Oly Guy

I agree-smaller waterproof point and shoots-Olympus makes great ones-a large outfit is very hard to handle and you need to be able to tie a bungee to them. Imagine a roll over with the large outfit and you dealing with getting back in. my sister in law uses waterproof small cameras and still has lost 2 of them-buy used and relax'the light is usually sufficient and they have pretty good zoom for most purposes. you can keep the smaller camera on your lap-tethered to the kayak.
i have 2 kayaks and use Olympus. one has enough to worry about without large camera gear-also i use the screen to focus as balance is affected when viewing through the eye viewer-really kayaks can get tippy easily! Constant vision is important.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

BTW, get a god PFD, either the fishing kind with pockets or the auto inflate kind that is more comfortable and easier to move around in, Bob.

leenso52

OH I
hadn't finished before it flew up to the site. I wrote more!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I have one of the old metal military kind. I've seen the plastic ammo boxes. I don't know if they're as watertight as the military kind.

Bill_de Loc: US

If people are tipping their kayaks in calm water, they might be using the wrong style kayak. The way I bought my kayak was to walk in to the outfitters, handed the manager my camera and said, this is $3,000 and can't get wet. He had me come back the next day so he could have a couple in the water for me to try. I wound up with a 14' Wilderness Systems Pungo. It is designed to be used recreationally, not just for paddling. They even made a fishing version with built in rod holders. The only time it even gave a sensation of tipping was going over a submerged log.

Like a good camera store, a good outfitter can be a big help before you spend your money.

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paddlerdon Loc: lakeville mn

Hi Marsha, I paddle and photograph alot. What I want to shoot, where I'm paddling and what boat I am in all factor into what camera gear I bring and how I protect it on the water. Sometimes I'm a photographer using a kayak (dslr, lens/s and tripod and a boat to fit them) sometimes I'm a paddler with a camera (dslr and gear stay home, point and shoot or cell phone come along). Drybags work but must be sealed properly, don't provide bump protection and will likely sink. You can line a dry bag with foam to help. Waterproof cases don't have those draw backs but can be cumbersome to way to large and expensive if a dlsr and long lens are needed. If you are new to paddling I would suggest leaving your cameras home till you get a feel though you'll want a small dry bag for your keys, wallet, etc maybe get one with enough room to include a cellphone or small point and shoot. A couple things I've learned, even the gentlest stream can present hazzards and looking threw a viewfinder is an easy way to miss noticing them. I,ve also learned it takes a great deal of practiced effort to shoot wildlife when in a kayak on moving water especially with a long lens. (they just never hold still for me!) If you want to get into details, especially regarding boats and waters, feel free to pm me, I'm a Minnesotan too!

mikee

I take a nikon D80, with a pretty cheap (purchased used) medium zoom lens while paddling on saltwater. The pic quality will be far superior to a point and shoot. The whole kit costs about $150. Don't even think of using a roll up dry bag. Get a zippered camera dry bag from Ortlieb. You can open and close it faster. Also, I've seen $1500 kits flood in those cheep "seal a meal" waterproof camera bags. Remember to have a dry towel in the bag for your hands. Enjoy.

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

agillot

take a small pocket camera in a ziplock bag .i use a canon power shot ELPH 520 HS , takes descent pictures / action shots .

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

My Olympus E- m5 Mark II survived heavy mist/shower at Niagara Falla when we went to cave of the winds and maid of the mist because it is weather resistant. You could also get underwater housing for your good stuff. And Olympus makes the Tough TG-5 that can be used underwater. It gets good ratings and there are add ones to make it more versatile. Hope this helps.

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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Check this out.. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/17357-REG/Ewa_Marine_EM_U_A_U_A_Underwater_Housing.html

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

I have kayaked for some time with a 12 'Wilderness sit on top model. My advice would be to learn how to kayak first before you even consider what camera to take. Also, the type of kayak that you use may determine your future photographic pursuits. If your kayak is such that you ride lower in the kayak then your taking photos may be hampered since these kayaks are narrower and more unstable than the sit on top models. Once, you have mastered your kayak skills, and assuming calm water you may want to consider using your d7200 with stabilized lenses. To play it safe I'd use a water resistant point and shoot in the kayak while keeping your d7200 in a dry bag and using this camera while on land.

Sergo Loc: Washington State

Hi Marsha,
I've had good success taking photos from kayaks over the years. I shoot with a Canon 50D and 100-400 IS lens and store in a drybag when paddling. I have found that animals and birds are a little more tolerant of your presence when approaching from the water. Simply take a few strokes and drift quietly in their direction. You'll get great shots. Make sure your kayak is stable. I use an inflatable kayak made by Sea Eagle
It's wide and stable with an open cockpit so you can access your gear easily. You can even kneel in it if necessary. By all means take your good gear, just be extra careful. By the way, I went to your Flicker site - outstanding photos! Looking forward to seeing your kayak shots.
Hope you have a great trip.

Bill_de Loc: US

The narrow ones are for paddling. If you look at the recreational kayaks they are designed for stability. Sitting lower lowers your center of gravity which is less tippy. You need to look at what is available for different activities.

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williejoha

They do make cases for cameras so you can take them into the water.WJH