Tintin

Hello folks,

Since I need a digital camera, I was thinking why not get it waterproof. I am not a professional or even a photog enthusiast, so i am not really picky on the specs. I am however, known for dropping a camera or 2 in the water, hence why I am looking for a waterproof camera. After some time googling i came up with the Pentax W30 or the Olympus 77sw, both are new generation cameras (coming from Pentax W10/W20 and Olympus 720SW).
I am wondering if anyone here has any experience with any of those cameras and can share some of their knowledge with me.

Thank you

Billiam

FWIW - A friend of mine has an old Olympus Stylus 400 that he's used multiple times in light rain. The camera has never batted an eyelash.

Street Spirit

I forget which waterproof model it was (Dan would know), but one of our friends tested it out by dropping it in a full glass of water, and it worked!

evilstorm

i have the olympus 720 sw and it is definitely shock and water proof...i have taken many underwater pictures and dropped it in the snow lots and havent had any problems with it!

Tintin

is it laggy (not sure if that's the proper term) but what i mean is; does it take forever to snap picture after picture.

Street Spirit

^ "cycle time"

Mizouse

my roommates camera is an olympus one that is water proof, its such a crummy camera i hate those types of camera that fire a preflash wait at least half a second and then take the real shot.

moeronn

That should be a setting you can change. Sounds like either a slow-sync or a red-eye reduction setting.

We have an Olympus Stylus 800 that is weather resistant. We'll take it out in a light rain, but don't think we'll ever dunk it - at least not on purpose. I plan on getting a good point and shoot with a water proof case that will go 150' or if they make a depth rated camera, I would consider it.

Mizouse

yea i would eventually get a case for my powershot

hell it would be even sweeter if there was one for the Rebel but dunno how that would work out, guess it'd have to be in program/automatic mode and fixed focal length

Tintin

you guys would prefer getting those bulky cases rather than a camera that just works in water?
I mean, of course if you dive, but if you don’t, and just want it for the pool/snorkeling/fishing trips/kayak, etc....a nice point and shoot camera with waterproof feature is the perfect choice.

im i alone on this?

moeronn

There are underwater cases for the XT, but you'll pay more for the housing than you did for the camera.

moeronn

No, for pool, general beach/boat use, that would be fine. I am talking specifically for diving. I'd rather spend ~$300 on another P&S camera and ~$200 on the underwater housing than spend ~$1300 on a case for my 30D and risk losing that in the water.

Mizouse

holy crap those are expensive

Osamu

yea, i've been looking at cases for my XT to go snorkeling or diving with, and I don't think i could afford a case, and even if i could, i'm not sure i'd trust it to not break my camera.

Even a case for my P&S would be like over $150, so maybe i'll pick up a new waterproof camera too.

evilstorm

it is a tad laggy but does great for me for my musky and ice fishing trips...took me a while to get used to the settings but it takes great pics now

Tintin

The store just received the W30, i think i am going to go check it out. what turned me off by the 770sw is the 15fps video. I like to record video in a camera, especially if it's going to be under water, therefore i am consdering the w30

Tintin

just got the W30!!!!!
charging the battery, i cannot wait to try it out!!

Tintin

Tried it out and then put it in the box and returned it.
Horrible, horrible picture quality. Battery after full charge did not last the couple of hours i had it, and all i did was use it for 30mins of testing. video was ok, but sound was very very croppy.

i was really upset as i was looking forward for this camera, but it just reminded me of a camera phone.

4/10