Joexx

I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I will be looking at some of those cameras today. Joe

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

My wife has a Nikon AW 140, not for waterproof but it fits her hands well. About $270. It’s subject to flare though. Otherwise it’s a pretty good camera.

Joexx

A follow up question for anyone. how is the Olympus TG6 LCD when taking pictures in bright sunlight?

MJPerini

I bought the Olympus TG6, the interface is classic P&S (no finder)
But it is very rugged, can really be used under water (50 feet),
It shoots RAW, and Olympus has wisely limited it to 12 MP so the image quality is better than most.
It is not exactly cheap, but everywhere I looked it seemed to be the top recommendation.
I'm quite happy with it.
I bought a wrist strap with a small flotation device, so it is pretty care free even at the beach or on a boat in the ocean.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

I'm still using my TG4 and it's great!!

buckscop Loc: Bucks County PA

TG-5, great quality pics for a small camera. Have used underwater, but mostly take it to places where it might accidently get wet (beach etc). Nice standing in the surf off shore and taking pics. Never know you are carrying it. I use a small pouch that holds the camera, the cord, and a spare battery. Strap is long enough to go around my waist (not small) or diagonal across my chest . We've had it awhile, so I dont know if Olympus has made a better one yet. Forgot, also got a clear screw on lens for it so if I'm wiping off the water, I'm not doing it right on the camera lens.

francwoods

Agree! I did some research before a trip to Hawaii and picked up the TG-6. Unfortunately, due to some heavy rains the swimming was not great. But did get to try it out in our pool with the grandkids.
Also has variety of video modes.

(Download)

PierreD

Consider the Olympus TG-6 - 100% water proof, light and portable, great IQ, and within your price range.

Elias Amador

Olympus TG 4, 5 or 6. I have used all of them for scuba macro and wide angle with an Olympus underwater housing. I have also used the Nikon Coolpix but the TG 's are better all around. They also work great for sports and general photos. eBay has excellent bargains from time to time, can't go wrong. They also make great gifts.

HiFromSusan

I am amazed at what Olympus packs into its camera bodies. I have the EM10iii (waterproof), which is listed as a "beginner" camera, but it has many features of the midrange bodies offered by the Big Three -- at a lot less weight and a smaller price.

wmysd Loc: California

My two cents - I agree that the Olympus TGs and Panasonic TSs are great. I have both brands. Check the sealing surfaces carefully and frequently. But as careful as I am, sooner or later the cameras leak. Little leaks - like the lens is starting to show condensation on the inside - might be fixable by soaking in fresh water (unopened) and then burying in rice, but usually the camera stops working and is unsalvageable. So now I buy used cameras only, to minimize my loss when saltwater intrudes. I also always have at least two cameras with me on any trip I care about because one may cease to function. Also, whoever mentioned floating wrist straps is right; they're a necessity. Only camera I ever lost detached itself, somehow, from the floating strap. Fortunately it spiraled down right in front of some scuba divers so I got it back later the same day. Unfortunately the camera had exceeded its test depth by quite a lot, but I did salvage the SD card by soaking it in fresh water and then drying it. But don't let a corroded camera or two dissuade you - it's so much fun capturing images down below the waterline.

11bravo

I don't shoot "in water", but carried a TG4 in (cargo) pocket for years. Last year, upgraded to their TG6 for the added features.

The back screen is fixed, not even a small tilt, but that's the compromise for waterproof. I've had no trouble in bright sun, but I've got a large body so easy to shield while taking a photo. It doesn't have a long reach (zoom), and the non-ability to select shutter speed still throws me. But for convenience and roughness, can't be beat. And being able to use 1 handed, wrist loop over your wrist also convenient.

I also splurged, begrudgingly, and bought the obscenely overpriced twist lens cap, though I will say it is convenient.

rlaforge

Olympus TG-5 or TG-6 - hands down the best tough water proof cameras

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I live at the NJ shore and love to kayak. ill have to look into one for worry free photos on the water. wrist strap great idea along with clear front filter.