Waterproof camera overview
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: General Forums
Forum Name: Tech Topics
Forum Description: IT - Computers, software, phones, ISP's....
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40189
Printed Date: 26 Jul 2026 at 10:34pm
Topic: Waterproof camera overview
Posted By: ThomasW
Subject: Waterproof camera overview
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2009 at 8:54pm
|
Decided to throw together a quick summary of the current generation waterproof cameras on the market.
(Updated: July 2009)
Fuji Z33 Price: Lowest: $360, Typical: $445-$499 Waterpoof to 3m.
Pentax W60 (Obsolete model) Price: $500+ Waterproof to 4m, freeze and dustproof. lens 28mm - 140mm Manual controls: white balance, focus
Pentax W80 (New Model) Price: Waterproof to 5m, water, dust, cold, and shockproof. Lens 28-140mm Manual control: white balance, focus
Olympus Tough 6000 Price: Lowest $466.00, Typical $520+ Waterproof 3m, dust, shock, and freezeproof. 28-105 mm
Olympus Tough 8000 Price: Lowest $606, Typical $660 toughest camera on the market. Waterproof 10m, freeze, shock, dust and crashproof...
Canon PowerShot D10 Price: Lowest: $610, typical $650-$750 Second only to the Olympus Tough in regards to "tough features". Waterproof 10m, Freeze, Shock and Dustproof. Lens is 35-105mm. Manual control for white balance.
Panasonic FT1 (TS1) Price: Lowest: $698, typical: $750-$800 Waterproof 3m, dust and shock proof. 28mm - 128mm. Manual control for white balance. Best Movie Mode
(All of the above cameras have Manual control for Exposure compensation)
Image Quality.... Best: Canon D10, Panasonic FT1, Pentax W60 Middle: Olympus Tough 6000 Bottom: Olympus Tough 8000, Fuji Z33
Reviews:
Group test: Canon D10, Pentax W60, Fuji Z33, Olympus 6000 and 8000 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/ - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/
Panasonic TS1 / FT1 Review http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM
Canon D10 review http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM - - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM - - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM -
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/canon_d10.html - http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/canon_d10.html
Pentax Optio W60 http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM - - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM%5B/url - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM[/url http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM - ]
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM - http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/optio_w60.html - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM%5B/url - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM[/url http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM - ]
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM - http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/optio_w60.html
Olympus Tough 6000 http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/olympus_tough6000.html - http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/olympus_tough6000.html
Prices are just a rough guide, I have copied the lowest price from Pricespy, plus a price more typical from the model. http://pricespy.co.nz/cat_13.html |
Replies:
Posted By: penguin
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2009 at 7:12pm
|
I have no axe to grind here, simply passing on something I witnessed last week.
A mate has one of the Olympus waterproof digitals that was bought as a presi for him. It also came with an extra 3 year warranty (insurance) that cost $150 on top of purchase price from a very big retailer.
On the cameras 3rd outing, while snorkelling, it let in water.
After spending half an hour getting through to someone at the "helpline", he was told that neither the manufacture`s warranty or the extra insurance covered against..............yeah you guessed it....water getting into the camera.
Knowing the guy in question, it will not end there. He aint a happy bunny.
|
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2009 at 8:47pm
| Yeah, I have heard of that happening before with Olympus range of waterproof cameras. I would try and dig up a bit of info regarding the other manufacturers warranty. |
Posted By: TheBadger
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 5:50pm
| Should also check out the Sanyo Xacti. Pretty sweet bit of kit |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 8:13pm
|
More a video then a still camera Isn't it? Now that I check it seems to be a Camera/video hybrid.
Sanyo VPC-CA9 http://sanyo.com/xacti/english/products/vpc_ca9/index.html Waterproof: 1.5m Lens: 38-190mm high-definition video Can not find a NZ price, maybe it has a different model number here or it has not been released.... A quick note about Sanyo, it might be easy to go and bash Sanyo as a cheap brand. But if memory serves me correctly they do have a large OEM manufacturing component to their business which constructs the Cameras for two top tier manufacturers. So they do have the technology to make high quality cameras. They also make the best long life rechargeable batteries, the Sanyo eneloop. In saying that, their Battery side probably has nothing to do with their consumer electronic manufacturing... |
Posted By: CJnatan
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2009 at 12:18pm
|
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=223258253 - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=223258253
$715 on trade me....
The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet).
