EmuMessenger

Hello,

I did not see any recent threads on waterproof digital cameras so I am starting another.

Anyway, I am thinking about getting a waterproof digital and was wondering what people recommend these days.

Seems like Olympus has a few options according to eBay. I do not need a great camera, just something to shoot video and some stills while out on my SeaDoo.

Thanks.

jupitersolo

Olympus, I think is the only one to buy for use right out of the box. Saw it in the add this w/e for $299. Amazon has them much cheaper.

moeronn

The Olympus camera should be fine for pool, beach and maybe SeaDoo type stuff. Just make sure you don't drop it in the lake. I think they're only rated to 10'.

I bought a fairly cheap Canon (A570) and a waterproof case, but I'll be taking it to ~100' depth. The camera was used, but the case was new. Got them as a package off of ebay for ~220 - it was a steal.

Mizouse

on Olympus.

EmuMessenger

Thanks everyone. Just something cheapish $200 region for fun on the lake.

I have two Canons for the rest of life. Oldies but goodies. S3 IS and the SD700 IS.

ChodTheWacko

Pentax has a couple of waterproof models.
I've considered getting one for a while. Not just for swimming, but for harsh weather conditions like say, sand, rain, etc.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

my cousin had a pentax water proof p&s. It worked really well, until it got destroyed in a car accident.

Mizouse

Ive considered getting one to use by/in the pool

LKLD

I have an older Oly 720sw that's good to 33'. I've taken in the pool, to the beach, to water theme parks, etc.. and works great. Not a lot of goodies and weak flash, but a very sturdy camera. It does exactly what I wanted it for...catching fun photos.

stogie1020

I am sure you already know this, but check the seals the night before you dive, seal the camera inside in your hotel room, and DON'T open the case until after your dive day... even a single hair on the seals and your camera is soup...

I have seen people opening and resealing cases on the dive boat, and the result is always bad... Always.

moeronn

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to try to avoid opening it on the boat, but might not be able to avoid opening it out doors just because I will likely need to change batteries between dives. I'll be sure to check the seals carefully and use silicone grease. Also, I need to round up some silica desicant packs to throw in the case.

EmuMessenger

I have settled on the Olympus Stylus 1030SW. Probably too many megapixels, but looks good.

Thanks everyone.

bug230

I use the Olympus FE-280 (8MP) with the PT-038 under water housing for diving.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...acccategory=45

I'm quite happy with it. Here is a recent drift dive in Cosumel at a depth of 18m (60ft)
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EIzh8vOdav8&hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EIzh8vOdav8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

moeronn

^^ Video quality is fairly decent. Just curious if there is any way to adjust the white balance? That was one of the main reasons I went with the Canon.

Mizouse

fyi, that underwater housing is discontinued.

black label

I got the same thing about 2 months ago and love it.

I ended up ordering it online at Circuit City and picked it up in the store. They had it listed in the store for $449.99, it was $334 if you order it on line.

bug230

I don't believe that you can set a numerical value to the white balance (ex. 3500k) as many SLR cameras. But the Olympus camera has many settings for all different types of light situations. That was the first dive with the camera and I actually shot everything on the incorrect setting. Then on my second dive, the battery went dead.

I'm headed to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for a 8 days in August and I hope to get 8-10 dives in...we will see if I can get up to speed on this camera and get some good shots/vids.

Here are a few snap shots as well, no processing was done except a resize:
It's a little blurry because we are drifting so fast and it was hard to keep the camera steady.




Arizona lake dive




Wrong temp. that day the water temp was about 64F

moeronn

Enjoy the diving and definitely post pics.

I'm headed to St Maarten in August and hope to get about 6-8 dives. Hopefully including some off of Saba, too.

stogie1020

<----- Jealous.

bug230

Will do, by the way what cannon do you use for your dives? I wouldn't mind buying a underwater case for my Sony a100. But I don't feel like springing $1,300. Also I think I would feel quite nervous sticking my SLR in 80ft of water.

Edit: Never mind is see you posted the Canon (A570)

moeronn

I thought about getting more/better equipment, but realized I still have a lot to learn about diving before spending and focusing on photography. The UW housing for the 30D and strobes will have to wait. It's going to be tough enough figuring out all the controls on the Canon with the all the extra features chkdsk unlocks. But just being able to shoot in RAW is a huge plus.

stogie1020

Housings and lights are wicked pricey, and try finding a good underwater tripod. Pu-lease!

moeronn

Yeah. Another reason I'm not getting them now.

And who needs a tripod when you can just set the camera down on the nearest piece of coral?

stogie1020

moeronn

Well, it's either that or as the nearest nurse shark to snap a shot of you, and we know how rude they are.

Actually, I'm hoping the IS will help some, as my bouyancy control isn't the best.

stogie1020

It's all in the breathing.... Deep breathing, shallow breathing, just keep breathing!

Post your pics when you get back, I love underwater pics!