Create Profile or Login

Forum Menu

Home > Forum Home > General Forums > Tech Topics

Waterproof camera overview

  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Waterproof camera overview Forum Search Events FAQ FAQRegister RegisterLogin Login

 Post Reply Post Reply
Page  12>
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Waterproof camera overview
    Posted: 16 Apr 2009 at 8:54pm
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349
  

Decided to throw together a quick summary of the current generation waterproof cameras on the market.


(Updated: July 2009)


Fuji Z33

Price: Lowest: $360, Typical: $445-$499

Waterpoof to 3m.


Pentax W60 (Obsolete model)

Price: $500+

Waterproof to 4m, freeze and dustproof. lens 28mm - 140mm

Manual controls: white balance, focus


Pentax W80 (New Model)

Price:

Waterproof to 5m, water, dust, cold, and shockproof. Lens 28-140mm

Manual control: white balance, focus


Olympus Tough 6000

Price: Lowest $466.00, Typical $520+

Waterproof 3m, dust, shock, and freezeproof. 28-105 mm


Olympus Tough 8000

Price: Lowest $606, Typical $660

toughest camera on the market. Waterproof 10m, freeze, shock, dust and crashproof...


Canon PowerShot D10

Price: Lowest: $610, typical $650-$750

Second only to the Olympus Tough in regards to "tough features".

Waterproof 10m, Freeze, Shock and Dustproof. Lens is 35-105mm.

Manual control for white balance.


Panasonic FT1 (TS1)

Price: Lowest: $698, typical: $750-$800

Waterproof 3m, dust and shock proof. 28mm - 128mm.

Manual control for white balance.

Best Movie Mode


(All of the above cameras have Manual control for Exposure compensation)



Image Quality....

Best: Canon D10, Panasonic FT1, Pentax W60

Middle: Olympus Tough 6000

Bottom: Olympus Tough 8000, Fuji Z33



Reviews:


Group test: Canon D10, Pentax W60, Fuji Z33, Olympus 6000 and 8000

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/



Panasonic TS1 / FT1 Review

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM


Canon D10 review

">http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM


http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/canon_d10.html


Pentax Optio W60

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM[/url]


http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/optio_w60.html">http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM[/url]


http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/optio_w60.html


Olympus Tough 6000

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/olympus_tough6000.html



Prices are just a rough guide, I have copied the lowest price from Pricespy, plus a price more typical from the model. http://pricespy.co.nz/cat_13.html  

 
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote penguin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2009 at 7:12pm
penguin View Drop Down
Platinum
Platinum
Avatar

Joined: 30 Jun 2004
Location: Whitianga
Status: Offline
Points: 1389
I have no axe to grind here, simply passing on something I witnessed last week.
A mate has one of the Olympus waterproof digitals that was bought as a presi for him. It also came with an extra 3 year warranty (insurance) that cost $150 on top of purchase price from a very big retailer.
On the cameras 3rd outing, while snorkelling, it let in water.
After spending half an hour getting through to someone at the "helpline", he was told that neither the manufacture`s warranty or the extra insurance covered against..............yeah you guessed it....water getting into the camera.
Knowing the guy in question, it will not end there. He aint a happy bunny.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2009 at 8:47pm
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349
Yeah, I have heard of that happening before with Olympus range of waterproof cameras.   I would try and dig up a bit of info regarding the other manufacturers warranty.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote TheBadger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 5:50pm
TheBadger View Drop Down
Platinum
Platinum
Avatar

Joined: 01 Dec 2008
Status: Offline
Points: 1152
Should also check out the Sanyo Xacti. Pretty sweet bit of kit
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 8:13pm
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349
More a video then a still camera Isn't it?   Now that I check it seems to be a Camera/video hybrid.

Sanyo VPC-CA9
http://sanyo.com/xacti/english/products/vpc_ca9/index.html
Waterproof: 1.5m
Lens: 38-190mm
high-definition video

Can not find a NZ price, maybe it has a different model number here or it has not been released....

A quick note about Sanyo, it might be easy to go and bash Sanyo as a cheap brand. But if memory serves me correctly they do have a large OEM manufacturing component to their business which constructs the Cameras for two top tier manufacturers. So they do have the technology to make high quality cameras.

They also make the best long life rechargeable batteries, the Sanyo eneloop. In saying that, their Battery side probably has nothing to do with their consumer electronic manufacturing...   
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote CJnatan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jun 2009 at 12:18pm
CJnatan View Drop Down
Silver
Silver
Avatar

Joined: 07 Aug 2008
Location: New Zealand
Status: Offline
Points: 263
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=223258253
$715 on trade me....
 
The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet).
Hope it helps.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2009 at 10:41pm
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349

Pentax just announced their new waterproof camera, its a continuation of their W series.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09062501pentaxw80.asp

Pentax W80

Lens: 28-140mm    

Waterproof at depths of up to 5 meters for two hours, shockproof for drops of up to 3.3 feet (1m) and coldproof up to -10 degrees Celsius.

Might be a clearance sale shortly on the W60.



Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote mouthu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 9:55am
mouthu View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 20 May 2007
Location: Westie
Status: Offline
Points: 6359
i've got a fuji camera with the waterproof case instead, i went for this option mainly because the camera was part of a deal and the other reason is that the bloke in the camera store on queen st advised me that the "3 metres water proofness is just like a watch being water resistant to 100 metres....... don't beleive everything you read"
 
Hence i don't take my waterproof case past 2 metres and i make sure there's no crap (sand, slime, etc) in the seal.
 
