waterproof camera suggestions

I am looking to replace my camera for my upcoming cruise. I previously had an older one (I don't remember the model) but it got dropped on our last cruise while snorkeling and needless to say it didn't like sitting 35 feet below on the ocean floor. Thankfully we were able to retrieve it but it no longer works. I wasn't thrilled with it anyways it took good outside pictures but we never could get it to take good photos inside especially in lower light situations (they were always orange).

So now I am looking for a good budget friendly camera that can be used for snorkeling, that also takes good quality photos, and can shoot video. I just use it for standard point and shoot, don't need anything overly fancy.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I should mention that I did enjoy that my last camera took AA batteries so if they went dead it was easy to pop a new set in. I had a previous nikon digital camera that I loved but it really sucked when the battery went dead and you were somewhere you wanted to take pictures of.

Following.

I am looking to replace my camera for my upcoming cruise. I previously had an older one (I don't remember the model) but it got dropped on our last cruise while snorkeling and needless to say it didn't like sitting 35 feet below on the ocean floor. Thankfully we were able to retrieve it but it no longer works. I wasn't thrilled with it anyways it took good outside pictures but we never could get it to take good photos inside especially in lower light situations (they were always orange).

 

So now I am looking for a good budget friendly camera that can be used for snorkeling, that also takes good quality photos, and can shoot video. I just use it for standard point and shoot, don't need anything overly fancy.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I should mention that I did enjoy that my last camera took AA batteries so if they went dead it was easy to pop a new set in. I had a previous nikon digital camera that I loved but it really sucked when the battery went dead and you were somewhere you wanted to take pictures of.

Take a look at this Fujifilm FinePix XP90

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AJUG4IW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is powered by a rechargeable battery.

I've only used mine a few times and I'm still on the fence on the Underwater capabilities, but many of the additional features this little camera offers has kept it in my camera case.

DSCF0023 by Mark Davis, on Flickr[/img]

DSCF0085 by Mark Davis, on Flickr[/img]

Mark

Why not use a GoPro for the underwater tasks and use something simple like an iPhone with some of the advanced software for regular duty?

The Olympus TG4 is something you might consider. It is waterproof to 50 feet below, plus shockproof (though I haven't tried dropping it). I have been pleased with the quality of images it does take.

But it is not a budget camera, nor does it take AA batteries (uses a rechargeable battery).

Some selling points of this camera are......it is small enough to fit into your pocket.......you done't have to worry about it getting wet........can shoot in RAW or Jpeg........can shoot in Aperture mode.

Good luck is your search.

Thanks for your replies so far. I will check out the 2 cameras that have been suggested so far. As for using a gopro and my iphone, I currently use my iphone but don't like carrying it around with me all the time while I"m on vacation. It's bad enough that I'm stuck with it 24/7 the rest of the year.

I personally went with a GoPro Hero4. There are cheaper cameras but the quality with the GoPro is excellent, both in video and still pictures. The size is also a great part of it, in that it easily fits in your pocket and when contained in one of the housings is pretty hard to damage.

The one downside to the GoPro for me is the lack of a viewfinder. There is an LCD back you can add that functions as a viewfinder but it is extra.

I use the GoPro for underwater and general use, then have a DSLR that I use as well.

I've been very happy with my Nikon AW100 (it's several years old, there are newer versions of course). I bought it to have a small waterproof camera on zodiacs in Antarctica, and have since taken it snorkeling and wherever else I don't want my main camera possibly compromised by sand and/or water. (Yes, it uses a rechargeable battery. That's why you have a spare or two. :) )

(photos by turtles06)

I am looking to replace my camera for my upcoming cruise. I previously had an older one (I don't remember the model) but it got dropped on our last cruise while snorkeling and needless to say it didn't like sitting 35 feet below on the ocean floor. Thankfully we were able to retrieve it but it no longer works. I wasn't thrilled with it anyways it took good outside pictures but we never could get it to take good photos inside especially in lower light situations (they were always orange).

 

So now I am looking for a good budget friendly camera that can be used for snorkeling, that also takes good quality photos, and can shoot video. I just use it for standard point and shoot, don't need anything overly fancy.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I should mention that I did enjoy that my last camera took AA batteries so if they went dead it was easy to pop a new set in. I had a previous nikon digital camera that I loved but it really sucked when the battery went dead and you were somewhere you wanted to take pictures of.

Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to get a digital camera that uses AA's or AAA's nowadays.

I recently got an Olympus TG-4. It's on the pricier side, but it takes RAW format photos, which makes underwater color correction (or backlighting, etc.) corrections pretty good. I find navigating the menu structure challenging, and there are more modes than you can remember. It's a bit on the heavy side for a point-and-shoot, but it takes good pictures, both above-ground (including some really nice night modes, and an awesome macro mode) and below-water.

