Waterproof Camera Reviews?

DWReeves47 · 06-01-11, 03:24 PM

Have been researching reviews of waterproof cameras online. Very confusing with highly different results/recs. Have narrowed the choice to Pentax Optio W90 or Olympus Stylus Tough 8010. Depending on the randomness (or unknown affliations to the manufacturers), some reviewers prefer one vs. another, with no consistent winner.

Would appreciate thoughts from anyone who has used either of these. Thanks.

Revive · 06-01-11, 03:40 PM

I have the pentax optio and i like it a lot. The underwater image quality is pretty good for a basic p&s. The menu functionality is underwhelming, and im not astounded by the clarity/quality of "out of water" images but overall i think it is pretty solid. This thread addresses the issu in depth as well.

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/foru...ad.php?t=80630

SlowStreamer · 06-01-11, 05:48 PM

Here is another recent thread on Water proof cameras.

The last post in this thread I Link to a recent review that was done on some of the most popular cameras.

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/foru...ad.php?t=83265

I have an old Olympus 850SW and with some tweaking the photos come out pretty good. Some members have the Fuji line of waterproof cameras and pictures I have seen them post unedited look real good and they are very reasonably priced.

Chupacabra · 06-01-11, 10:15 PM

I havent used either, but my 2 year old Olympus 850SW just croaked after very minor underwater use. Not sure about Pentax, but what Olympus doesnt tell you is you have to send it in every year to have the seals replaced at your expense. They told me they no longer service my camera but could offer me a newer model at 20% off....I thought that was pretty crappy. Im in the market for a new camera and I think im going with the Pentax this time.

wtbfishin · 06-01-11, 10:46 PM

Pentax has an up grade on that model a WG-1 14 MP and water proof to a little deeper depth

Prowler · 06-03-11, 12:32 AM

I have the Olympus tough and I had the Olympus 850 before getting the tough. I swear by them! I put the olympus 850 through pure torture and it never once faltered. I sold it to another NGTO member and he is still using it today. I got the Olympus tough as an upgrade and have been extremely happy with it as well. I even accidentally left it against the metal bracket where my wife's explorer hatchback closes and didn't realize it. I slammed the door about 10 times wondering why it wouldn't shut. Finally I looked down and saw my poor camera had been sitting there and taking all that abuse. All it did was put a small dent in the body and the camera is perfectly fine. That really impressed me because I was slamming that hatchback into it as hard as I could which would have destroyed most cameras. I am a die hard olympus fan for a tough waterproof camera. Just my .02

.TAT. · 06-03-11, 12:20 PM

I've had an olympus SW series since 2008. No issues ever, couldn't complain. Got one for my dad too.

Bob M · 06-10-11, 08:53 AM

Two things:
First, thanks for the reviews. I've been pondering this decision too.
Second, I just had to move this thread up. The main board index has been displaying a juxtaposition of the threads "1911 fans" and "best way to shoot your catch"

06-01-11, 03:24 PM	#1
DWReeves47 Native Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 37	Waterproof Camera Reviews? Have been researching reviews of waterproof cameras online. Very confusing with highly different results/recs. Have narrowed the choice to Pentax Optio W90 or Olympus Stylus Tough 8010. Depending on the randomness (or unknown affliations to the manufacturers), some reviewers prefer one vs. another, with no consistent winner. Would appreciate thoughts from anyone who has used either of these. Thanks.

06-01-11, 03:40 PM	#2
Revive Native Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Too far from coldwater Posts: 501	I have the pentax optio and i like it a lot. The underwater image quality is pretty good for a basic p&s. The menu functionality is underwhelming, and im not astounded by the clarity/quality of "out of water" images but overall i think it is pretty solid. This thread addresses the issu in depth as well. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/foru...ad.php?t=80630 __________________ "All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again." Ecclesiastes 1:7 www.ReviveFlyFishing.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Revive...11885272302556

06-01-11, 05:48 PM	#3
SlowStreamer Chief Information Officer, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alpharetta, Ga Posts: 6,182	Here is another recent thread on Water proof cameras. The last post in this thread I Link to a recent review that was done on some of the most popular cameras. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/foru...ad.php?t=83265 I have an old Olympus 850SW and with some tweaking the photos come out pretty good. Some members have the Fuji line of waterproof cameras and pictures I have seen them post unedited look real good and they are very reasonably priced. __________________ Nothing is impossible the impossible just takes a little longer. So take your time and enjoy the experience.

06-01-11, 10:15 PM	#4
Chupacabra Native Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 98	$350 paperweight... I havent used either, but my 2 year old Olympus 850SW just croaked after very minor underwater use. Not sure about Pentax, but what Olympus doesnt tell you is you have to send it in every year to have the seals replaced at your expense. They told me they no longer service my camera but could offer me a newer model at 20% off....I thought that was pretty crappy. Im in the market for a new camera and I think im going with the Pentax this time.

06-03-11, 12:32 AM	#6
Prowler Native, aka Tooga Prowler Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Statham, GA Posts: 3,126	I have the Olympus tough and I had the Olympus 850 before getting the tough. I swear by them! I put the olympus 850 through pure torture and it never once faltered. I sold it to another NGTO member and he is still using it today. I got the Olympus tough as an upgrade and have been extremely happy with it as well. I even accidentally left it against the metal bracket where my wife's explorer hatchback closes and didn't realize it. I slammed the door about 10 times wondering why it wouldn't shut. Finally I looked down and saw my poor camera had been sitting there and taking all that abuse. All it did was put a small dent in the body and the camera is perfectly fine. That really impressed me because I was slamming that hatchback into it as hard as I could which would have destroyed most cameras. I am a die hard olympus fan for a tough waterproof camera. Just my .02 __________________ I know where they live, I know what they eat. Now it's time to fool them with thread, feathers and roadkill.

06-01-11, 10:46 PM	#5
wtbfishin Native Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Santa Rosa Beach, Fl Posts: 888	Pentax has an up grade on that model a WG-1 14 MP and water proof to a little deeper depth

06-03-11, 12:20 PM	#7
.TAT. Native Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Marietta Posts: 118	I've had an olympus SW series since 2008. No issues ever, couldn't complain. Got one for my dad too. __________________ "Do not burn yourself out. Be as I am-a reluctant enthusiast... a part time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure." Ed "Cause we're all in this together, And we love to take a bath." Mr. Anastasio

06-10-11, 08:53 AM	#8
Bob M Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 1,372	Two things: First, thanks for the reviews. I've been pondering this decision too. Second, I just had to move this thread up. The main board index has been displaying a juxtaposition of the threads "1911 fans" and "best way to shoot your catch"

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