Underwater digital

wonka · 08-01-2006

Hey all,
On our last trip to playa we didn't like the results of the underwater cameras we took. They just didn't bring any of the colors to life. This trip we are planning to have a waterproof digital and would like to hear of any experiences, good or bad, and recommendations from the group.
We re looking at the Olympus Stylus 720 SW or the Pentax Optio W10, any thoughts. I looked on the scuba boards but I'm thinking for just a vacation camera the stuff they're using is a little too advanced.

La Page42 · 08-01-2006

I was feeling your pain with the pictures. I was using a 35mm underwater reusable camera and i was very disappointed with the pictures. I have since bought a Sony Cybershot and purchased the underwater housing for it. The housing is good to over 115ft. I have since taken pictures with it in pools and in Lake Michigan and noticed a huge difference in the pictures. I'm excited to see how its going to work in the ocean. (in October)

Refering to the 2 camera's that you mentioned below. They both have depth limitations. i'm not sure if you are using them for scuba diving or for snorkleing. The Olympus Stylus 720 SW, is only "waterproof" up to 10 ft. The Pentax Optio W10 is only "waterproof" up to 5ft.

Both camera's are priced around $300 give or take $50 (depending on where you buy it) plus the options on the 2 camera's are limited (because the cost of the camera goes into the waterproofing) if your willing to spend around $300 for a digital camera you should just buy a non waterproof digital camera and buy the waterproof housing for it, for an extra $120. I think you would be happier with your choice. thats just my recomendation.

Ginger · 08-01-2006

I think babaloo has a nice camera with an underwater housing...ask him.

Sourcerer · 08-01-2006

Up until recently I'd have recommended the Canon A520 with the underwater housing without reservation.

I posted lots of underwater pix in this thread.. The photos start at message #26. The camera actually has a program exposure function for Underwater.

HOWEVER, my recommendation is now suspended, at least temporarily. I actually bought 2 Canon A520s for my kids at Christmas 2005. BOTH units are now on the fritz. I can't say they were dropped or otherwise traumatized. Each just seemed to develop a problem.

One camera has a problem with the motor / gear that extends the lens upon power up. This unit does not work at all.

The other camera still works, but the "left" cursor button does not work.

I am ticked that I will be back in Playa diving in less than 4 weeks and I have to send both camera out for warranty repair and have no guarantee I will get them fixed and returned in time for the trip. I will probably only send one and hold the one that still works back until I get the first one fixed.

I will be even more ticked if it turns out that these cameras are not restored to reliable functionality. I will have wasted the money on 2 cameras AND the proprietary housing that will not fit any other camera.

Andiline · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sourcerer

Up until recently I'd have recommended the Canon A520 with the underwater housing without reservation.

I posted lots of underwater pix in this thread.. The photos start at message #26. The camera actually has a program exposure function for Underwater.

HOWEVER, my recommendation is now suspended, at least temporarily. I actually bought 2 Canon A520s for my kids at Christmas 2005. BOTH units are now on the fritz. I can't say they were dropped or otherwise traumatized. Each just seemed to develop a problem.

One camera has a problem with the motor / gear that extends the lens upon power up. This unit does not work at all.

The other camera still works, but the "left" cursor button does not work.

I am ticked that I will be back in Playa diving in less than 4 weeks and I have to send both camera out for warranty repair and have no guarantee I will get them fixed and returned in time for the trip. I will probably only send one and hold the one that still works back until I get the first one fixed.

I will be even more ticked if it turns out that these cameras are not restored to reliable functionality. I will have wasted the money on 2 cameras AND the proprietary housing that will not fit any other camera.

Well, doesn't warranty mean that if they can't repair it you will get a new one? So I would not worry too much about that.

And I have the Canon A95 with underwater housing too. Most of the divers I met so far have Canon's as they are the best for underwater pics.

Andrea

Dallas91 · 08-01-2006

Here is a link to Canon's underwater digital photography site that lists cameras and underwater housings:
http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/uwphoto/index-e.html

Sourcerer · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andiline

Well, doesn't warranty mean that if they can't repair it you will get a new one? So I would not worry too much about that.