Other than that, no problems yet.
Yes it was me, I screwed it up for everyone.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Finatic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 10:14am
Finatic View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Location: Here
Status: Offline
Points: 17197
Half these cameras would be useless for guys and their underwater pursuits. I mean a camera rated to 1.5m is hardly going to be suitable for jack
What's the cheapest type of meat? Dear balls. They're under a buck.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 12:31pm
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349

Most of them are just swimming pool cameras,  would also be useful to take out on a boat or Kayak where they might get splashed, or up the river trout fishing, or to use in the rain. 

The Canon D10 and Olympus Tough 8000 would have same use for snorkeling. 

For proper underwater use, then a 40m+ underwater case is the answer. But they do add a bit of Bulk (So might not fit in a fishing vest pocket) and are often $200-400.. Although the above cameras are not exactly cheap. 

Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote juju lips Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jun 2009 at 5:14pm
juju lips View Drop Down
Silver
Silver
Avatar

Joined: 17 Jul 2002
Location: New Zealand
Status: Offline
Points: 135
buy cheap get cheap, buy the best and you wont be sorry :)
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote KeriBOI Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jul 2009 at 10:34am
KeriBOI View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 23 Jan 2004
Location: Kerikeri
Status: Offline
Points: 3345

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

just out, a  very good group test

of course canon is WIN :)

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes!
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jul 2009 at 10:42am
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349
Originally posted by KeriBOI KeriBOI wrote:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

just out, a  very good group test

of course canon is WIN :)

Sweet, I was waiting for this review to be published.  

Good to see that Pentax has gotten their act together and have produced a decent camera. I wonder if the W80 would be a improvement....  Fuji knows how to make a good camera, their F series is a example of that...  Probably best to avoid anything Fuji  unless they are using their SuperCCD EXR sensor.

Its a pity that the Panasonic TS1 was not included in the review, IMO it was the only real competition to the Canon. 

Here is a review on the TS1 for anyone interested

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM

Canon D10 Review from the same site

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D10/D10A.HTM


It looks like the DCresource mega review should include the new Pentax and the Panasonic. But that appears to be several months away from being published. 

Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Finatic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2009 at 6:19pm
Finatic View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Location: Here
Status: Offline
Points: 17197
Yeah, the F series have a lot of features for a compact. I've got the F100fd and it does everything I need... If only I could find an underwater case for it over here.
What's the cheapest type of meat? Dear balls. They're under a buck.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote TheBadger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 6:00pm
TheBadger View Drop Down
Platinum
Platinum
Avatar

Joined: 01 Dec 2008
Status: Offline
Points: 1152
I've got the Sanyo Xacti, not sure which model. It's pretty much a complete hybrid, which is nifty. Only area that it is rubbish in is low light situations. Photos tend to be blurry. Possibly this is my inadequacy. But it's fantastic for underwater videos. I've got some very nifty ones of trout swimming away. Think the price was something like $550 Aus. Hmmm interesting to see that Canon make a good waterproof camera, I am a wee bit of a slut for canons... but still, I'm very happy with what i've got.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jul 2009 at 9:21am
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349

Dpreview have updated their waterproof camera review and now include the Panasonic TS1 and the new Pentax W80....   

To summaries... The new Pentax was worst then the old one. 

The Panasonic now shares first place with the Canon... They basically said the Panasonic was best out of the water, while the Canon has the edge underwater. 


Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Unclejake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 5:22pm
Unclejake View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium


Joined: 21 Jul 2009
Location: Wellington
Status: Offline
Points: 8114
I think this thread is worthy of a bump.
 
I am in the market for something digital with a wide angle lense to fit large fish into whilst on the boat :-)
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Phantom Menace Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 3:25pm
Phantom Menace View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 28 Jul 2008
Location: Auckland
Status: Offline
Points: 3015
Wouldn't the fish keep better in a chillibin Uncle Jake?? 
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThomasW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 3:47pm
ThomasW View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium
Avatar

Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Byelorussian SSR
Status: Offline
Points: 6349
I think there is a few new models on the market since the last update. I know Pentax has announced a new one.  I beleive the main change is a slightly longer telescopic lens.  Would have to check and update when I have the time. 
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Unclejake Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 4:38pm
Unclejake View Drop Down
Titanium
Titanium


Joined: 21 Jul 2009
Location: Wellington
Status: Offline
Points: 8114
I am just after a cheapy unit. A $200 kind of thing that can stay on the boat in a wet sack.
 
There are a few on TM but most seem to be 35 or 38mm lenses where I think with our tiny boat we would need a 28mm lense.
 
No rush etc.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
Page  12>
Forum Jump
Forum Permissions View Drop Down


This page was generated in 0.699 seconds.

Most Thanked Forum Posts

2 Manukau Harbour & West Coa...
2 Manukau Harbour & West Coa...
2 Mc Tools berley mincer
2 Hey Smudge...come over to wher...
1 here is one for you Tonto
1 Full circle
1 Making Berley
1 Marine forecast
1 Making Berley
1 Joe Yee Lures

Fishing Reports Visit Reports

Freshwater Fishing Reports
Canterbury Fishing Report - 23/07/26

Lake fishing strong July is close to an end, our duck season is closing this... Read More >

24 Jul 2026
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Northland Fishing Report - 23/07/26

Inshore snapper fishing heating up It’s officially past the halfway point of winter, and the... Read More >

23 Jul 2026
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Bream Bay Fishing Report - 23/07/26

Winter kahawai abound  Kahawai and kingfish have ‘invaded’ Bream Bay over the last few weeks,... Read More >

23 Jul 2026
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Inner Hauraki Gulf Fishing Report - 23/07/26

Choose a spot and stick with it Why the chill factor of the wind affects... Read More >

23 Jul 2026
Fishing bite times Fishing bite times

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Major Bites

Minor Bites

All information © 2026 The Fishing Website