Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Just get photographs, not a Darwin award....

DataTamer

Depending on how large the lake you are kayaking on, you might want to consider this additional "safety gear". I believe that it has already saved 3 or 4 lives. http://seerescuestreamer.com/

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

Re. the life vests: go to the best kayak shop in your area and buy what they recommend. The cockpit in a kayak is tight, you need something that minimally restricts your movement but has the required buoyancy.

Re. the camera, the Panasonic Lumix line offers the best value in terms of image quality, zoom, and price, in my humble opinion.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Is there a waterproof underwater Lumix?

DMGill Loc: Colorado

Another vote for the Olympus TG4 ( https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=olympus%20stylus%20tough%20tg-4&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ps). I cary mine in a holster for use when I think it's to dicey to take the Nikon out of the dry sack that I have tied to the canoe. The rest of the camera gear is in Pelican waterproof cases strapped into the canoe. I can tell you that my Pelican cases are water proof and can withstand prolonged exposure to river water when the canoe is inverted. Similarly, my Olympus TG4 passed an unplanned test of it's water proofness. ;-) Take a look at NRS.com for canoe/kayak/raft equipment. They also can recommend a waterproof duffel that they say is used for cameras by many kayakers.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Speaking of ice. Make sure u are dressed for the water temp & not the air temp. Hypothermia is very serious. Any temp below 60f you should have at least a wet suit & anything 50f or colder a dry suit.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

I have an Olympus TG4 and love it. It can actually take underwater pics, and macro. Here are the specs:
16MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS Sensor
TruePic VII Image Processor
Olympus 4x Optical Zoom f/2.0-4.9 Lens
25-100mm (35mm Equivalent)
Water, Crush, Shock, Freeze & Dustproof
Full HD 1920 x 1080p Video Recording
Built-In Wi-Fi, GPS, and eCompass
ISO 6400 and 5 fps Shooting at Full Res.
RAW Capture & Live Composite
Microscope and Underwater Modes

I don't know what your budget is, but they range from about 200 used to 350 new

Have fun

fishbelt Loc: Spnecer Ma.

If it was the new version I would of took it. Have to check it out thank you.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Seeing that you are talking about a life vest you might also look into other safety equipment i.e. small gps, hand held vhf radio and of course some flares -- not auto flares. While you are into it call around for a small boating safety course -- The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers several courses including some for kayaks, personal watercraft (pwc). You'll never regret taking them and being ready for any emergencies you may have on the water. Be Safe.

MLAnderson

This thread is extremely entertaining.

Selene03

I have had the same questions as the OP so appreciate the answers, especially on life vests. I too have had questions on cameras to use. There is not a lot where I usually go but at certain times of the year, there are many birds and shorelines of interest. I have been using my Sony RX100 (original version), but it is hard to see in the sun and the zoom, though larger than that on more recent versions of the camera is still very limited. I have never been satisfied with the waterproof camera images and they don't have much more zoom than the RX100, which isn't enough. Some panasonic lumix cameras have longer lenses, but again, I am not impressed by the quality of the photos. I may end up deciding to separate hobbies and give up trying to get good photos from a kayak, I am spoiled by my full frame cameras, but don't want to risk them in the water. I am just throwing out random concerns, but am very interested if anyone has found a work around to all of these problems. I got a Sl1 with an 18-135 lens, that is pretty small and not all that expensive that fits in a medium size dry bag, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Any ideas welcome, and thanks to those of you who answered the op's question on life vests!

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

It probably depends upon what environments you are kayaking in. Some are relatively benign, some are not.

For relatively calm waters this may be appropriate: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-312482-1.html

This conversation needs to take into account much more than camera equipment.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Here's me, photo courtesy of my brother, who carries a full frame , or sometimes crop, Canon with him on the water. As you can see, I'm not too concerned about some splashing, but when it gets rough, the camera goes in the dry bag and in a hatch. E-M1 with 40-150 PRO. Or maybe that's my P/L 100-400. The bungee cords hold it nice and tight.

And I have no worries about image quality, with the Olympus. I did use to worry about water when I carried my Nikons, but I got some great shots.

(Download)

Pete K Loc: Webster Township, Michigan

Regarding kayaking vest.... Stohlquist brand, Men's Ebb model... 90.00-120.00

JonClayton Loc: Central Florida

I agree the Stohlquist PFD's are good also the Kokotat PFD's are good. You want to get one that does not restrict your paddling and other movements you need to be able to do while in the kayak. Make sure it fits you with a minimal amount of strap adjustments also make sure it is gender specific. It is amazing how different they make the male vs female PFD's for comfort.