Here's some UW photos (many in a housing below the 50ft limit).

http://s1132.photobucket.com/user/hydtran/slideshow/cocoview%202016%20highlights

I strongly recommend an Olympus. I had an Olympus 830 which I took on many snorkel trips an never had a leak. Unlike Fuji, Panasonic, and others, it has double seals on the compartments. Mine finally crapped out after some significant abuse (took it to Burning Man), and the TG830 is no longer available. I am now looking at the T4, but am leaning toward the TG870 which is about $100 cheaper, has most of the features, and has a flip viewfinder.

I primarily use a GoPro Hero 3+ Silver. It's small, there are tons of accessories, the video and sound quality is surprisingly good. We recently got a Hero 4 but we keep going back to the 3 because it does just fine and the lack of an LCD back means the battery lasts longer. So you can probably save some cash by going with the 3 as it's older but films in great 1080p60.

Almost all of this was shot with the Hero 3+ Silver:

[YOUTUBE]jjUGbPnTqZA[/YOUTUBE]

By the way, I hadn't realized it but the new GoPro Hero5 has an led screen and is now at $399. Not cheap but good quality. I have no idea what the battery life would be like with the screen addition though.

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Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely some good options to consider.

I have the nikon aw1 under water camera . The picture are great I bought it for a snorkel trip to the caribbean . It works as a regular camera too.

Go Pro Silver 4 with back LED is $250 at Sam's and Costco. Great Deal

John

Has anyone tried the Nikon AW130? I want to get something for vacation/water pictures, not top of the line since (unfortunately) I'm not on vacation all that much, but something that will last several years. From reviews it seems like a good bet but I trust real people's reviews more than professional reviews...

Any opinions?

I have one and have used it both in the water (not very deep yet) to about 10'-12' deep and a lot on land. Also purchased another one for work where I have employees that tend to drop cameras at the drop of a hat. :) It like a Timex has taken a licking and kept on ticking. For work we have used Samsung, Olympus, Sony, Canon and have a pile of dead cameras some only lasted weeks, if it was not for Best Buy.... only time I have ever bought the extended warranty.

Photos are pretty good for a pocket camera. But I like Nikon anything, seems better made to me and I am used to the menus.

I have heard there have been issues with the door to the battery/memory card leaking but that was at depths of over 20' or more. Especially more often near the cameras depth limit did the problem occur more. But for me I am not going much past 10'-12'. If I do go deeper it will because the ship is sinking taking me with it. Just check the door and follow the directions after use in anything (ie ocean, lake, pool) but your tub.

Here is a sample photo;

DSCN0688.jpg

Has anybody uses the canon PowerShot D30? It's currently on sale.

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I ended up picking up a refurbished Olympus TG-4 for a nice price before my last cruise. I was pretty happy with it. Loved that it supports RAW photos.

Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to get a digital camera that uses AA's or AAA's nowadays.

 

I recently got an Olympus TG-4. It's on the pricier side, but it takes RAW format photos, which makes underwater color correction (or backlighting, etc.) corrections pretty good. I find navigating the menu structure challenging, and there are more modes than you can remember. It's a bit on the heavy side for a point-and-shoot, but it takes good pictures, both above-ground (including some really nice night modes, and an awesome macro mode) and below-water.

 

I got a great deal on a Nikon AW130 on a Black Friday sale. Question, can I put a screen protector on this or will the water when I'm snorkeling just wash it off?

Thanks,

Vic

I have a Guard Shield has not floated off yet. But have not been a real long time in the water with it. Maybe a hour max would the longest in the water at one time.

I like my Nikon AW130. I also bought a floaty strap for the camera. Very handy in case your camera slips from your hand. Been there, done that!

Take a look at this Fujifilm FinePix XP90

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AJUG4IW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

It is powered by a rechargeable battery.

 

I've only used mine a few times and I'm still on the fence on the Underwater capabilities, but many of the additional features this little camera offers has kept it in my camera case.

 

DSCF0023 by Mark Davis, on Flickr[/img]

 

DSCF0085 by Mark Davis, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

Mark

Nice pics! What editing software did you use on those photos?

I have the Fujifilm XP80, Nikon AW-130, and a GoPro Hero 3+. I actually bring all of them with me on a cruise. My hubby uses the GoPro while snorkeling for taking videos. Of the other two cameras I have, I would highly recommend the Nikon over the Fuji. My Nikon does a fantastic job both in and out of the water. Pictures are sharp and I really like the results.

I used to own an Olympus, but after 4 years of use the camera seals failed and it took in some Caribbean water.

I have recently posted on my cruise blog how to take care of underwater cameras. I did the post for a friend of mine who purchased their first underwater camera and thought I would share with you.

2bcruising.blogspot.com

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