Re: [Paddlewise] Waterproof Digital Cameras

Hi Natalie,

I have a few suggestions for waterproof cases and digital cameras (though not
for a waterproof digital camera).

Cases
While you may purchase waterproof cases, I have two alternatives. First, if you
have basic tools and skills, I purchased EXCELLENT plans from Gary Dagastine
<garybeth_at_nidlink.com> on how to MAKE a scuba-quality waterproof camera case
for about $30.  This case is probably overkill (even for whitewater) but the
design is suitable for protecting and using either video or still cameras under
extreme conditions of water pressure.

The other alternative for a waterproof case is to simply take your digital
camera in a Pelican case in your boat.  This is the path I've chosen after
trying others. I take the camera out to shoot, then place it back in the case
to paddle... thousands of shots taken, no camera lost! This gives my total
access to camera controls and allows me to take any camera and extra lenses
suitable for a particular trip. It also allows me to review photos on the
camera LCD on the spot.

Cameras
I'm on my fifth digital camera and am extremely happy with them, having taken
thousands of photos from kayaks on many types of water.

Over the years, I've become very satisfied with Olympus cameras for their color
quality, ease of use taking photos and downloading, optical zoom, ability to
override automatic controls, and through the lens (SLR) viewfinder.  There are
now many models. I've tried other makes and have found the downloading or image
quality to be inferior.

Lately, however, I've been tempted by the Canon Elph digital because of it's
small size, 4 megapixel spec, and $400 price, though it lacks the SLR feature I
mentioned. And I do suggest going with a 4 megapixel design (which is well
within your budget).

Regardless of the camera, take a look at the speed and ease of use of
downloading options also. Typically, USB is slow for files 1 to 4 mb in size.
So downloading directly from memory cartridges may be best. One high speed
option I use is a PCMCIA adapter that holds Smartmedia cards and allow copies
to my hard drive very fast.

Best wishes for your digital photography.  Once you get used to it, you'll
never go back to film!
--
Al Vazquez
KayakGuide.com tm
the Place to Share Kayaking & Canoeing tm

Natalie Wiest wrote:

> Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a digital WATERPROOF camera?
> I still really like the Pentax IQ Zoom WR that I've got, but the delay in
> getting photos back is a bit annoying.
>
> I'm not a professional photographer, so I'm really looking in the $500 -
> $1000 range.  Of course I'd be pleased to find something less costly but I'm
> thinking this is a realistic range.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Natalie Wiest
> Galveston TX



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************