Andrea

Yes. . . .I hope that's so. But it is an annoying problem at this moment because we are leaving soon and it is not clear we will have a functional camera.

I've read lots of product reviews since this happened and this camera model seems prone to a few problems.

We still like another Canon, model SD450, but we do not have the dive housing for it.

Babaloo · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger

I think babaloo has a nice camera with an underwater housing...ask him.

today....i find that amusing

and you are partially right

i have a real nice underwater housing.

wonka · 08-01-2006

I'm not sure that I will be certified for scuba before we go( lord knows I'm going to try, but working 7 days a week is cutting down on my rec time). La Page you bring up a good point, as there is not going to be much use for an underwater set up that only goes 10 feet if I do get the scuba thing organized.
Thanks all for the replies, gives me some more food for thought
Bubaloo, what housing (and camera) do you have?

La Page42 · 08-01-2006

You can get certified in Mexico, or you could go with a certified diver and do a 25- 50ft dive for a little more money. Check with the hotel or some other people in this forum. I got certified about 3 years ago. My first dive, i was not certified. I went to Dive Aventuras in Puerto Aventuras. (Its about 35-40 min south of Playa) I took a small class about 1 hour long and went with about 8 people and 3 certified dive instructers and loved it. 2 days later i signed up for the class and got my certification in a 6 hr class. That included two 50ft dives. check into that. Thats the way i would go if you just want to see if its for you.

**Jesus** · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by wonka

I'm not sure that I will be certified for scuba before we go( lord knows I'm going to try, but working 7 days a week is cutting down on my rec time). La Page you bring up a good point, as there is not going to be much use for an underwater set up that only goes 10 feet if I do get the scuba thing organized.

Even if you only snorquel, you can go deeper than those 10 feet, easily. Having a digital camera that "expensive" just to go above 10 feet it not worth it.

Andiline · 08-01-2006

I use my Digicam without the underwater housing above water too - of course!

Andrea

Babaloo · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by wonka

Bubaloo, what housing (and camera) do you have?

I'm a firm believer in the Canon SD series cameras with the underwater housings.

I have an especially nice housing for the Canon SD400 that is lonely right now.

Fred-ex · 08-01-2006

I purchased the Pentax Optio and I hated it. I then updgraded to a Canon 550 with a casing. It worked wonders. The pictures came out worlds better than the Pentax. I can send you some photos if you would like to see the results. It also has an underwater setting that worked beautifully. I highly recommend this setup over either of the 2 "waterproof" cameras that you mentioned. A friend of mine is a photography expert and he suggested the camera with the housing from the start. It is a better camera. In fact I felt more comfortable getting in and out of the water with the protection of the housing. I was often afraid of banging the waterproof camera on a rock or coral.
B&H photo will have any sort of camera/housing combo that you are looking for. They also have the best prices...always.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...x=7&Submit.y=2

Babaloo · 08-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred-ex

B&H photo will have any sort of camera/housing combo that you are looking for. They also have the best prices...always.

Not always.
Amazon beats many of their prices for the Canon cameras.
....worth a look

08-01-2006	#1 (permalink)
wonka toe in water Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: alberta,canada Posts: 47	Underwater digital Hey all, On our last trip to playa we didn't like the results of the underwater cameras we took. They just didn't bring any of the colors to life. This trip we are planning to have a waterproof digital and would like to hear of any experiences, good or bad, and recommendations from the group. We re looking at the Olympus Stylus 720 SW or the Pentax Optio W10, any thoughts. I looked on the scuba boards but I'm thinking for just a vacation camera the stuff they're using is a little too advanced.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

