Re: [Paddlewise] Olympus 790sw camera

I picked up the Pentax OptioW30 7.1. The local "experts" at Lens and Shutter 
weren't as helpful as I thought they would be in information about the 
differences with the Olympus units. The 770SW was $100.00. Yes more 
waterproof and more pixels with a wide angle function. But for me, these are 
still point and shoot cameras, so why spend money for such dinky little lens 
arrangements. The 770SW had a nice solid heft to it, was flatter if a bit 
wider or taller, looked less "toyish" and had the shutter cover, as did the 
cheaper Olympus sister. I figured the Pentax was easier to clean the lens of 
water (less recessed) and wasn't subject to mechanical failure with a lens 
cover like the Olympus models. Unlike the Pentax, the Olympus units might be 
prone to impinging with sand. I already got enough dang problems with my new 
skeg clogging. Who wants more frustration. Mechanical failure would provoke 
a bit of frustration on a once-in-a-lifetime trip I'd think if I missed out 
on picture taking. The Pentax slips easily in the front pocket of my new 
Astral rescue vest which is lined with a had warmer which should keep the 
lens from scratching. The camera is tethered, but I still added a silicone 
skin so it stays in the side pocket a little more securely and doesn't slip 
out of cold hands. Did I mention we had cold hands at Pender this weekend?

I figure 7.1 should be enough for technical pictures for articles. Anything 
esle, including blow-up, one might consider something more SLRish, in a 
waterproof box. I'm more into paddling than photography.

Doug L

-----

>I have the 770SW. It is rated to 33 feet and shockproof to a drop of 5 
>feet. It sits in a pouch strapped to my life jacket. It has been eaten 
>along with me in several family room sized holes and even bigger waves. I'm 
>surprised it is not dead. One annoying little problem is that the metal 
>lens cover tends to trap water behind it so do check that before you take 
>the shot.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Rob G?
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