Waterproof Cameras??

[DecaturTrout]

Looking to purchase a camera that is waterproof(so i dont drop and so i can get some underwater fish pics) and one that we could use as our family camera.

Our Canon ELF got sand in it from my daughter dumping sand in my pocket at the sand box...:bang: so now its dead.

I would like a small one about that size that takes good pics ...

Any help is appreciated!

[SlowStreamer]

There are 3 manufacturers that I know of that make some very reasonably priced waterproof cameras that many of us on the board use.

Pentax - W60 & W80 - There are many better reviews on the older W60 then the W80, but both great cameras with a lot of high end features.

Olympus Tough Series - They keep coming out with new models. I believe they have a new one out that now does 720p HD video. Very tough camera and do a fine job with pictures and underwater shots in outdoor light. Reviews and personal experience will show that low light pictures leave much to be desired. However, I use this only when I'm out around water and the old 850 SW I use has taken a lot of acceptable pictures. IMO.

Fuji FinePix XP10 12MP camera that Wet Fly recent purchased for around $140 at Sam's or Costco and he has been posting some great above and under water shots.

Also here are a couple previous posts on this topic that you can read through for additional information:

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79418&highlight=waterproof+camera

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77088&highlight=waterproof+camera

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75923&highlight=waterproof+camera

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74184&highlight=waterproof+camera

[Bfish]

Cannon has waterproof model too. Not sure of model name.

[fishace]

The olypmpus seems like the way to go with you mentioning your daughter. They had a daycare center test them out, they were tossed, crushed, stomped, ran over by tricicles, and thrown into water and still worked!

[narcodog]

I have a Pentax Optio W20 which has been through hell and back without a single problem. The battery's last a long time and picture quality is good.

[DecaturTrout]

Thanks for all this awesome input! I really appreciate

I saw the picks with the new camera that were taken on the Fuji by Wet Fly those were crisp and clean pics, very nice.

Waterproof and 4 year old proof!

[Naturally_Fly]

I have the Olympus 1050sw and love it...takes great photos above and underwater as well as great photos of flies...

[STIXMAGILL]

I have a Pentax Optio W20 which has been through hell and back without a single problem. The battery's last a long time and picture quality is good.

I have a Pentax Optio as well and agree with Narcodog. Shoots tons of video on one charge.

[Riverpirate]

I have the Olympus 1050sw and love it...takes great photos above and underwater as well as great photos of flies...
Me too. Here are a few taken this past weekend with mine.


http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o243/Riverpirate01/fishing/P7040073.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o243/Riverpirate01/fishing/P7040071.jpg

[TroutTackler]

Don't get the Pentax Optio W80 - go with either the W60 (I have it and it is excellent) or the new W90 that replaced the W80.

Regardless of what you get, if you shoot underwater shots in anything but bright direct sunlight, you'll probably be disappointed in the results. These cameras just don't have the low-light capabilities as DSLRs... yet.

[GeoMike]

I got an Olympus X560 WP. Not super, but pretty good since I got it for under $100. new. (eBay)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h143/geomike/Fish/ReleasingBrown.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h143/geomike/Fish/ActionShot.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h143/geomike/Fish/UnderwaterBrown1.jpg