Camera for Christmas...

[drewjasp]

I want to get a new camera for Christmas but I don't have any idea where to start. After falling in love with fly fishing a few years back now I've come to love snapping photos when I'm outdoors. My instincts would tell me to get a waterproof camera because I ruined my last Cybershot after going under while wading on the hootch. But it seems that you can't get all the options on waterproof cameras for a reasonable price. I'm also interested in being able to shoot, "water in motion" shots. From what I understand you need a camera that will allow you to slow the the shutter and aperture? I am looking to spend less than $350, any suggestions for a camera would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Drew

[Naturally_Fly]

ive got one of these headed my way... http://www.adorama.com/IOMS1050SWBK.html?searchinfo=olympus not bad for the price of the kit and camera...but for $350 you should be able to step up to one of the new stylus models...

[esb's daddy]

look at the Olympus Stylus SW options. run between $200-350.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_sw.asp

[kevin m]

For the water in motion shot you can turn off the flash on most point and shots and get a passable result. If you're serious about that type of shot you'll need a DSLR. you csn pick up a good camera like a Nikon D40 on craigs list for around 300. In auto mode it is a point and shoot that takes outstanding photos and you can get very creative with one too.

Down side to a DSLR for fishing is size, wieght and not waterproof. You can get a waterproof bag for it, or for about 50 bucks you can get a dive bag thats basicly a fancy ziplock bag made to fit the camera with a port for the lens to look thru. They get hard to use a t depth but work welll in the rain.

I have 2 DSLRs and a few film cameras but for the stream I use a waterproof Olympus. It's small and light and takes pretty good pictures.

[Gatorbyte]

Shameless plug here but come on down to the Fling on Saturday and sit in on the Photography seminar by Neal Osborn. He's going to focus on using point and shoots specifically the waterproof ones. Afterward it's BBQ time.

Now, to answer your question, either the Olympus or Pentax are great choices. probably just your preference for comfort as the cameras have very different shapes/sizes. I've had both and there are pros and cons for each.

[SlowStreamer]

Now, to answer your question, either the Olympus or Pentax are great choices. probably just your preference for comfort as the cameras have very different shapes/sizes. I've had both and there are pros and cons for each.


Yeah what GB said.

The Pentax optio W60 & W80 have awesome picture quality and the W80 even has HD quality video (wide 1280x720 pixels). The Olympus cameras are still struggling with Picture quality but for a waterproof camera that you plan on using for fishing it do the job.

The decission factor for me was ease of use on the water from the feel of it in your hand to how easily you can change options. Since you will be doing a lot of this with one hand it's important.

[Brandon]

I would also like to throw in the fujifilm z33. The biggest con is that it is not shockproof. And for some reason it will not stay on continuous shot after it is turned off and back on. But takes a real clear picture and scene recognition is the best I've had on any camera

[ccorneli]

Does the pentax optio W80 have the sequential shot feature?

[Bow_Slayer]

Canon D10 is awesome and the pictures are fantastic. This camera is waterproof and shockproof much like the Olypus, I love it!!:cheers:

[Fused]

This may be a little late based on the date of the postings, but maybe in time for Christmas. Check out this link, it has all of the cameras listed above.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/