$300 to $600 underwater compact camera?

[tks]

Guys, I want to buy a simple underwater compact camera for my daughter who swims and loves the water. Also can use on land.

Not looking for expensive underwater camera for diving etc. Not looking for casing for normal camera. That's too cumbersome.

Any recommendations? So far, all our cameras are Canon. But I read that Olympus has a nice range of such cameras?

 

[DrSpock]

IT show is coming up on 11th Mar, go have a look at all the choices. Personally I'm using the Oly Mju850 SW which is waterproof up to 3m. It's very handy when taking photos in the swimming pool or any water Themepark or that rainy day but never tried on a beach yet. IQ not too much to shout about but it gets the job done in the water for memories sake.

Here's a cute advert on waterproof cams - Warning for adult use only:lovegrin:

 

[tks]

Thanks. I just read this review at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/ which seems pretty informative. Will check out IT Show, but in recent IT shows, not many camera booths. Usually see Canon only.

 

[scubagolfer]

I think Olympus have a model that is waterproof till 10 metres. You should look into that one. 3 metres might be too shallow if go outdoor snorkelling in sea, just in case drop to to slightly deeper than that

 

[diver-hloc]

I think Olympus have a model that is waterproof till 10 metres. You should look into that one. 3 metres might be too shallow if go outdoor snorkelling in sea, just in case drop to to slightly deeper than that

Agree.... :thumbsup:

10metre is a safer bet and more flexible....

 

[JeffryZ]

I have used a Pentax Optio camera( a W10)- took it on a rafting trip -both swimming with it and getting occasionally blasted by water. I clipped it onto the vest and it fit just fine between the straps of the life jacket- secure yet very accessable. The depth recommendations are set by the manufacturer- some may be more conservative with their suggestions than others- they may be fine at deeper depths or may not be able to go much deeper so I would consider the depth to be not taken too literally. When you open the camera to either remove the memory card or take out the battery for recharging make sure you have it securely closed again before you take it in the water. Pentax just recently announced their newest model, the W90 http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10022411pentaxoptiow90.asp

 

[2evans]

Most companies are coming out with waterproof/rugged cameras. I believe Sony just introduced a waterproof/rugged line.

Would suggest TS go check them out and ensure the picture quality is acceptable to them. (Usually have to sacrifice a bit of IQ for the design).

 

[RezzShaz]

another option is buy a waterproof camera casing if u already have a compact....

 

[tks]

From the dpreview group test, it seems that Canon and Panasonic came up tops.

Took a look at the 10m Canon D10. Everything about it is good except its protruding lens which is a turn-off for me. Alas. If only they could make it slimmer. I am wondering if a slimmer D11 or D20 is coming out anytime soon.

The dpreview was on the Panasonic TS-1 but there is a 10m TS-2 that is now out. It looks promising but when I went to the shops today, it was not available. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1001/10012603panadmcft2.asp

Another camera that can be considered is the Pentax W90 now 6m. Not bad specs. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10022411pentaxoptiow90.asp

I cannot find any new Sony underwater compact. Which model is it?

Like I said, camera casing is definitely out of the equation. I have owned and used two of them for my Ixus and Powershots. Simply too cumbersome to put in and take out. They also do not work well out of the water. In the water, movie recording there is no sound. I need something that works both in and out of the water.

 

[2evans]

here's a news release for the Sony model, http://www.pma-show.com/0730/sony/digitalcamera/waterproof-camera/

 

[TsQ]

I am not too serious of a underwater photography person.. and i go snorkling like maybe once in 1-2 yrs only.. so i got one that is cheap, usable and almost as good as the Canon and Panasonic... I using the older Pentax W60

the photo quality is nothing like any good PnS ... ISO800 onwards is not usable... however if u read the last dpreview underwater test camera.. pentax came up almost as good as the canon and panasonic but its a lot cheaper (I got it for SGD330 from HK)

however... comes 2010 there are newer range from pentax, olympus ... chk it out .. so far i dont hear good PQ on the olympus .. so becareful on that..

if i willing to splash more $$ on these camera, i will consider panasonic .. their latest underwater cam looks good, does 720p video with AVCHD lite too !!! ...

 

[tigerfish]

Canon D10 is great~ Though looks a bit fat, but great camera. Seawater endurance, and 10M water-proof is perfect for snorkling~

 

[leowyien]

Yup, canon D10 rux. Nice toughness with additional personalised stuff. Comes with canon/s renowned image quality.

 

[leowyien]

IT show is coming up on 11th Mar, go have a look at all the choices. Personally I'm using the Oly Mju850 SW which is waterproof up to 3m. It's very handy when taking photos in the swimming pool or any water Themepark or that rainy day but never tried on a beach yet. IQ not too much to shout about but it gets the job done in the water for memories sake.

Here's a cute advert on waterproof cams - Warning for adult use only:lovegrin:

Haha! thats hilarious

 

[tks]

Any good deals on this at the IT Show now going on?

 

[DrSpock]

Any good deals on this at the IT Show now going on?

I guess the only way to find out is by going there? I'm goin on Fri to escape the initial rush and avoid the weekend jam...

 

[tks]

I went yesterday afternoon. Very crowded.

Sony - the new underwater TX5 not available

Canon - D10 was there. $549 with some freebies. No new model.

Panasonic - selling printers, phones etc but no cameras

I did not look out for Olympus or Pentax but I think there is a new FujiFilm XP10.

End up did not buy.

 

[pynee]

went to the show last night.maybe you can consider..
Olympus Tough 3000 $398.00 Waterproof up to 3m
Tough 6020 $498.00 Waterproof up to 5m

 

[DrSpock]

If I remember correctly, Olympus were the 1st to hv these waterproof P&S. I remembered using the Mju300 in USA and was shooting in heavy dew coming from the Bridal Veil waterfall in Yosemite and I was clicking away while my friend's non-wp P&S got jammed!

So for peace of mind can consider Olympus cos got a proven track record on waterproof cams:thumbsup:

 

[TsQ]

however, olympus underwater camera never got any good review... best i seen are like 'so so' ratings only so with the price of one, better get a canon

so far, my pentax W20 is working fine... ISO cannot go beyond 400 but the sharpness and color accuracy is pretty good for a $320 camera (frm HK incl delivery and 2 yrs warranty)