I am strictly a grandmother hobbyist -- and not an adventurous one -- but I'm beginning to think I need a waterproof camera. I wanted a compact point-and-shoot with a viewfinder and thought I had found the perfect camera (for me) in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z550. Unfortunately, I have now ruined two of them and have learned they are not compatible with my desire to take pictures while standing out on the deck of a moving cruise ship. First, the Norwegian damp wind and slight rain got the first one, then a cruise through the Canadian maritime provinces nearly finished off the second one. It is still operable, but the zoom is unreliable and it is showing general signs of wear after too short a time. Now, if the European countries on our itinerary loosen their entry restrictions, we are headed for Iceland, various islands, and then Scandinavia -- another damp trip with lots to see from on deck. I have read about the Olympus TG-6 and the Nikon CoolPix W300. They are similar, though at first glance the Nikon may offer more for the money. Suggestions? Does it sound like I am thinking correctly? I'm open to advice and I've learned this is a good place to get it. : ) Oh, and I still need a camera to take pictures of granddaughters in the wildflowers, the occasional birthday party, etc.

I am strictly a grandmother hobbyist -- and not an adventurous one -- but I'm beginning to think I need a waterproof camera. I wanted a compact point-and-shoot with a viewfinder and thought I had found the perfect camera (for me) in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z550. Unfortunately, I have now ruined two of them and have learned they are not compatible with my desire to take pictures while standing out on the deck of a moving cruise ship. First, the Norwegian damp wind and slight rain got the first one, then a cruise through the Canadian maritime provinces nearly finished off the second one. It is still operable, but the zoom is unreliable and it is showing general signs of wear after too short a time. Now, if the European countries on our itinerary loosen their entry restrictions, we are headed for Iceland, various islands, and then Scandinavia -- another damp trip with lots to see from on deck. I have read about the Olympus TG-6 and the Nikon CoolPix W300. They are similar, though at first glance the Nikon may offer more for the money. Suggestions? Does it sound like I am thinking correctly? I'm open to advice and I've learned this is a good place to get it. : ) Oh, and I still need a camera to take pictures of granddaughters in the wildflowers, the occasional birthday party, etc.

Those advertised as weather resistant cameras and lenses offer a very flimsy protection; they have a thin gasket or O-ring between the lens mount and the body which prevents some water from passing through. it will not prevent water under even with light pressure from penetrating the inner parts; the moving knobs and rings hardly offer any protection from water or salt spray. Of course a little protection is better than none, but I would not count on that as way to keep water or salt in the air as a barrier. Furthermore, washing such cameras and lenses under a water faucet will spell death to the equipment. If you want to make sure the equipment will properly operate under adverse conditions, get a camera designed for that application. Otherwise protect any gear with covers or a housings when rain and water spray is a concern.

I am strictly a grandmother hobbyist -- and not an adventurous one -- but I'm beginning to think I need a waterproof camera. I wanted a compact point-and-shoot with a viewfinder and thought I had found the perfect camera (for me) in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z550. Unfortunately, I have now ruined two of them and have learned they are not compatible with my desire to take pictures while standing out on the deck of a moving cruise ship. First, the Norwegian damp wind and slight rain got the first one, then a cruise through the Canadian maritime provinces nearly finished off the second one. It is still operable, but the zoom is unreliable and it is showing general signs of wear after too short a time. Now, if the European countries on our itinerary loosen their entry restrictions, we are headed for Iceland, various islands, and then Scandinavia -- another damp trip with lots to see from on deck. I have read about the Olympus TG-6 and the Nikon CoolPix W300. They are similar, though at first glance the Nikon may offer more for the money. Suggestions? Does it sound like I am thinking correctly? I'm open to advice and I've learned this is a good place to get it. : ) Oh, and I still need a camera to take pictures of granddaughters in the wildflowers, the occasional birthday party, etc.