Waterproof camera

[LuckyShot]

Hi guys, I'm planning on going kayaking for the first time later this month and I would love to take my camera or at least a camera with me. I have a Pentax K30, but I'm hesitant to bring that with me. I've been considering just picking up a waterproof point and shoot camera. I've been looking at the Pentax Optio line, but I'm open to suggestions. I've also found this: Amazon.com: DiCAPac WPS10 Waterproof Case for SLR/DSLR Cameras 230 x 270 x 190mm: Electronics, it seems to have mixed reviews on amazon, but I don't really plan shooting underwater I just want protection in case something happens and me and the camera wind up in the drink.

So, I'd like your suggestions. Have any of you gone kayaking and brought your DSLR or did you bring a point and shoot, and if the later which waterproof point and shoot did/do you like the best? For the record I think that the bells and whistles like GPS are cool, but I'm more concerned with the camera taking good picture than I am in anything else. Thanks in advance.

 

[apneaphoto]

I dont have any experience with the Pentax, but have used a few Canon point and shoots pretty extensively in waterproof housings. I currently use a Canon s95 for all types of photography, much of it underwater or from a boat or from a kayak I launch through the surf. It takes gorgeous photos and has a ton of features for a point and shoot. I have used the canon cases on a few different models over the last few years and highly recommend them for a few reasons. They are cheap (about $100-130 for the housings) and roughly $300-400 for a camera such as the S95. They are super durable (I have personally used the canon housings to 100+ feet with no leakage), and more importantly, take amazing photos for the price. Also, you don't have nearly the risk of taking out an SLR.

 

[brunerww]

Hi LuckyShot - I have a splashproof Panasonic GH3, about the same size as your K-30, and I have taken it out on boats and into the field with no problems (it wasn't a kayak, though ).

If you don't want to risk your Pentax, I recommend the new $350 Panasonic TS5 (equivalent to the £280 FT5 in the UK). It is waterproof and shock-proof and will link to your phone or tablet via wi-fi, so you can upload your pictures from the field. My camera has this feature, and it is very useful.

The Technical Image Press Association just named this camera the Best Ruggged Compact Camera for 2013.

A couple of still images:

Flat Rock | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 dzien 02 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

And this CNET video test gets it wet:



Hope this is helpful!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

[onelove]

I have the Pentax WG2 and I love it. It is very rugged and waterproof. It will stand up to anything kayaking will throw at you with no problem. I got it for the Songkran festival in Thailand...three days of waterfights. It took a direct hit from a fire hose, flew 20 feet and hit a wall hard. I just picked it up, dunked it in a barrel of water to clean it and kept on shooting. The image quality is good and I am still discovering interesting features that are fun to use. I love the microscope...focus at 1cm. It has a hand-held night feature that is impressive. I shot on a moving bus at night without flash and got sharp images. Videos are pretty good and you can get it with GPS as well.

It's a fun camera and I love it.

Hi guys, I'm planning on going kayaking for the first time later this month and I would love to take my camera or at least a camera with me. I have a Pentax K30, but I'm hesitant to bring that with me. I've been considering just picking up a waterproof point and shoot camera. I've been looking at the Pentax Optio line, but I'm open to suggestions. I've also found this: Amazon.com: DiCAPac WPS10 Waterproof Case for SLR/DSLR Cameras 230 x 270 x 190mm: Electronics, it seems to have mixed reviews on amazon, but I don't really plan shooting underwater I just want protection in case something happens and me and the camera wind up in the drink.

So, I'd like your suggestions. Have any of you gone kayaking and brought your DSLR or did you bring a point and shoot, and if the later which waterproof point and shoot did/do you like the best? For the record I think that the bells and whistles like GPS are cool, but I'm more concerned with the camera taking good picture than I am in anything else. Thanks in advance.

 

[ktan7]

I wouldn't bring an slr for kayaking. Just use a cheap point and shoot. If it falls in the water and get lost, you lose only $100 bucks.

 

[Patrice]

You say you are going kayaking for the first time and you are worried you might end up in the drink, don't worry about that, you will end up in the drink. As for the camera just use a waterproof and shockproof point and shoot. That way you get to enjoy yourself a lot more by not worrying about a camera.

I whitewater and sea kayak. This is what I take along:

fuji xp

Fits in the pocket of my flotation vest and takes good videos of my buddy unsuccessfully trying eskimo rolls.

 

[variang]

I have the FT3, it is the best waterproof camera, i have had it for a month now and it is great quality with waterproof and shockproof while also taking great HD pictures and movies. I would suggest this camera to anyone!

Before you make the plunge, read some reviews and take suggestions from the forum. Don't aim too low when choosing a camera. I've never heard anyone complaining that the camera they bought is too good.
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