08-01-2006	#2 (permalink)
La Page42 into ruins Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago il Posts: 63	I was feeling your pain with the pictures. I was using a 35mm underwater reusable camera and i was very disappointed with the pictures. I have since bought a Sony Cybershot and purchased the underwater housing for it. The housing is good to over 115ft. I have since taken pictures with it in pools and in Lake Michigan and noticed a huge difference in the pictures. I'm excited to see how its going to work in the ocean. (in October) Refering to the 2 camera's that you mentioned below. They both have depth limitations. i'm not sure if you are using them for scuba diving or for snorkleing. The Olympus Stylus 720 SW, is only "waterproof" up to 10 ft. The Pentax Optio W10 is only "waterproof" up to 5ft. Both camera's are priced around $300 give or take $50 (depending on where you buy it) plus the options on the 2 camera's are limited (because the cost of the camera goes into the waterproofing) if your willing to spend around $300 for a digital camera you should just buy a non waterproof digital camera and buy the waterproof housing for it, for an extra $120. I think you would be happier with your choice. thats just my recomendation.

08-01-2006	#3 (permalink)
Ginger none Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 10,165	I think babaloo has a nice camera with an underwater housing...ask him.

08-01-2006	#4 (permalink)
Sourcerer beachaholic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Exit 9, New Jersey Posts: 432	Up until recently I'd have recommended the Canon A520 with the underwater housing without reservation. I posted lots of underwater pix in this thread.. The photos start at message #26. The camera actually has a program exposure function for Underwater. HOWEVER, my recommendation is now suspended, at least temporarily. I actually bought 2 Canon A520s for my kids at Christmas 2005. BOTH units are now on the fritz. I can't say they were dropped or otherwise traumatized. Each just seemed to develop a problem. One camera has a problem with the motor / gear that extends the lens upon power up. This unit does not work at all. The other camera still works, but the "left" cursor button does not work. I am ticked that I will be back in Playa diving in less than 4 weeks and I have to send both camera out for warranty repair and have no guarantee I will get them fixed and returned in time for the trip. I will probably only send one and hold the one that still works back until I get the first one fixed. I will be even more ticked if it turns out that these cameras are not restored to reliable functionality. I will have wasted the money on 2 cameras AND the proprietary housing that will not fit any other camera.

08-01-2006	#6 (permalink)
Dallas91 añejo Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In my own little world most of the time LOL Posts: 1,931	Here is a link to Canon's underwater digital photography site that lists cameras and underwater housings: http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/uwphoto/index-e.html

08-01-2006	#9 (permalink)
wonka toe in water Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: alberta,canada Posts: 47	I'm not sure that I will be certified for scuba before we go( lord knows I'm going to try, but working 7 days a week is cutting down on my rec time). La Page you bring up a good point, as there is not going to be much use for an underwater set up that only goes 10 feet if I do get the scuba thing organized. Thanks all for the replies, gives me some more food for thought Bubaloo, what housing (and camera) do you have?

08-01-2006	#10 (permalink)
La Page42 into ruins Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago il Posts: 63	You can get certified in Mexico, or you could go with a certified diver and do a 25- 50ft dive for a little more money. Check with the hotel or some other people in this forum. I got certified about 3 years ago. My first dive, i was not certified. I went to Dive Aventuras in Puerto Aventuras. (Its about 35-40 min south of Playa) I took a small class about 1 hour long and went with about 8 people and 3 certified dive instructers and loved it. 2 days later i signed up for the class and got my certification in a 6 hr class. That included two 50ft dives. check into that. Thats the way i would go if you just want to see if its for you.

08-01-2006	#12 (permalink)
Andiline añejo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Cologne, Germany Posts: 7,587	I use my Digicam without the underwater housing above water too - of course! Andrea

08-01-2006	#14 (permalink)
Fred-ex lost on fifth Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 18	I purchased the Pentax Optio and I hated it. I then updgraded to a Canon 550 with a casing. It worked wonders. The pictures came out worlds better than the Pentax. I can send you some photos if you would like to see the results. It also has an underwater setting that worked beautifully. I highly recommend this setup over either of the 2 "waterproof" cameras that you mentioned. A friend of mine is a photography expert and he suggested the camera with the housing from the start. It is a better camera. In fact I felt more comfortable getting in and out of the water with the protection of the housing. I was often afraid of banging the waterproof camera on a rock or coral. B&H photo will have any sort of camera/housing combo that you are looking for. They also have the best prices...always. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...x=7&Submit.y=2

register to remove these adverts