Waterproof camera advice needed
Apr 18, 2021 09:45:39 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
Olympus Tough TG 6! Waterproof up to 30 feet, shock proof, internal stabilization, and you can sit on it and it won’t care.
Apr 18, 2021 10:25:59 #
My wife surprised me with a Olympus TG-5 as a gift. My reaction was negative. I have good cameras that I picked out. I asked why she gave it to me. "You need a camera for those days that cause you to fuss over your gear too much." But, how could it take good pictures with such a small sensor? I forced myself to leave all my cherished regular gear behind and took the TG-5 on a one week trip to Florida. There are enough options in the menus where it can be a complicated camera. I was lazy, so set it on the most automatic mode offered. I was impressed with my results and it is now a favorite camera.
Did I mention that it has GPS, a compass and a flashlight built in? Olympus provides a phone app for it. You can quickly pop a picture into your phone for sending to grandkids!
Did I mention that it has GPS, a compass and a flashlight built in? Olympus provides a phone app for it. You can quickly pop a picture into your phone for sending to grandkids!
Apr 18, 2021 11:29:02 #
I have several of the underwater cameras for snorkeling, they are good within the limits stated. Another way to go is a case for a DSLR. These allow for use in snorkeling or scuba, so certainly weather proof. Problem is that good cases, i.e., not a plastic bag, costs as much as a decent camera, > $1000.
Action cameras, GoPro also work well.
Action cameras, GoPro also work well.
Apr 18, 2021 11:45:02 #
Leo_B
Loc: Houston suburb
I don't have either but have had both Nikon and Olympus equipment through the years and now have Olympus which will go with me until it becomes part of my estate. As a fan of their equipment I'd go with the TG-6 or maybe a TG-5. Good luck.
Apr 18, 2021 12:31:52 #
I’ve owned both Nikon AW-300 and Olympus TG-5. Both excellent.
Our daughter now owns the Nikon on treks up Kilimanjaro and down to the bottom of Grand Canyon. Because of her excellent composition, its relatively small image makes beautiful 11x14 canvas prints. Comes with all the neck strap needed because it is so light. Also got two extra batteries.
I carry the heavier, chunky Olympus on easier hikes and in rainy weather in the woods and in cities. I added a filter to protect the lens and a 1/2 wide neck strap. Also got a small case (also with neck strap) to carry the camera and two extra batteries. With this camera, I do hand-held macros illuminated by its little LED light.
I like both cameras for your purposes, and lean toward the Nikon because of it weighs less and requires much less fiddling.
Our daughter now owns the Nikon on treks up Kilimanjaro and down to the bottom of Grand Canyon. Because of her excellent composition, its relatively small image makes beautiful 11x14 canvas prints. Comes with all the neck strap needed because it is so light. Also got two extra batteries.
I carry the heavier, chunky Olympus on easier hikes and in rainy weather in the woods and in cities. I added a filter to protect the lens and a 1/2 wide neck strap. Also got a small case (also with neck strap) to carry the camera and two extra batteries. With this camera, I do hand-held macros illuminated by its little LED light.
I like both cameras for your purposes, and lean toward the Nikon because of it weighs less and requires much less fiddling.
Apr 18, 2021 13:24:09 #
For my fishing trips where I bang around a camera, put it in water, etc., I purchased a Fuji XP from Costco...no view finder but it works well...takes a beating.
If you want a better camera that can withstand some weather, Oly OMD em5 mark ii or markiii with some of their weather resistance lenses would work. I have them and dont worry about rain...never a problem.
If you want a better camera that can withstand some weather, Oly OMD em5 mark ii or markiii with some of their weather resistance lenses would work. I have them and dont worry about rain...never a problem.
Apr 18, 2021 14:22:55 #
Ringer wrote:
And does it take good pictures? Simplistic question, I know, but I take lots of everyday pictures that don't require the water-proof capability.