Hope it helps.
|
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2009 at 10:41pm
|
Pentax just announced their new waterproof camera, its a continuation of their W series. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09062501pentaxw80.asp - http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09062501pentaxw80.asp Pentax W80 Lens: 28-140mm Waterproof at depths of up to 5 meters for two hours, shockproof for drops of up to 3.3 feet (1m) and coldproof up to -10 degrees Celsius. Might be a clearance sale shortly on the W60. |
Posted By: mouthu
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 9:55am
|
i've got a fuji camera with the waterproof case instead, i went for this option mainly because the camera was part of a deal and the other reason is that the bloke in the camera store on queen st advised me that the "3 metres water proofness is just like a watch being water resistant to 100 metres....... don't beleive everything you read"
Hence i don't take my waterproof case past 2 metres and i make sure there's no crap (sand, slime, etc) in the seal.
Other than that, no problems yet. ------------- Yes it was me, I screwed it up for everyone. |
Posted By: Finatic
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 10:14am
Half these cameras would be useless for guys and their underwater pursuits. I mean a camera rated to 1.5m is hardly going to be suitable for jack  ------------- What's the cheapest type of meat? Dear balls. They're under a buck. |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 12:31pm
|
Most of them are just swimming pool cameras, would also be useful to take out on a boat or Kayak where they might get splashed, or up the river trout fishing, or to use in the rain. The Canon D10 and Olympus Tough 8000 would have same use for snorkeling. For proper underwater use, then a 40m+ underwater case is the answer. But they do add a bit of Bulk (So might not fit in a fishing vest pocket) and are often $200-400.. Although the above cameras are not exactly cheap. |
Posted By: juju lips
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2009 at 5:14pm
| buy cheap get cheap, buy the best and you wont be sorry :) |
Posted By: KeriBOI
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2009 at 10:34am
|
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/ just out, a very good group test of course canon is WIN :) ------------- Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes! |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2009 at 10:42am
Sweet, I was waiting for this review to be published. Good to see that Pentax has gotten their act together and have produced a decent camera. I wonder if the W80 would be a improvement.... Fuji knows how to make a good camera, their F series is a example of that... Probably best to avoid anything Fuji unless they are using their SuperCCD EXR sensor. Its a pity that the Panasonic TS1 was not included in the review, IMO it was the only real competition to the Canon. Here is a review on the TS1 for anyone interested http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM Canon D10 Review from the same site http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM It looks like the DCresource mega review should include the new Pentax and the Panasonic. But that appears to be several months away from being published. |
KeriBOI wrote:Posted By: Finatic
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2009 at 6:19pm
|
Yeah, the F series have a lot of features for a compact. I've got the F100fd and it does everything I need... If only I could find an underwater case for it over here.
------------- What's the cheapest type of meat? Dear balls. They're under a buck. |
Posted By: TheBadger
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 6:00pm
|
I've got the Sanyo Xacti, not sure which model. It's pretty much a complete hybrid, which is nifty. Only area that it is rubbish in is low light situations. Photos tend to be blurry. Possibly this is my inadequacy. But it's fantastic for underwater videos. I've got some very nifty ones of trout swimming away. Think the price was something like $550 Aus. Hmmm interesting to see that Canon make a good waterproof camera, I am a wee bit of a slut for canons... but still, I'm very happy with what i've got. |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2009 at 9:21am
|
Dpreview have updated their waterproof camera review and now include the Panasonic TS1 and the new Pentax W80.... To summaries... The new Pentax was worst then the old one. The Panasonic now shares first place with the Canon... They basically said the Panasonic was best out of the water, while the Canon has the edge underwater. |
Posted By: Unclejake
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 5:22pm
|
I think this thread is worthy of a bump.
I am in the market for something digital with a wide angle lense to fit large fish into whilst on the boat :-)
|
Posted By: Phantom Menace
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 3:25pm
| Wouldn't the fish keep better in a chillibin Uncle Jake?? |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 3:47pm
| I think there is a few new models on the market since the last update. I know Pentax has announced a new one. I beleive the main change is a slightly longer telescopic lens. Would have to check and update when I have the time. |
Posted By: Unclejake
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 4:38pm
|
I am just after a cheapy unit. A $200 kind of thing that can stay on the boat in a wet sack.
There are a few on TM but most seem to be 35 or 38mm lenses where I think with our tiny boat we would need a 28mm lense.
