Unafraid of Water: My husband and I like to do active vacations (including river rafting, kayaking, even biking in bad weather), but he's managed to trash several cameras by dropping...

AnnaS

My husband and I like to do active vacations (including river rafting, kayaking, even biking in bad weather), but he's managed to trash several cameras by dropping them into the lake or just splashing too much.

Now he allows that he would actually LIKE a good waterproof SLR. Video is not a requirement, though it could be nice. We don't do deep dives, but do snorkel. Small, portable, and easy to use would be highly prized.

Has anyone got recommendations to buy (or to avoid)?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Nikon 1AW is waterproof up to 50'. The drawback is the small sensor and limited lenses.

AnnaS

Thanks much Cdouthitt! Do you own one? If you do, how do you like the pictures?

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

AnnaS wrote:

My husband and I like to do active vacations (including river rafting, kayaking, even biking in bad weather), but he's managed to trash several cameras by dropping them into the lake or just splashing too much.

Now he allows that he would actually LIKE a good waterproof SLR. Video is not a requirement, though it could be nice. We don't do deep dives, but do snorkel. Small, portable, and easy to use would be highly prized.

Has anyone got recommendations to buy (or to avoid)?

No such thing as a waterproof DSLR.
There are water resistant DSLRs.
For waterproof you need to go away from DSLR into either an SLR or a lesser sensored camera.

AnnaS

Thanks, lighthouse! We definitely need waterPROOF. It should take pictures. Obviously, digital, not film. Besides that, I'm open to suggestions.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

AnnaS wrote:

Thanks, lighthouse! We definitely need waterPROOF. It should take pictures. Obviously, digital, not film. Besides that, I'm open to suggestions.

This might help.
I am not familiar with any of these.
Larger sensors (physical size not megapixels) will yield better quality (generally)
http://waterproof-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-1-aw1/2

AnnaS

Thanks, lighthouse. That really does seem helpful.
Anna

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

AnnaS wrote:

My husband and I like to do active vacations (including river rafting, kayaking, even biking in bad weather), but he's managed to trash several cameras by dropping them into the lake or just splashing too much.

Now he allows that he would actually LIKE a good waterproof SLR. Video is not a requirement, though it could be nice. We don't do deep dives, but do snorkel. Small, portable, and easy to use would be highly prized.

Has anyone got recommendations to buy (or to avoid)?

I may have a solution. Nikon 1 J1 camera (refurbbed possibly), and a true waterproof housing good to 150 feet. Total cost $430.
Never worry about water damage again.

AnnaS

Haha - if I stop worrying about water damage, he'll be clever enough to find some other way to mess with the equipment...

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

AnnaS wrote:

Thanks much Cdouthitt! Do you own one? If you do, how do you like the pictures?

Don't own one. It's just the only dslr that I know of that is "waterproof".

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I long ago made the decision not to sacrifice my DSLR to the water gods.... I have a decent point-and-shoot that I take kayaking, etc., and I keep it in a heavy (freezer-strength) zip-lock baggie until I want to take it out to shoot some photos.

Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal

AnnaS wrote:

My husband and I like to do active vacations (including river rafting, kayaking, even biking in bad weather), but he's managed to trash several cameras by dropping them into the lake or just splashing too much.

Now he allows that he would actually LIKE a good waterproof SLR. Video is not a requirement, though it could be nice. We don't do deep dives, but do snorkel. Small, portable, and easy to use would be highly prized.

Has anyone got recommendations to buy (or to avoid)?

Interesting. Most modern SLars are pretty well sealed. I have exposed my nikons to the conditions you describe with no ill effects at all, including shooting in the rain.

I admit that I have never dropped one in the water though. Years ago I dropped a Hasselblad 500 C/M into the ocean. After a complete cleaning it worked flawlessly for several years-no electronics on board admittedly.

Anyway, a complete.y waterproof camera is going to be pricy. Housings are available, but I find them bulky and hard to use. But god luck in addressing this problem.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

AnnaS wrote:

.... but he's managed to trash several cameras by dropping them into the lake.......

Bazbo wrote:

...... I have exposed my nikons to the conditions you describe with no ill effects at all, including shooting in the rain.

I admit that I have never dropped one in the water though. ......

Well its obvious Bazbo, even by your own admission, that you HAVE NOT exposed your Nikons to the conditions she describes.

Why do people on UHH do this sort of thing??
Do they not read what is actually written before they start typing?
Or are they just lying on purpose?
Either way, its just straight out BS and disrespect to the original OP.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

MT's suggestion is a pretty neat solution--I saw one at his store.

I have a dry-bag type DSLR holster that I keep my camera in when I'm on the water, but I wouldn't expect it to keep dry for long if submerged.

There are many waterproof point and shoots on the market though, if your Husband is willing to go that route.

PhotoJoe Loc: WASHINGTON

I'd be very interested in what you decide on and why, I just started Kayaking and have already noticed the photo ops. Decided my DSLR wasn't expendable either. Also looked at the ok elite cases....cost more than the camera and a stock lens.