camera out of the housing for day to day pictures. So I decided on the housing and not going with GoPro just yet. From a financial standpoint there was no reason to get a new setup when the camera I had works great already. I am planning on using this on my next underwater trip and will know that I am still getting a great picture for my money.
1745640
I am fairly certain that this lens is not 'waterproof'. See this link:http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/pen-omd/m-zuiko-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-ii.htmlOLY will state in the specs for any lens whether it is or is not a sealed lens. Just a bit more info, this camera is not "waterproof" per se. It is sealed against extreme weather and I can attest to that from experience. By the way, this is a great camera.
132643
I am also comparing these 2 Cameras. I want to use for Snorkeling and Beach pictures on our upcoming cruise. My preference is for Quality Underwater Photos over how stylish the actual camera is. Also, I am looking for the one with the Best Zoom Capabilities.......Anyone out there own one of these cameras ???
711900
The Panasonic is not waterproof and you should not take it snorkeling. Mine lasted less than 10 minutes (leaked) snorkeling in shallow water at the start of my visit to Galapagos and I was very careful to make sure it was clean, closed and locked. Others have had similar problems with this camera. I have had other underwater cameras (Nikon film camera) that lasted for years. I think the TS3 has a poor gasket design on their door, it didn't seem to be very tight and of course they will not fix or replace the camera with water damage, your fault! Don't know about Nikon but the Canon D20 seems to be getting good reviews. The Panasonic is not waterproof and you should not take it snorkeling. Mine lasted less than 10 minutes (leaked) snorkeling in shallow water at the start of my visit to Galapagos and I was very careful to make sure it was clean, closed and locked. Others have had similar problems with this camera. I have had other underwater cameras (Nikon film camera) that lasted for years. I think the TS3 has a poor gasket design on their door, it didn't seem to be very tight and of course they will not fix or replace the camera with water damage, your fault! Don't know about Nikon but the Canon D20 seems... » Read More The Panasonic is not waterproof and you should not take it snorkeling. Mine lasted less than 10 minutes (leaked) snorkeling in shallow water at the start of my visit to Galapagos and I was very careful to make sure it was clean, closed and locked. Others have had similar problems with this camera. I have had other underwater cameras (Nikon film camera) that lasted for years. I think the TS3 has a poor gasket design on their door, it didn't seem to be very tight and of course they will not fix or replace the camera with water damage, your fault! Don't know about Nikon but the Canon D20 seems to be getting good reviews. « Show Less
1976730
The camera comes with a waterproof housing, but the curved housing that it comes with is not good for underwater video. If you want to shoot underwater footage, buy this door combo and use the flat lens.
2002939
I don't know, but I wouldn't buy the camera in the first place. It claims to be waterproof, but within the first 30 seconds in the water there was water inside the screen and lens and the camera was dead.
1842470
DO NOT BUY - It simply takes the worst photos I have ever seen. Forget whether it is waterproof or can voice record, it is simply a terrible camera. As for whether you can voice record with still pictures, I don't know - but the photo will be blurry and poorly colored. Again, it has been a long time since I have completely dismissed a product, but this is camera is horrible. We had much better luck with an Olympus - great photos and superior durability. But, like anything subjected to salt water (we are sailors) it will eventually corrode. As for the Fuji - I would strongly recommend you look at something else. DO NOT BUY - It simply takes the worst photos I have ever seen. Forget whether it is waterproof or can voice record, it is simply a terrible camera. As for whether you can voice record with still pictures, I don't know - but the photo will be blurry and poorly colored. Again, it has been a long time since I have completely dismissed a product, but this is camera is horrible. We had much better luck with an Olympus - great photos and superior durability. But, like anything subjected to salt water (we are sailors) it will eventually corrode. As for the Fuji - I would strongly recommend you... » Read More DO NOT BUY - It simply takes the worst photos I have ever seen. Forget whether it is waterproof or can voice record, it is simply a terrible camera. As for whether you can voice record with still pictures, I don't know - but the photo will be blurry and poorly colored. Again, it has been a long time since I have completely dismissed a product, but this is camera is horrible. We had much better luck with an Olympus - great photos and superior durability. But, like anything subjected to salt water (we are sailors) it will eventually corrode. As for the Fuji - I would strongly recommend you look at something else. « Show Less
941375
it was new and i made a waterproof case for it because i heard that it wasn't waterproof in the ocean and so i didn't want to take any chances. It was an ok camera, low definition but i lost it in the ocean while surfing so it didn't turn out well. I ended up just getting a go pro. there are many other cameras out there, wait a little longer and buy the best product and make sure you don't drop it in the ocean. haha.