Ideal Camera?

[Ted]

What would be the ideal camera for the traveling angler? Who also likes to take a variety of nature and civilization photos? And the occasional "party" and social occasion pix?

I am usually split between 3 digital cameras. My normal, go-to camera is an Olympus C5050 (5 MP). Although 5 or so years old, it is a great full function camera with external hot-shoe, abilty to add on lenses and filters, IR remote control, tilting LCD screen, multiple types of memory media capabilty, video mode, etc. Bad things: long start up time and shutter lag, pretty large and heavy, not water-proof, flash disagrees with my signifcant other and makes eyes react uncontrollably to do a Calvin and Hobbes ( http://farm1.static.flickr.com/61/184344511_4ed6e7e68c.jpg?v=0) thing sometimes.

I use her Canon 5 MB for quick travel shots and...duh...portraits and candids. Great camera too but not waterproof.

I also use a Pentax point-and-shoot camera when fshing or in other situations where damage or loss is an issue. It is pretty low res (2.x or 3.x MP) and does poorly in low light situations. Positives: small size, light weight and near zero sentimentality against loss or damage. Despite not being waterproof, it has stood up to waves in FL, wet hands while fishing, and minor drops but keeps on trucking. Images take some digital darkroom work to become passible.

So..what would be a good camera that takes in the best of all worlds? Water-proof, high resolution, maximum capabilities and features (maybe manual modes, ability to add external lenses and filters, external hot shoe, IR remote) fast and fairly small. Does such a thing even exist???? Dream situation.

Most realistic situation: We are also thinking of just getting a waterproof camera for travels and fishing. What is a good model that doesn't break the bank with good range of features (understanding it will most likely be a point-n-shoot body style)?

Thanks in advance.

TH

[Trout8myfly]

Ted, if you eliminate the hot shoe and interchangeable lens features, you might want to look at something like this:


http://img.nextag.com/image/Pentax-OPTIO-W-20/0/000/005/125/572/512557292.jpg (http://www.nextag.com/norob/PtitleSeller.jsp?nxtg=8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95&chnl=main&tag=519752828&ctx=rV7D%2Fof27PqtUlIad9lW2j%2BUzG6XZxQD3t%2B5zPCM ct7FZFFPpPzPItVQcL%2BOi1KTwJ8XzFdaFCEd%0Aj9QYBNyqh Z7q1%2BixjceUESptuL5W3rBbDuptLCwKHw%3D%3D&ptitle=512542498)
Pentax OPTIO W-20 7.0 MP DIGITAL CAMERA (http://www.nextag.com/norob/PtitleSeller.jsp?nxtg=8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95&chnl=main&tag=519752828&ctx=rV7D%2Fof27PqtUlIad9lW2j%2BUzG6XZxQD3t%2B5zPCM ct7FZFFPpPzPItVQcL%2BOi1KTwJ8XzFdaFCEd%0Aj9QYBNyqh Z7q1%2BixjceU5HWfcQzNT3lk1SpniklkkA%3D%3D&ptitle=512542498) Compact, SLR - 7MP - 3x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - 2.5in.
http://img.nextag.com/imagefiles/stars/stars4_10px.gif (38 user ratings) [rate this item (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:showRatingsPopup%28%27/norob/redir.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmerchants.nextag.com%2F serv%2Fmain%2Fbuyer%2FReviewRatingsPopup.jsp%3Fnxt g%3D8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95%26product%3D512557292%27%29;)]
+ Add to Shopping List (http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buyer/MyPDir.jsp?list=_transCookieList&cmd=add&ptitle=512542498) | See More Like This (http://www.nextag.com/Digital-Cameras--zz500001z2z512542498zB2dgz5---html?nxtg=8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95)
TriState Camera (http://www.nextag.com/norob/PtitleSeller.jsp?nxtg=8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95&chnl=main&tag=519752828&ctx=rV7D%2Fof27PqtUlIad9lW2j%2BUzG6XZxQD3t%2B5zPCM ct7FZFFPpPzPItVQcL%2BOi1KTwJ8XzFdaFCEd%0Aj9QYBNyqh Z7q1%2BixjceUchY3m0k3r3yQkyS2so8ZUA%3D%3D&ptitle=512542498)
$190 (http://www.nextag.com/norob/PtitleSeller.jsp?nxtg=8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95&chnl=main&tag=519752828&ctx=rV7D%2Fof27PqtUlIad9lW2j%2BUzG6XZxQD3t%2B5zPCM ct7FZFFPpPzPItVQcL%2BOi1KTwJ8XzFdaFCEd%0Aj9QYBNyqh Z7q1%2BixjceUADVL1NKMDH0RbNSIV9VvyA%3D%3D&ptitle=512542498)
Go to Store (http://www.nextag.com/norob/PtitleSeller.jsp?nxtg=8b410a1c051c-38B06C20DB469C95&chnl=main&tag=519752828&ctx=rV7D%2Fof27PqtUlIad9lW2j%2BUzG6XZxQD3t%2B5zPCM ct7FZFFPpPzPItVQcL%2BOi1KTwJ8XzFdaFCEd%0Aj9QYBNyqh Z7q1%2BixjceUcmNgvFFOBqmrKepOyzM%2Bvw%3D%3D&ptitle=512542498)

