Snorkling Camera Question
Jan 10, 2013 12:55:41 #
I'm going to do a little snorkeling in the Caribbean this February.
I don't usually go down more than 10 feet.
Do any of the waterproof P&S cameras on the market take decent photos? I will use the built-in flash if possible.
I know "decent" is subjective, so I'd like to see some examples..
Do any of these camera shoot RAW?
Are the flash sync speeds for the built-in flashes fast enough to freeze movement of a slow moving fish? I will get within a few feet if I can.
I don't usually go down more than 10 feet.
Do any of the waterproof P&S cameras on the market take decent photos? I will use the built-in flash if possible.
I know "decent" is subjective, so I'd like to see some examples..
Do any of these camera shoot RAW?
Are the flash sync speeds for the built-in flashes fast enough to freeze movement of a slow moving fish? I will get within a few feet if I can.
Jan 10, 2013 13:01:18 #
Best Buy has a product called a "Go-Pro" system that is both camera and camcorder safe to 160 ft., My Son-in-Law has one and it seems to take pretty good shots. It sells for about $300.
Jan 10, 2013 14:09:22 #
I saw Go-Pro for sale and for rent, but the info did not say anything about a flash??
I'd still like to see some shots!
I'd still like to see some shots!
Jan 11, 2013 07:08:57 #
breck
Loc: Derbyshire UK
I havea Pentax waterproof camera that I have used to 3 feet and had some good results from it , but you need exeptionaly clear water to use flash if it is close to the camera lens. I understand there are also plastic waterproof housings ( not the bespoke housings and £100's but I havent any first hand experience with them
Jan 11, 2013 07:11:00 #
I have an Olympus "Tough" series. It is waterproof down to 30 feet, cold and shock resistant too. It has settings for underwater shooting and takes good pictures. Is a 12 megapixel camera.
Jan 11, 2013 07:44:29 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
nikonlad wrote:
I'm going to do a little snorkeling in the Caribbe... (show quote)
Google "waterproof camera reviews" and you will find a lot of info. I think I've seen some with 33 foot rating. I don't know if RAW is an option in any of them. Here are some of the top hits from the search.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366987,00.asp
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-6501_7-57428068-95/best-waterproof-rugged-cameras-and-camcorders-compared/
http://waterproof-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/
Jan 11, 2013 08:15:29 #
Jan 11, 2013 08:28:03 #
nikonlad wrote:
I'm going to do a little snorkeling in the Caribbe... (show quote)
I have an Olympus Tough camera. Two years ago, we spent a week in Jamaica (a little ways east of Falmouth). I did not snorkling myself, but among the people of our party that did, it quickly became the most popular camera and was borrowed just about every day we were there - it was the only waterproof camera we had within our party.
Both stills and video were taken with that little camera, and they turned out very good.
I think that the people of our party only went about 6-8 feet down, but none of them used flash. There is so much light at that depth that it isn't needed - at least in that part of the ocean.
If you enjoy your stay in the Caribbean half as much as we did, you'll have yourself a fantastic holiday!!!
EstherP
Jan 11, 2013 09:32:42 #
We bought a Olympus Tough Series to take to Hawaii. It took what I thought 'good' pictures. Keep in mind its more of a chore than what you do out if water. Looking thru the mask, etc makes somewhat tricky but not impossible. I heard of something after I got home called 'Snooba' where you have breathing device like a Scuba Diver but no tanks as all that stuff stays on the boat above and you are hooked up to hoses and weights. You can go down around 30' of so. My good friend did this year and came back ranting and raving about how cool and easy it was. I'm going back to do it now !
Jan 11, 2013 10:16:33 #
Go Pro on Facebook has hundreds of photos you can see. I bought a Sony waterproof camera for Vacation, Not like my D800, but excellent photos and it was always with me. The flash worked, but only for a short distance! Movies and panoramic stills, as well
nikonlad wrote:
I saw Go-Pro for sale and for rent, but the info did not say anything about a flash??
I'd still like to see some shots!
I'd still like to see some shots!
Jan 11, 2013 11:15:36 #
I have had PENTAX (W60) and a NIKON (AW100) waterproof compacts and both have been O.K. up to a point. The PENTAX is at the bottom of the Pacific because the strap broke (not the camera fixing but the plastic moulded joint between webbing and tie cord). I find these camera's struggle a little as soon as the light begins to go. Mega pixels on little chips means lots of in camera fixes going on to produce a picture. I use mine mainly on the surface when kayaking and they have worked O.K. in a well lit pool on video. If you just want it for snorkelling consider a WP case for an existing camera, this option does not work well on the surface as the rear viewing screen tends to 'polarise'and obscure whatever view you are trying to get. Plenty of GO-PRO stuff on You Tube. Best for wide angle movies. You'll find kayaking / windsurfing / parachuting, just about any action you care to name has been shot by someone wearing a GO-PRO. I'll let you know what the stills are like when my son gets his.
Jan 11, 2013 14:00:02 #
I snorkel and free dive with a Lumix Panasonic DMC ZS7 camera in an Ikelike housing. It takes excellent photos and has a 1080 video. You can see a friend's video by going to Blennylips on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQonhQSb964)
His latest video were shot with a Lumix. Mike also has a built in GPS-neat.
I have also taken some good ones with my Olympus waterproof camera in an Olympus housing. This is almost the best of both worlds in that if your housing leaks it doesn't really matter.
The first two were taken in Caye Caulker October 2012 and the third "Talking Turtle in St Johns in 2009
His latest video were shot with a Lumix. Mike also has a built in GPS-neat.
I have also taken some good ones with my Olympus waterproof camera in an Olympus housing. This is almost the best of both worlds in that if your housing leaks it doesn't really matter.
The first two were taken in Caye Caulker October 2012 and the third "Talking Turtle in St Johns in 2009
Jan 11, 2013 14:42:08 #
I opted for a waterproof housing for my regular camera when snorkeling in the Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef. A bit pricey, but worked beautifully and allowed me to take advantage of all of my camera's functions.
Jan 11, 2013 15:09:45 #
I am a firm believer in U/W housings. Part of that, is I am also a commercial diver, so each camera has to fulfill many functions.
I even still have a clearwater box for my old Nikonos V system.
Still great for black-water diving.
I even still have a clearwater box for my old Nikonos V system.
Still great for black-water diving.
Jan 11, 2013 22:08:38 #
rdowning
Loc: Ahsahka, Idaho
I have shot thousands of underwater photo's using a number of different camera's. My favorite and always "go to" camera is a canon SD950 IS, in a canon underwater housing. See photo's below from Little Corn Island Nicaragua. I like this camera so much I bought another. The flash is good at snorkel depth, but would be much better with a remote flash. I also have a canon D-10. this camera shoots very good photos, but you have to be very careful that you firmly close all compartments. I also have 2 olympus underwater point and shoot, and had a 3rd one as a work camera. these are very relieable underwater, but the photos are just so so. No where near the canon quality.
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