rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

In our younger years, my wife and I had an inflatable kayak; I believe the bags of air which made up its sides made it more stable than most, but I always felt I was 'rocking the boat', so I never took anything more expensive than a P&S out with me; these days I would definitely take only a camera designed to be submerged, because I am quite certain the boat could flip over in much less time than it would take you to put a camera in a waterproof container.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Get a "tough" camera. They are literally tough, as well as being waterproof. A wrist strap would be a good addition.

OviedoPhotos

About 12 years ago I went on a FL kayak trip and took an Fuji waterproof camera with me. Captured some great shots, but they didn't compare to my D200 at the time. I wore it attached to my vest and when the kayak rolled it stayed on and was protected. I used it for a couple of years but then it broke.
I then switched to Olympus starting with two Tough 6000 which was capable. One was mounted to the kayak for video the other was on my vest, this was a shorter kayak trip. They are now up to a TG5 and its much better. I have it and the TG4 and they are both good cameras for what they are. Both take decent video.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Olympus TG-5. So I would opt for the waterproof camera. Just make sure it has a floatation device attached. It can be waterproof—and at the bottom of the lake, river.....

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Please listen carefully; do not take any decent camera kayaking; I found out the hard way. I had a very good Ricoh camera with a 2.8 lens fitted. I had done many kayaking trips- with a trusted colleague, and the images were used by a lifestyle mag. But... I took a swan dive out of the kayak into a 30 ft deep lock, my camera in a secure water proof bag on my belt. people managed to haul me out ok, although I was bleeding like a stuck pig- old iron on the bottom. camera? Oh dear me ... totally kaput, as in finished. And more to the point, when I tried to claim on insurance, I was told to report to the local police station to report the loss. Upshot ? Take a hike pal.

Smokeys65 Loc: Tennessee

You can use a Pelican case but they are costly and by the time you get it open and get your camera ready you may have missed an opportunity

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

The last kayak venture was in a two-person kayak. Getting out involved stepping onto a dock. Gallant to the end, I offered my wife the opportunity to disembark first, while I held onto the dock. I really am uncertain what happened, but she lost her balance and ended up stepping on to the side of the boat in such a way that flipped the kayak completely over. There I was, upside down - thankfully, without a camera. For the future, I would go on another kayak venture and even with that history, I would take a DSLR the next time. But I would not take my wife, unless she has her own vessel! We have laughed about that incident over and over again, through the years since that occured.

nikonboy Loc: Apple Valley, MN and Pine Island, Florida

I have taken my pretty good stuff out in kayaks for many years (Nikon D7200 and Nikon 80-400) with never even a close call. You will get fabulous opportunities for water birds of all kinds, and sometimes land animals as well. I do take the camera in a dry bag for loading, unloading, and general transport. I cover the camera with a small towel when it is not actually up to my face. When paddling it is inevitable that you will get some water dripping into your kayak from the paddle. That's where the towel comes in handy. I shoot in salt water and have never had a problem by keeping the camera in my lap and covered with the towel.

However, not all kayaks are created equal. Getting in and out is the most risky part. I keep my dry bag on the ground until I am safely in, and set it out on the ground , or dock, before getting out. The wider the kayak the more stable it is. I rented a narrow sea kayak in Alaska while on a cruise, and that one was extremely tippy. I did not feel secure in that one at all. But I did get amazing shots of seals and eagles.

All that fabulous camera gear won't help you a bit if you don't have it with you. Dry bag, towel, and a stable kayak, you are ready to go get some fabulous pictures.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Everything we do in life worth doing involves some risk—and so we do “risk assessment”. I enjoy walking in the woods—so I wear appropriate footwear. I enjoy kayaking and photography—so I wear a life jacket and a waterproof camera.

Do what you enjoy—while mitigating the risks involved.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

For on water I have a waterproof ammo box I have found I can fit my 7D with a 100-400inside 1 latch to open, added a little padding a lens cloth or 2 and a brush and teather it to the boat . Or my SX50 in a ziplock bag works great also for less bulk

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Be ready to save yourself not your gear. Buy a waterproof camera and have fun.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Small Waterproof Camera + Kayak = GOOD. Bigger Camera + Kayak = BAD.

Marilia Loc: Dallas, TX

I use and older Canon SX40, great zoom and not a big deal if it gets wet ;)

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

There is a lot of good advice here that likely validates your initial feelings.

I do a fair amount of kayaking on small lakes and gently moving river water. From the beginning (30+ years ago), I have used a dry bag with a soft towel in it to prevent incidental bumping of my everyday dslr and a 24-105 lens with a circular polarizing filter. Just too much neat stuff out here to photograph. And the fact that you are moving quietly and slowly, but most importantly, close to the water's surface, you want camera gear you TRUST to capture incredible scenes that are unforgettable once you download them. HAVE FUN!

Like others have mentioned... we have insurance to back us up.