Just google for "waterproof camera" and stand back.

[TroutTackler]

I shoot with a Nikon D80, but if I were looking for what you are looking for, I'd check out the Nikon CoolPix line of cameras. They have everything up to 10MP cameras with waterproof housings for a few hundred $$.

[fishmonger]

In all seriousness, whatever one you will always carry with you. The best pic opportunities are often a total surprise, and you have to have a camera on hand at the time to get 'em.

FM

[GaMtnSteeler]

I have a Fuji FinePix S700. Paid around $200 for it. It is fairly light, fits easily in my vest, has a 10x zoom (38-380mm), accepts filters and is very user-friendly. The 7.1 megapix camera accepts both SD and xD cards.For me the camera is perfect. Pretty clear and sharp photos. Anything else I'd need would neccessitate me buying a digital SLR.

[Labrador]

hey,
You already have a canon. Canon Makes underwater/waterproof housing for their whole powershot line. You can check them out on their website, but you can buy them much cheaper online.

[Ted]

hey,
You already have a canon. Canon Makes underwater/waterproof housing for their whole powershot line. You can check them out on their website, but you can buy them much cheaper online.

Well SHE has a Canon :) Getting it out of the protective case and purse so I can take it fishing and risk damage or loss, well that is something else entirely. If I bring her the camera comes too so that will work for most of the best trips (and I get a photographer/groupie too). That case might be a good alternative.

I agree about having something on hand, whatever it is. I don't always carry my Olympus because of size. If I do take it into the elements or on the water it is in Pelican box that isn't too small. For other travel (like the C train uptown) I just throw in briefcase or backapack anymore.

I may be leaning toward the Pentax or I'll look at the Fuji too. I am selfishly looking at something that I can use and lose while fishing or mountain biking (or other generally stupid things I tend to do by myself).

Thanks for responses.

TH

[Labrador]

that's the beauty of the cannon cases. You pretty much bomb proof them in the case. No dirt, rain, water, underwater, humidity, sand can bother them. Plus you can use all of the buttons and setting while it's in the case. they are really quite amazing how they figured it all out.

A selling point for the wife is that you can even take it to the beach, pool, whatever and you are worry free.

[justin30513]

Kodak Easy Share here. Rechargeable. Awesome quality.

Here's a few pics of my detailing work to show off the camera......

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/justin30513/2005%20Lexus%20LS430/100_0330.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/justin30513/1969%20Camaro/details064.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/justin30513/1969%20Camaro/details063.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/justin30513/2003%20Viper%20RT10/100_0807.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/justin30513/2003%20Viper%20RT10/100_0816.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/justin30513/2003%20Viper%20RT10/100_0810.jpg

[Ted]

Kodak Easy Share here. Rechargeable. Awesome quality.

Here's a few pics of my detailing work to show off the camera......



wow. how big is your garage?

TH