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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 11:29 am Post subject: Small, lightweight, waterPROOF camera needed |
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Okay, I've come to the conclusion that I need and WANT to purchase another camera. I'd like a small waterproof something or other for the canyoneering trips in my future. Just not possible to dangle from the rope with one hand and shoot with the large DSLR while getting pelted with water in a waterfall.
What have ya got that will fit these requirements? |
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Davis2001R6
Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 11:59 am Post subject: |
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Well I think one of the few companies that make them are olympus:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_sw.asp
But the first one I had developed a small circle that would show up on every picture. The second one I had shorted out the 2nd time I took it snorkeling, now we had the model thats waterproof to 30ft. Well see what Olympus does when we sent it in, but quality is suspect in my book.
Although I've met a few people that have had no problems, one guy even found his after it got ran over by a snow cat in the Rockies. Bought a charger and it was working fine for them in St. Maaten. I know Michelle has one as well. |
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Al_HikesAZ
Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 263 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: Small, lightweight, waterPROOF camera needed |
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Suz wrote: |
Okay, ...I'd like a small waterproof something or other for the canyoneering trips in my future. . . .What have ya got that will fit these requirements? |
The Pentax Optio W30. I have the W20 and use it on my Grand Canyon Trips. My Nankoweap and Tapeats trips were shot with the W20 http://www.flickr.com/photos/7202153@N03/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7202153@N03/sets/72157600219542297/
The W20:
Weighs 5oz.
Great color and saturation in the landscape program mode.
Takes great macros in the macro program mode.
Listed as waterproof to 5' for 2 hours, but that's only because that was their testing certification. I've heard from people that they have used it scuba dived deeper than 5' in salt water. But then you have problems with lighting and refraction.
Drawbacks
3x optical zoom.
No viewfinder, you have to learn to use liveview on the LCD. But that works for me because I can hold the camera above my head or out to the side.
It is a point & shoot so no aperture or shutter speed control other than the program modes.
I'm happy with it and highly recommend it for canyoneering.
I have dropped it 10' and it still works.
PM me if you want more info. _________________ Anyone can make a hike harder. The skill comes in making it easier. Dosatéhigo nasádo |
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 4:21 pm Post subject: |
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Al there is a Pentax W60 now that I'm reading about. Seen any of those yet?
Wondering what Minolta and Canon have, too. |
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Al_HikesAZ
Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 263 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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Wow. I shoulda kept my mouth shut. Now I need to buy this camera for the 5x optical zoom. Does it say what it weighs? If you want to try the W20 on a canyoneering trip, PM me. I'm no longer infatuated with it I mean it. I love your talent.
Minolta and Canon haven't been interested in this market. Canon has water-resistance in their top of the line dSLRs and L lenses. Pentax and Olympus have been going after this market and making gains. Digital cameras are changing daily. _________________ Anyone can make a hike harder. The skill comes in making it easier. Dosatéhigo nasádo |
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wanderingsoul
Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 2285 Location: Gilbert AZ
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 7:35 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Suz,
I do have one also like Tim's. So far it has worked for me but haven't had a lot of time lately to test it thoroughly. But it says it is waterproof to I think 10ft, can withstand 200 lbs pressure and can take a drop of 5ft? Can't remember, if you check out the link, it will tell you.
I haven't had the problems with it as Tim has had, at least so far I dropped it into the icy cold water at Call of the Canyon in FEB GHOTM. It hit a rock or two and the current carried it a bit, but retrieved it promptly. I took pictures after that and the ones before seemed OK too. Only feature I've yet to test is the 200lb pressure test. Don't think I should test my luck.
And haven't put disc in to read what it all can do so Haven't played too much with it yet Think I just figured out how to take Macro closeups, playing around with it.
So far it has been good for me, light weight and semi indestructible. But also think a few here have a Pentax Optio (not sure which series). Maybe they can provide you some info also. _________________ Wanderingsoul (Michelle)
Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown |
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 8:05 pm Post subject: |
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I like my Olympus for water shots - Small form factor is a plus for me. Lasted me well on the GrandCanyon Raft trip with all the water and sand. Mine came with a flotee leash -- worked well since I washed it overboard more than once. _________________ Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream! |
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Hnak
Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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Suz wrote: |
Al there is a Pentax W60 now that I'm reading about. Seen any of those yet? |
I also have a W20, and was really happy with it until you informed me of the W60..... I agree with Al_HikesAZ, gotta get one now.... _________________ The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY |
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Erock
Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 87 Location: Taylor
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Posted: 6/8/2008, 8:22 pm Post subject: |
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I've got a W20 and it just won't die on me so I can buy a newer model. I've had mine for two years or so and it still works like a champ despite all the abuse I've heaped on it. |
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Davis2001R6
Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Davis2001R6
Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy
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Posted: 7/18/2008, 3:40 pm Post subject: |
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Mine is sitting in the box it came in with a return authorization number back to Olympus. Mine was rated to 30', it went about 2' for about 2 minutes. Took less than 50 pictures.
Good luck with yours, I do know other people that had luck with theres. |
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 7/20/2008, 8:37 am Post subject: |
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yep, starting to wonder...........shock proof, waterproof and freeze proof....but will it take pictures????????????????? LOL, I'll try it out a few more times. |
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bessiehyde
Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Annapolis, Maryland
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Posted: 7/21/2008, 10:06 am Post subject: |
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I love my Olympus Stylus 770SW. I got it about 1.5 years ago and have been extremely pleased with the photos, features, and ruggedness. I have taken it on numerous rafting trips with no problems. However, admittedly I have not tried underwater photographs.
To me, the waterproof seal is just as important for sandy, dusty conditions of the southwest.
- Randy _________________ "I wonder if I shall ever wear pretty shoes again." |
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