Waterproof Camera Recommendations?

[bjbg8r]

Howdy Paddlefishermen! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm trying to figure out a nice waterproof camera to buy for my kayak fishing use. I'm leaning toward the Olympus TG-810, but I wanted to see if any of you upstanding gentlemen had any suggestions. Thanks so much and have a great day everyone! Don't eat too much!

[Tide1on]

Take a look at the Nikon Coolpix AW100

[Manning]

Another option is a Kodack Playsport. It is a waterproof camera that shoots video and stills. I have shot videos of my dughter swiming underwater in our pool. The only drawbacks are no flash and no self timer.

[r3krobert]

I use a Pentax Optio which I bought at a list member's suggestion. So far I've had a few years of trouble free use.

[jbdba01]

Consider a Canon D20 in the list too - about $300 or so.

I shoot a G11with an U/W housing so I get a very good pro-sumer camera that can be used to 120-140'. The new version is a G12. It's a bit bulky, but I'm very pleased with the results. About $500-600 combined. When not in use on the boat the wife uses it as her go to camera that fits in her purse, but is not an ultra compact.

[Helmig]

I bought my wife a Canon D20 several months ago. She keeps it tethered to her yak and keeps in the floor or wherever. It's a real tough camera. I think it's rated for a depth of 33'.

[Redfisher]

The Pentax Optio series has served many of us very well over the years.

[rugrat181]

My kids got me a Lumix by Panasonic. Been a great camera for me. Easy to use,waterproof,compact. It also shoots video. I would recommend it to anyone.

[bjbg8r]

Anyone have any experience with a Olympus Tough TG-820? Thanks for all of the recommendations everyone!

[BigFlyReel]

I have a TG-320 (I think) that hasn't hiccuped in the almost two years I have had it. Takes decent pic for the limited lens system.

[paddln4reds]

Ehh, I'm not a fan of the Olympus Tough Series! I think I went thru 3 of them before learning my lesson. Each one failed for one reason or the other within 2 years. The last one I sent back to Olympus and they said they could fix it for $150-$175. I told them to keep it and I'll go buy another brand! The new one I use now is a Panansonic Lumix TS3. I've had it for, I believe, 2yrs. It's going strong...no issues at all and it's been in the pool many many times, at the beach, in saltwater & banged around on hiking trips. Oh, it takes nice pics too. I'd recommend it!

[dunfly]

I had a Pentax Optio that I used for a long time for fishing and snorkeling. I finally drowned it while snorkeling in Aruba. It was a good camera, but an older model with mediocre picture quality. The new Pentax waterproofs are too expensive so I ended up with a Panasonic Lumix TS10. It is a great little camera. Very small with good image stabilization and picture quality. The TS10 came with a silicone cover that is great for protecting the camera.

This model has been replaced with the TS20 which has a few upgrades and a longer zoom, but no silicone cover. Amazon.com has this camera on sale at $119, plus you can pick up an off brand backup battery for about $10. The Lumix TS3/TS4 is probably a great camera, but unless you want the GPS feature, I'm not sure if it is worth the extra price.

[krash]

I use a Pentax Optio which I bought at a list member's suggestion. So far I've had a few years of trouble free use.

Same same Pentax W60.. but if I was in the market for another camera it may not be the Pentax. while its a great camera, (except for the slow to focus and shoot as with most point & shoot digis).
For hanging around your neck or easily accesible splash proof digi cam for kayak simple fish photos its OK.. for a waterproof digi I'd be very hesitant of taking any camera diving its just to easy to drop past the 7', 10', 33', or 39' depth without thought. I have also found like all others it sinks all the way to the bottom if dropped overboard.

I don't think twice about the splashes it gets, or the simple fresh water wash down I give it at the end of every trip, had it 3 years and no problems.