An Olympus OM-D E-M5 MkII with Olympus 14-150mm lens is weatherproof - should be OK on the deck of a heaving cruise liner in the midst of a monster storm. Great quality pics - excellent zoom range. Not recommended for scuba diving however.
Apr 18, 2021 14:26:28 #
JohnR wrote:
An Olympus OM-D E-M5 MkII with Olympus 14-150mm lens is weatherproof - should be OK on the deck of a heaving cruise liner in the midst of a monster storm. Great quality pics - excellent zoom range. Not recommended for scuba diving however.
You are absolutely right on that...I have that exact set up and like it a lot...perfect travel camera. Add a 17 or 12 mm prime for indoors at churches, and it really is nice.
Apr 18, 2021 14:48:17 #
captxmas
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area
In reality, either of these "pocket" cameras will give excellent results.
The difference is in the size of the sensor which translates to how big a print or crop you may wish to make later. Pocket cameras deliver good quality up to 8 x 10 in my humble opinion but beyond that, they suffer.
Although with the new abilities of Photoshop and elements to "enlarge" the quality I would love to hear if this dilemna has been overcome.
The difference is in the size of the sensor which translates to how big a print or crop you may wish to make later. Pocket cameras deliver good quality up to 8 x 10 in my humble opinion but beyond that, they suffer.
Although with the new abilities of Photoshop and elements to "enlarge" the quality I would love to hear if this dilemna has been overcome.
Apr 18, 2021 14:50:42 #
I had both, the Nikon AW100 and a TG2; both take great pictures. I did not like the Nikon Menu but thought it was better for UW images; it had a range down to 100', which you probably would not care anyway. I took the Nikon UW as a backup to my main camera rig.
I also found the GPS feature of the Nikon useful to tell me where the photos were taken. I am not sure the current Olympus models has that feature. In a nutshell, the Olympus is more rugged but I liked the Nikon size and ability to take pictures UW to greater depths. Can't go wrong with either camera, it is what feels better in your hands. They are both superior to smartphones in the ability to encounter a rough environment, and a better optical zoom.
I also found the GPS feature of the Nikon useful to tell me where the photos were taken. I am not sure the current Olympus models has that feature. In a nutshell, the Olympus is more rugged but I liked the Nikon size and ability to take pictures UW to greater depths. Can't go wrong with either camera, it is what feels better in your hands. They are both superior to smartphones in the ability to encounter a rough environment, and a better optical zoom.
Apr 18, 2021 14:52:05 #
My hobby is underwater photography, and use Olympus TG 4 & 5 as my pocket and underwater backup cameras. The TG's are excellent all around cameras, versatile, compact, very tough, and take excellent photos.
Apr 18, 2021 14:58:16 #
I have a TG5 which takes wonderful pictures and is bulletproof. I snorkel with it all the time (was in St. John last week) and it has never leaked. I had a predecessor Olympus, the 1030. It did leak while I was in the Galapagos Islands. I rinsed it out with fresh water, let it dry and it kept on working with no problems!
Apr 18, 2021 14:59:46 #
TG-5 or 6 will do an amazing job for you. Be sure to get one of these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/174260364743?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=174260364743&targetid=1068323852830&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1015206&poi=&campaignid=12590223046&mkgroupid=121185197433&rlsatarget=pla-1068323852830&abcId=9300523&merchantid=101652106&gclid=Cj0KCQjwse-DBhC7ARIsAI8YcWIuYCBo-B4MKqDw28rrVsCTpgM0iXsLqRlRb6CUglsNUf85L-KKAkQaAjkYEALw_wcB
Apr 18, 2021 16:23:14 #
Cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 MkII (or similar Panasonics I own) are weather resistant. Weather proof, maybe not so much. Certainly there are limits of weather resistant where salt spray or beach sand is involved. Cameras like the TG-5 can be washed under a fresh water faucet. Weather resistant cameras, maybe not.
Apr 18, 2021 17:13:10 #
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.
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