Fishing camera recommendations

[beamerflying]

Hey guys,

My better half "misplaced" our digital camera (which I quickly forgave because she puts up with me ).
I know there's a photography forum but I'm specifically looking for recommendations for fishing/camping trips. Have a good buddy who highly recommends the Olympus waterproof/shockproof/freezeproof models. However, I did some online research and found some disgruntled customers. Evidently, they don't cover water infiltration, drops etc in their warranty! What's the point? Any of you have this problem? I think Pentax and Fuji have models in this range also.
I think most basic digital reviews give the nod to Canons and Nikons but just curious if any of you have a different perspective.
Just looking for a 7-10 Megapixel camera with a decent visual zoom. I like the waterproof feature for underwater shots and accidental dunkings on float trips or wading slips. Not looking for a digital SLR or anything to huge. just something that will fit in my vest and take good pics.

Thanks!

Beamer

[Mad Dog-11]

After losing/destroying two camera's in the water. I bought the Olympus camera. I liked it so much I ended up buying another one so I could have one and my wife could have one. It's been with me all over the world from Iraq/Afghanistan, to China, to rivers of Alaska. It take great pics, is easy to use, fits in my fly vest, and I have not had any issues with it. It's a great camera for the price IMO.

[jakec5253]

pentax

Take a look at the Pentax Optio W60. It is a 10 megapixel waterproof camera. I am very happy with mine, it takes great pictures both above and under water. I think they are waterproof down to 15 feet, but if I fall in that deep, I don't think I will be thinking about taking pictures. You can shop around online and find them for around 225.

Jake

[ak_powder_monkey]

Take a look at the Pentax Optio W60. It is a 10 megapixel waterproof camera. I am very happy with mine, it takes great pictures both above and under water. I think they are waterproof down to 15 feet, but if I fall in that deep, I don't think I will be thinking about taking pictures. You can shop around online and find them for around 225.

+1 but it looks like canon is coming out w/ a wp p&s too

[bigcox]

After losing/destroying two camera's in the water. I bought the Olympus camera. I liked it so much I ended up buying another one so I could have one and my wife could have one. It's been with me all over the world from Iraq/Afghanistan, to China, to rivers of Alaska. It take great pics, is easy to use, fits in my fly vest, and I have not had any issues with it. It's a great camera for the price IMO.

Another Vote for the Olympus Stylus 1030. Great Camera!

Fish On!

[FishnPhil]

Another vote for the Olympus 1030....it's a good camera for sure.

2 downsides to it from my own experience...
The lens position on the camera. After using it numerous times I've learned to keep my fingers away from the lens, however, when I ask someone to take a picture using it, they almost always have a finger in the picture. What a stupid position for the lens instead of being in the center of the camera like most.

The other thing is there is no view finder on that camera. Only the LCD screen. If it is real sunny, sun hits the LCD at certain angles, etc. you can't see the LCD screen very well, and you can't see the picture that you are taking because of that. It's been a real pain a couple of times.

[bstacy1974]

I tend to be brand loyal and was a Sony person for many years. But the wife wanted a Canon like her friends had, so we bought one. I switched brands. I like a Canon. Most of them use SD cards, which, from my experience, are less expensive and eaiser to find than the XD cards.
So, when I read ak_powder_monkey's thread, I checked. Sure enough, looks like Canon has a waterproof camera.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...delFeaturesAct

Its worth checking into. Try newegg.com. They usually have really good pricing on cameras.
Stike that! Looks like the camera doesn't hit the market until May.
Ben

[sheep man]

pentex w60 i have the older model w30 and w20 can't say enough about them,great outdoor camera,they can take a beating and keep right on taking pic.............

[danattherock]

I have the Pentax W20 (or W30). Great waterproof camera. Heard good things of the Olympus waterproof camera as well. Check them out at B&H Photo website. Great place to buy from. Consider a small neoprene sleeve/case to protect the lcd screen.

[Alaskan Salmon Sith]

I have a Sony DSC-W170 and I love it. It's got a 5x Optical Zoom with a Carl Zeiss lens. Its 10.1 megapixels and has a large LCD screen on the back. It is not waterproof, but if you are careful with it, you should be alright. It ran me $199 bux.

[6XLeech]

+1 for Pentax Optio...

W60, flawless function in rain in and under water x 4 years now.
Great pictures. Excellent battery life (buy a second battery with your camera). Small and slim enough to comfortably fit into wader pocket.

I think Canon and Sony make great cameras. If theirs are waterproof and they're available at a good price (Cameraland deal for instance), they're probably fine too.

Good luck.

[flying ties]

W60

Beamer,
I bought the w60 last Sept. It's a great camera for the reasons mentioned below - I bought it for its waterproof capabilities.

I would note two items I haven't been particularly satisfied with:
1. the picture viewer scratches easily. I had to buy a soft cloth case to keep the screen from getting anymore scratches on it.
2. the pictures it takes are not terrible, but they are certainly not great. My eight year old 3.2 MP Kodiak point-and-shoot takes more appealing, vibrant pictures. In addition, I experience some blurring when zoomed in.

I've included an above and below water picture if you care to take a look...please no laughing at the ridiculously small size of the trout.

[Charholio]

Olympus Stylus 1030SW

shock proof to 6.6' (so they say)
crush proof to 220 lbs (again, so they say)
waterproof to 33'
freezeproof to 14 degrees F
10.1 megapixel
3.6 optical zoom

Durable, waterproof, easy to use, small enough to easily fit in a shirt pocket.

To prevent scratches to any LCD screen you can buy universal screen protectors for a few dollars that you simply cut to size and place on the screen. I bought some made by WriteRight in Best Buy, I think.

[beamerflying]

Thanks everyone for the great replies and recommendations. I guess my issue with the Olympus' are the multiple reviews stating they had water infiltration issues (i.e. leakage) within the specified depths and Olympus refused to cover within the warranty. I realize a lot of reviews end up negative because when people get pissed off, they tend to vocalize about it. I was curious about anyone up here who might've had problems.

I'm leaning towards the Pentax W60. I'm also considering waiting until the Canon comes out in May. Canon consistently reviews at the top of the point and shoot digitals and seems to have the best sensors in the business.

Flying ties, no one here I know laughs at the size of a fish...besides, don't you know "size doesn't matter"!

Beamerflying

[danattherock]

Buy the Pentax W 60. I am sure you will love it. I have the older model and it is an awesome camera. Stays in my chest pocket on my waders on all Alaska float trips. Consider getting the neoprene sleeve (case) to protect the lcd. I just throw mine in a cheap wash cloth and that works too.