Re: [Paddlewise] Camera Recommendation

Philip wrote:
>>>>>Anyway, Pentax is about due to release whatever the next generation of
Optio W will be, so if you hang tight, you may be able to score a killer
close-out deal on the W30. It's small enough to slip into a pocket of your
PFD, keeping your deck uncluttered.<<<<<<<<<

After over 10,000 photos (and one too many hard knocks) my Pentax WR43 now
takes pictures featuring black with numerous shades of pink (only) as well
as horizontal fine black stripes (that weren't part of the scene) that are
wider apart near the top of the picture. (If anyone knows an easy fix please
comment). Anyway it looks like I need a new combination kayaking, skiing in
bad weather, and snorkeling camera. However, I've been frustrated by the
lack of a viewfinder on the Pentax W's of later vintage than mine (and the
Olympus) and have become hooked on the Image Stabilization feature of my
Canons (S3 IS and A720IS). Will somebody please make a waterproof camera
with those features, and soon? Maybe with a 5X or 6X optical zoom too. I'll
cross my fingers for the next Pentax W; otherwise the A720 may have to go
into one of those Aquapac camera bags instead.

Philip, I can see the utility of your monopod for surfing shots and the like
(as long as it doesn't get in the way of your stroke or rolling) but I'm
having trouble seeing it as a stabilizing device. Maybe that was never its
intention. Its length would seem to magnify any rocking of the boat, where
hand holding (and flex in one's body) would seem to allow for a steadier
camera. Please comment.

With image stabilization I'm able to handhold many night and dim light
telephoto shots in the 1/10 to 1/4 second range. Sometimes even longer
exposures are possible with a decent rest (or if I get lucky with one of
several shots taken). Being cheap, I love not having to buy film and
therefore I now often take numerous similar shots of anything that might
turn out to be a good picture. One photo in the group is usually far better
than most of the others. That way I can ditch most of the rest of the shots
with the delete key so no one can see what an amateur photographer I really
am.

Doug, Sea Kayaker says they need at least 8 megapixels for cover photos if
you have any ambitions that way.
  

Matt Broze
www.marinerkayaks.com  
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