Waterproof cameras (again): I've just turned my second Nikon AW120 into a brick, and am going to try a different model this time. Any recommendations for durability? I bought the first...

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

I've just turned my second Nikon AW120 into a brick, and am going to try a different model this time. Any recommendations for durability?

I bought the first AW120 two years ago. We tested it OK a few times in a swimming pool, but the seal leaked while snorkeling about a month after purchase. Nikon replaced it under warranty, and we've used that replacement for two years. Now it leaked again this past weekend.

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

I'm still using my Sony T-10 Cybershot .. Now 5 years old ... Used on eBay all day .. I paid $450 new ... Now Used $150.
If you buy a used one ... Have the seal replaced by an authorized Sony repair .. And you are good to go ...

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

Olympus TG4 and/or a GoPro4-----Have used both EXTENSIVELY underwater, in surf, etc---never a problem!

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

Thanks all - I'll take a look at the Sony, Oly and GoPro. All of the camera comparison sites compare pixels and f/stops and picture quality, but none of them compare the ruggedness or waterproofness of these cameras.

I know that's not a word, but it fits here.

BebuLamar

Nikonos V. It shoots film but well I never have problem with it.

MiroFoto

What about their picture quality? I was told the GoPro is just for video (excellent) but the pic quality (No)- buy a real camera. Also reported that Olympus Tough has traditionally weak quality.
????
Miro

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

PrairieSeasons wrote:

I've just turned my second Nikon AW120 into a brick, and am going to try a different model this time. Any recommendations for durability?

I bought the first AW120 two years ago. We tested it OK a few times in a swimming pool, but the seal leaked while snorkeling about a month after purchase. Nikon replaced it under warranty, and we've used that replacement for two years. Now it leaked again this past weekend.

Check out these recommendations:

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-waterproof-tough-cameras-2016-17302

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

Sony will have better picture quality.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Take a look at GoPro and see what they have to offer. I know that there is a still frame mode.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

PrairieSeasons wrote:

Thanks all - I'll take a look at the Sony, Oly and GoPro. All of the camera comparison sites compare pixels and f/stops and picture quality, but none of them compare the ruggedness or waterproofness of these cameras.

I know that's not a word, but it fits here.

Actually the word is waterproofability. LOL

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

PrairieSeasons wrote:

I've just turned my second Nikon AW120 into a brick, and am going to try a different model this time. Any recommendations for durability?

I bought the first AW120 two years ago. We tested it OK a few times in a swimming pool, but the seal leaked while snorkeling about a month after purchase. Nikon replaced it under warranty, and we've used that replacement for two years. Now it leaked again this past weekend.

Sounds like a quality control problem..Wrist watches, supposedly waterproof, don't always meet the challenge too.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

mas24 wrote:

Sounds like a quality control problem..Wrist watches, supposedly waterproof, don't always meet the challenge too.

It could be a QC problem, but after two failures I'm going to try another brand. The first one failed while snorkeling off of Jost Van Dyke in the BVI. I'm not worried about the $200 or whatever for the camera, but about memories from a vacation. We're going to Hawaii in a couple weeks, and I'm taking a different brand of waterproof camera.

I'm a Nikonian when it comes to DSLRs, and will be taking both a D300s and a D500 on that trip, but no more Nikon AW1X0's.

twowindsbear

PrairieSeasons wrote:

It could be a QC problem, but after two failures I'm going to try another brand. The first one failed while snorkeling off of Jost Van Dyke in the BVI. I'm not worried about the $200 or whatever for the camera, but about memories from a vacation. We're going to Hawaii in a couple weeks, and I'm taking a different brand of waterproof camera.

I'm a Nikonian when it comes to DSLRs, and will be taking both a D300s and a D500 on that trip, but no more Nikon AW1X0's.

How about an underwater housing for one of your D's? They're probably as pricey as a u/w camera, though.

Pkfish Loc: Wilson Wy

Ive had an Oly 860(gave it to my niece) a tg3( gave it to my dad) and now have a tg4 (mostly for the raw shooting) All have been diving with me and in very rough and or very freezing temps and have never missed a beat. They all take NICE shoots. Not gallery stuff ,but I have printed some. This is my go to camera when I'm fishing and a lot of that is chest deep in really cold water in northern BC and the camera is submerged. Would not even think about another camera of this type. Just my opinion. Also check the reviews on B&H