wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

If you are going to be responsible for paddling and navigating on moving water you will probably find little time for serious photography. Kayaks are not good at remaining still, they move almost constantly. Check the provisions for storage. You may or may not have a secure storage compartment, and if you have one you might find you need other things (sunscreen, water) more. Just placing your equipment between your knees will not inspire confidence. While you are trying to ready your equipment your kayak will be drifting, turning, bumping into things, running aground etc. Dropping a paddle is funny for others, not for you. I would go for something waterproof and expendable, and small enough to hang around you neck. Live with the poor performance. Enjoy your trip.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

Hi P

I wanted to get grand daughter ten a camera for a trip we took 4 day cruise bahamas. She is interested in photography.

So I looked for a camera that had decent quality at best buy some budget cameras dont make decent images and video.

On big sale I got the Fugifilm finepix XP120 And underwater all around sports camera on big sale for about $150.

It takes good stills and the underwater stuff is even better. I don't believe good equipment should be near water.

I shoot a triathlon and it starts running and swimming a mile into the ocean. I have backed up and waded in the surf

with t 3k Sony Camcorder. I have been warned by a spotter that a big wave is coming. If you want to do underwater

stuff their are very pricy kits for quality cameras. Just a thought but you won't be worrying all the time. T

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

Marsha, I made a short 12 minute video of photography from a kayak which includes most of what I have learned on the subject, and many examples of the photos I have managed to take from a kayak. I am pretty sure you will find it helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYpQuDjYag&t=52s
Enjoy. If the link doesn't work search YouTube for Photoguy73 kayak.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Taking a camera in and out of a dry bag while you are on the move is a real pain.... if you MUST take good gear leave it in the bag until you have really good shooting opportunities; take a waterproof point and shoot and have FUN snapping shots as you are floating. You are NOT going on a National Geographic photo shoot. Don't expect to get DSLR quality on the P&S. Enjoy yourself ; I fell out of my Kayak just trying to get in the first time... Good luck and have fun.

Dr Photo

you can still find the Nikon 1 AW-1 cameras on the market, even though they are discontinued. Rugged, waterproof to over 50' and with an adapter, will take "big" Nikkor lenses. I've used one for diving, kayaking, skiing and just "general" photography. Highly recommended!

Bill_de Loc: US

It depends on the style of kayak and the type of water. You indicated no whitewater, that makes things easier. If it is a sit in, rather than a sit on top, you should have no problem. I always kept a piece of foam covered with a towel to rest the camera on. That kept the camera protected from anything but tipping over. When you want to use it just reach down and pick it up. I used various DSLR bodies over the years. I started with a 70-200 but switched over to a 200-400.

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John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

The WATERPROOF camera's are perhaps the safest option. I have had several - my favourite, a PENTAX WP60 is now in the Pacific of La Joolla, because the strap broke where the nylon cord was moulded to the webbing strap. My current NIKON AW100 is still going well after 6 years, but the feeling I get is that the OLYMPUS range is best - unless you can afford the NIKON AW1 which has a larger sensor. All of the cameras seem to perform to a decent standard so long as there is plenty of light about. All fall down in low levels and I've not found one yet with a flash worthy of the name.

So, depending on budget I'd certainly look at the AW1, then go to the Olympus TG5.
I would (considering my experiences above) look at a camera that can secure the strap at two points, if not look for a strap that can be fitted in the tripod mount then through the strap fitting. Fit a waterbouy, waterproof camera's still sink and if the water is a little bit dirty (suspended sediment etc.) you'll likely not see it again. If you go for a bigger model, a bridge camera perhaps, use a waterproof bag. I'd use the best considering the contents - and ORTLIEB have a good reputation, otherwise go for a hard case such as a Peli case and secure this to your kayak in such a position so that you can confidently retrieve it for use.
An alternative to 'proper' cameras would be the action camera's such as GOPRO. I've never had one, nor used one, but a lot of people like them.

You may be with friends, but I'd implore you to consider an introductory course with a coach, and not to skimp on the safety aspects - PFD's etc. I'm a B.C.U. L2K Coach and place a lot of emphasis on experience.

I hope you enjoy your trip and look forward to seeing your results on UHH later this year.


http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/nikon-1/adventure/nikon-1-aw1
http://www.olympus.co.uk/site/en/c/cameras/tough/tough_cameras/tg_5/index.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seatriever-Waterbuoy/dp/B001AGZY4K
http://www.ortlieb.com/en/
http://peliproducts.co.uk/cases/protector.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9uuahOXw2QIVlGwbCh3GPgHJEAAYAiAAEgJP7vD_BwE

All addresses are for UK / EU outlets but most will have a 'stars and stripes tag for transfer to your side of the pond.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Why stress your self physically and mentally with "the big stuff"? I carry my trusty old Sony in a zip-lock bag when I go kayaking. Easy to get out and put back, and if goes in the drink, no huge loss. And with a group of kayakers, you are bound to get splashed by other people's paddles.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Did that guy survive that jump? LOL

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

Just curious, what is the monopod for?

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Get yourself a waterproof ammo box. They are air tight and would float if overturned and it was loose. We used to canoe down the Delaware River and camp out on the islands and that's what I used. We never turned over (thanks to my heroics) but the camera (canon F1 at the time) never saw a DROP of water.

Elsiss Loc: Bayside, NY, Boynton Beach, Fl.

One of those waterproof cameras will suffice, as Rjwallace mentioned. Add a floating wrist strap to it and you have a great start.

billpilot Loc: Baltimore County, MD

I've been kayaking for a number of years and have always had a camera along to capture some great scenery. I've had the best luck with a Pentax W90 that is water proof and shock proof. I usually leave the DLSR at home or in the car as there is just no way to keep things dry on a kayak. I usually have the Pentax secured with a tether and in my lap at all times as you just never know when something will come up that is a good photo.

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

I always take a camera when kayaking. The camera I take depends on what I'm looking for, sometimes the "good stuff" with a 70-300 and sometimes the point and shoot, but they are always in a dry bag till it's time to photograph something. I have a large dry bag for the good stuff and a phone sized one for the point and shoot. Just be sure you have a good dry bag.

BTW, they do make good waterproof cameras for scuba diving, I saw an ad for a Nikon scuba diving camera in the classifieds here yesterday.

leftj Loc: Texas

You're getting plenty of good advice but I think a small waterproof camera is a no brainer.