fuminous Loc: Luling, LA... for now...

Yup, Olympus TG-4 - I use one for walking around and kayak/canoeing- just tie it to your vest and stuff it under a strap or pocket. Also, I shove my Nikons into an inexpensive, rubber DiCAPac "bag". I wouldn't trust it in whitewater but it's fine for piddle paddling and keeping your camera dry from splashes and drips- rain, too. The problem is condensation if the bag is in the sun so, gotta watch that but, can still get a full frame shot when you want/need to and not have to drag your camera out into the elements- works good in the rain, too.

seagullmist Loc: Niantic CT

I kayak and shoot photos. Get an inflatable one. Very comfortable and not bulky. Also I have a small pelican case for a my Nikon d3300. Easy to access and then put back in. Once you flip your kayak you will understand a lot more. Lanyards on everything.

smk124 Loc: Cheltenham, PA

Both of these comments are spot on. Vests with the high back allow you to lean back farther. Much easier on the back.
Buy one for comfort, good pockets, and easy tightening. And keep it zipped up.
You definitely need to put your eye on the camera to see anything in the sun.
Zip-lock or dry bags are fine for small cameras or phones. I brought my Sony a6000 on a river trip last year, happily resting in an expensive "waterproof" case, lashed to the rigging in front of me. When I flipped in rapids, the case hit a rock and I said goodbye to that camera and lens. replaced the camera. It could have been my head hitting the rock.

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

It is older, but I use a Panasonic Lumix waterproof when Kayaking and snorkeling. Newer cameras may be improved, but Lumix gives good results.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

I carry my SONY Rx100 (in a ziplock when not in use) - never a problem in around six years of occasional trips of up to two weeks long. Lots of great photos though.
You need extra batteries if kayak camping, as I have.
For a safety vest, I use a type called SOSpenders, an inflatable made in other names by other manufacturers. Its light and out of the way even while you wear it, and coast guard approved. It's not suitable for whitewater kayaking though, where you can get knocked out if you trip on a rock.

mjmjam Loc: Michigan

Fuji has a nice water safe point and shoot. Not sure what model # it is

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I plan on using my T1i in the kayak, less expensive than my G15 at this point, perhaps a used DSLR of the type your used to, about like jackets, I've had several for a lot of boats, best for wearing while paddeling so far has been a LL Bean that they used in their kayak trips, second best would be fisherman's style, try to get a cross, paddling fit with pockets for gear that needs to be at hand, enjoy, Bob.
BTW get a dry bag no mater what size or style of camera, most dumps occur getting in or out in my experience.

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

If you do plan on taking kayak photography more seriously you will want to be as comfortable as possible. Buy a set of Sospenders that will autoinflate. These will not interfere at all with the seatback. Finding a traditional vest that will mesh comfortably with the seat on your yaks can be a chore. Good luck. Yakking is fun and you can really sneak up on the wildlife.

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

Nikon AW 130 refurbished.

billpan45

Three quick notes: 1] Any good point-and-shoot will do the job. 2] I have dropped three cameras in the water over my long kayaking career. It's a fact of life. 3] I rarely found a truly exceptional photo, maybe an occasional lighthouse scene, but most were record shots.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Nikon just released a new pocket waterproof camera for about $186..if interested, search for it on the B&H website.

roncanoe

I use a Pelican box (they come in a variety of sizes) for my DSLR with 28-300 zoom. That and a waterproof pocket camera in a pocket on the life jacket covers all my on-water photo needs.

Don709

I had the same problem as you. My Nikon even with a Cheap EWA housing was too heavy and bulky to use. I just purchased a Polaroid, good for 10 ft underwater. As for the life jacket, I use a device that looks and feels like a pair of suspenders. You can get this at Cabella's under the name "Essential" for about $90. Or you can go to West Marine and get one that will inflate automatically when submerged for about $20 more.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Don't go on the water without a buoyancy aid, a good kayak retailer should have a reasonable variety. They won't necessarily save your life, but they might buy you enough time for someone else to. There have already been a no. of recorded fatalities in North America this year to ill equipped kayakers, lack of a buoyancy aid being one.
You can get basic ones, mainly intended for centre use, or spend a bit more and get a touring style which will have a few pockets on. Probably not necessary to go to a sea kayaking or whitewater specific design. And get a cheap cag, a Walmart job will do to keep the wind of you, it can get chilly on a lake with even a light breeze. Enjoy your paddling. Better ones available in your local watersports centre.

As for the camera, I've had Pentax (now RICOH) and currently use a NIKON AW100. The Pentax is at the bottom of the Pacific because the strap broke. All the cameras are much of a muchness but OLYMPUS TOUGH and PANASONIC models seem highly thought of. Consider a waterbuoy in case you should drop the camera or like mine, the strap breaks. Both of mine have been O.K. in bright light, but pretty dire in low light, and the flash has hardly been worth bothering it.

The SX60 idea is good, but wait until you have some confidence in the boat before unzipping waterproof bags etc. on board.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

Don't know about the camera, but suggest you check out a store that sells kayaks for a life vest.