Narrowing the Waterproof Digital Camera Options

[davidbob]

Okay. So I've got a bunch of points built up on a credit card, enough to get one of the following cameras:



Thoughts on choice of cameras?

On a completely unrelated subject:

I have a drysuit at O.O.O. in H.S. that would like to hitch a ride to L.R. Anybody making that trip any time soon?

[muskrat]

i'm very disappointed in the pictures from my olympus tough, camera must be completely still to not be blurry.

[Roger]

DB, need to look at two things. Mode of operations available which can include a variety of options. Video, sports, food, night life, etc.

The next thing is the ease of turning off the flash which can be directly related to the mode the camera is in.

That said, I have an Olympus 1050 SW that has been bomb-proof. Olympus is good and can't say anything about the Panasonic line since I always associated the brand with TV's and sound systems. The Obrand has been around since the days of 35mm or maybe longer.

But since it's "free," what's to lose? Takes your chances!

[Marlo Krueger]

Jim has a Tough that has provided good stills and as good a video as a still camera can do. A friend also has a Tough and has had some problems, but they may be caused by pushing a wrong button.

[turboturtle]

I ran with the Pentax Optio W-30 three and a half years ago, and it has outlasted any and all water resistant camera's of my past. Another reason for my going with that brand is the parent company of Pentax is Toyota. Although this model has been upgraded a time or two since then, I might return to Pentax in the future, or consider the Panasonic you have listed as they're a subsidiary of Toyota as well. I have heard good things about the Olympus but I drowned my first one the second time out on the water.
Oh what a waste of money and heartache.
My $0.02

aka Bob

[steve b]

I have the olympus. It takes a bit to figure out the settings, but really like it other than that. I have not tried the other cameras you mentioned except at the store.

[Chester]

My Pentax W-30 still going strong, great video. But now, new model out with plenty more features.

[weirdwillie]

I have a Pentax Optio 80. Great camera and does high def (720p) video. I have taken it on many kayak trips and it fits right into my lifejacket pocket (i.e., it is small). Outdoor pics are superb and the battery has good life. Indoor pics can be a bit grainy with low light. Also, the "no-shake" feature of the video does a terrible job and I just capture raw video. I got mine for $80 last year- I think it was because of the white body with pink highlights! I like to think it gives me "character" on the water

[Rohlman]

I know this isn't going to help you narrow your choice really, but wanted to reply anyway. We were looking between your second listed choice and the Fuji waterproof camera. My husband bought the Fuji and got it fairly cheap at Wal-Mart and we have loved it. It's been the best little camera and has some little perks here and there on it as well. Takes great pictures. Been very happy with our choice, but the other one looked good as well.

[ducktrooper]

Pentax Optio W-60....great cameras...any of the Optio series. Easy to work and bulletproof. Underwater shots are really crisp.

[iYak]

i'm very disappointed in the pictures from my olympus tough, camera must be completely still to not be blurry.

I bought an Olympus Tough after I lost my Olympus 1030 SW. I agree, every picture was blurry (This was when the Toughs first came out a couple of years ago.)

I took it back and found another Olympus 1030 SW online for a great price, and I still love the camera. Hopefully the newer Toughs don't have the same blur problem.

[davidbob]

Hopefully the newer Toughs don't have the same blur problem.

I'm about to find out, Rob. Olympus should be here tomorrow and get its first field test in Idaho in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for all the input. I'll report back in late June.

[iYak]

Don't make the same mistake I did and take 100 pictures that all look fine in the view finder, only to find out they are all blurry when downloaded to the computer.

Have fun in Idaho!