No rush etc.
|
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 5:19pm
|
Would be quite hard to get a waterproof or resistant camera for under $200.. A few used models could be floating around on trademe and Olympus did have a water resistant range which might be cheap enough. You should be fine with a 38mm, might have to lean back a bit or something. I doubt you would be able to get a new camera with a 28 with your budget. There are a few Chinese made cameras floating around on Trademe |
.. Posted By: Unclejake
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 6:18pm
Oh, sorry. I didn't mean a new one for that kind of money. Just a low res used model suitable for posting photos on a certain internet forum 
|
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 10:23pm
|
If thats the case I would grab a used Canon or Panasonic. This could be worth keeping a eye on. It has a 26mm lens and is a really nice camera. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Digital-cameras/Point-shoot/4-59-megapixel/auction-251485270.htm - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Digital-cameras/Point-shoot/4-59-megapixel/auction-251485270.htm |
Posted By: Unclejake
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2009 at 12:28am
|
I should have saught your advice earlier but I spent a heady $25 on a 40 meter case for a Sony earlier today.
I should have a suitable 38mm lensed camera for about $100. That should do it for a while and allow us a few average freediving shots too.
There are some large fish milling around alive that could frustrate a few spearos I know with a close to home photo. Lol
|
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2009 at 12:37pm
| Sony make good cameras. |
Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2009 at 10:44pm
|
I have had a Olympus WP 10mp for over a year on the kayak and trout fishing. It has been rained on splashed on with sw and even dunked in a turtle and is still working perfectly. I just wash it under the tap to get rid of the salt and never have it in a drybag. It is always handy to shoot without having to dig it out of any protective cover. Best thing I ever bought after drowning two other digital cameras and all the holiday photos fishing around Akaroa, Colleridge and Rotoiti.
Rainbow
|
Posted By: Grunta
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2009 at 6:57am
|
I've been using the new Olympus Tough model Herb and would have the same comments - great little camera, excellent quality shots and it's really good not having to worry about giving it a dunking. ------------- Online... |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2009 at 1:44pm
|
Just had a idea, could be useful if people own these cameras to post a few images taken with them while being used in 'normal fishing conditions'. Would help give potential buyers slightly more to judge on before they make a purchase. Website reviews and Studio charts are good to see the technical flaws and to compare cameras in controlled environments but its still useful to see how camera's preform in the real world. |
Posted By: snapps
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2011 at 2:55pm
|
in the market for a new waterproof camera what are you guys useing and how you finding them performance wise i'm gonna be useing it off a kayak |
....Posted By: Grunta
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2011 at 3:41pm
|
Currently have a Canon D10 and it's a very tidy piece of kit. I've also used the Olympus but in my experience the Canon takes better pix and the video option is great too. Also read a couple of good reviews on the latest w'proof pentax but I'd happily own another Canon D10. ------------- Online... |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2011 at 3:46pm
|
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q311waterproofcompactgrouptest/ - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q311waterproofcompactgrouptest/ I have currently been using my Motoroal Defy phone of all things, and the photo quality is I uploaded a few size photo if anyone is interested. http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/88/camerat.jpg/"> edit: Also worth considering a compact in a wateproof housing, for example the Canon S95 or S100 , |
Posted By: mouthu
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2011 at 4:02pm
|
I've got an Olympus FT10, bought it in november for my trip to Oz and it's been fishing, waterfalling and canyoning aswell, not a complain yet. 720hd video and 14megapixel stills. waterproof to 3mtrs, shock and dust proof and freeze proof. simple as to use. ------------- Yes it was me, I screwed it up for everyone. |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2011 at 4:25pm
|
Just remembered, I also own a Oregon Scientific ATC9K, while more a video camera it is capable of taking photos. Oregon Scientific and a few other companies (GoPro, Contour etc) make small little cameras designed for extreme sports. Unlike same of the others the ATC9K is waterproof (20m) without a case, my standards might be higher then many peoples (or I got a poorer then average copy) but I consider the video and photos are only just usable. So unless small size is essential the money is much better spent getting a camera from a tier one manufacturer and placing it inside a waterproof case. I was so disappointed in the quality I have only used it a couple of times. But here is a untouched photo from it. http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/46/fisheye2.jpg/"> http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/fisheye1.jpg/ - |
Posted By: ThomasW
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2011 at 8:06pm
|
Here is a interesting article looking at different underwater PS options http://www.backscatter.com/learn/article/article.php?ID=57 - http://www.backscatter.com/learn/article/article.php?ID=57 |