A fisher’s best camera is a waterproof one that is always at hand. Which model to choose is always a tricky question.
The group review video below by DigitalRev TV of waterproof digital cameras is certainly good.
Strangely though, I find it hard to focus! Let me know if you have the same issues after watching it.
Frogfish
July 25, 2011 at 12:30 pmFinding it hard to focus? I can focus just fine. It fact my focus has never been better. Nice melons!
ming
July 26, 2011 at 12:22 pmJW, are u still using your trusty Olympus 1030 ? i have the exact same camera and I have to say that the olympus series are nothing but just pissing off..ahahah it fails me twice…once was the LCD and the shutter fails….spend almost rm400 till date to get it fix…literally lousy after sales service and Ive lost all trust towards this brand. Not to mention, it takes grainy pics and doesnt look good at all.
Better off with the likes of Lumix and I saw the Sony ones..not too bad…a good bang for the bucks is definitely the Canon G11 or G12, want to waterproof it? get the casing either original accessories or the 3rd party ones…Friend has one..and its been serving him well for dives and fishing.. cheers
jw
July 27, 2011 at 9:54 amHi Ming,
Good to hear from you. Been fishing a lot?
Yup, I’m still using the Olympus 1030. It is at the end of its life for sure and have been giving me problems. Most of the photos you see here is shot with the Olympus Tough 1030.
In all fairness, looking at the what I’ve put it through after more than 3 years, I have to say it has lived-up to its “tough” namesake.
I’ve yet to send it for repairs, though it can do with some. The better option would be getting a replacement. So ya, I have been looking around at options. I wonder if any kind camera manufacturer will sponsor me a review unit :)
I did consider the Canon G12 when launched but felt it will be cumbersome with the waterproof casing. Not to mention the final price. It will surely produce good quality images though.
Jc
July 27, 2011 at 11:40 amJW,
while i am waiting for the video to load…and focus, figured i might as well add a few lines. Got me a birthday pressie from spore, compliments of the gf. :-P It’s a PENTAX WG-1 with GPS tagging. 5x zoom with 1cm marco, 10m waterproofing and shockproof (supposingly 220lbs ). Love the rubberized casing which reminds me of the motorola walkies.
Anyway, just started to mess with it. An alternative to the olympus, lumix or the newer sony.. My gf has the sony. failed once because the sliding mechanism doesn’t like salt water when it’s dried…a rinse and wash, longer dry time…seemed ok. The tech couldn’t figure out what was wrong…
The fun part is taking the underwater shots and videos! Rain? no worries..haha! Only worried if i sink it to the bottom of the lake!
jw
July 27, 2011 at 11:54 amJC, you “caught a nice one” there! :)
Cool, let me know how the PENTAX waterproof camera pans out later after more use.
Check out this cool underwater video if you have not http://sportfishin.asia/2011/07/19/awesome-underwater-video-of-tuna-and-marlin-attacking-dredge/
I know what you mean about dropping the camera into the bottom of the lakes or ocean, that’s why I got myself a floating wrist strap. See here for a picture http://sportfishin.asia/2010/10/28/olympus-tough-camera-put-through-the-real-world-test/
jw
July 27, 2011 at 9:40 am:)
the boss
July 26, 2011 at 10:13 pmwhere to get that blooming girl… i meant camera.
jw
July 27, 2011 at 9:54 amFocus…. stay focused…
Jc
July 27, 2011 at 7:36 pmThat’s the best damm review i have seen…(minus the bimbo antics) LOL
sportfishin' asia
July 27, 2011 at 8:30 pmYup :)
Frogfish
August 1, 2011 at 3:49 pmI went to Key Color at MidValley to check out the Panasonic FT3. Simple and Intuitive to use, I managed to snap about 3 photos and concluded that image quality was acceptable for a tough camera. I like the built, available colors and impressive list of bells and whistles.
Check out this review that favors the FT3.
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/advice/528954/tough-camera-grouptest-2011-image-quality-and-verdict.html
I have more or less made up my mind although I did not expect a good review on this camera. This camera also won a 2011 TIPA award.
http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details.php?iId=2763&sAward=Best%20Rugged+Compact+Camera
jw
August 1, 2011 at 8:42 pmThe Panasonic FT3 looks good with lots of toys to play with.
Thanks for sharing those informative links. Funny though the group test did not include the higher end Olympus Tough.
Frogfish
August 1, 2011 at 9:56 pmOlmypus TG-810 and TG-8010 included in this review.
http://snapsort.com/explore/best-waterproof-cameras/24-months-recent
An impressive list of 20 cameras being compared but on a more fundametal aspects rather than toughness. Makes good reading and additional info.
sportfishin' asia
August 6, 2011 at 3:19 pmGreat reference material. Thanks!
Steelhead Bum
August 6, 2011 at 1:22 pmSo bottom line, I need a camera I can hang around my neck while I fish all day. Every now and then I go swimming (unintentionally) and need camera to survive. In the meantime, I take pictures of fish close up and scenic landscapes far away. I may take a picture as the sun comes up, after it goes down, or in the middle of the day. I don’t feel like spending a ton of money (I’d rather spend it on a new rod and reel), so the question is what is the best camera out there for the money for the average fishing guy.
sportfishin' asia
August 6, 2011 at 3:22 pmI suggest starting with setting a budget and get the best your budget allows.
HeGu
October 17, 2011 at 11:28 amIts the second time… My Olympus get soaked with water…kinda frustrated…. First the Stylus 1030 SW also ‘gone’ while snorkeling (luckily got replaced – Tough 8000 ) and yesterday for the second time… Olympus Tough 8000 is no longer tough as it becomes TAUGEH… as water pouring inside while picturing friends swimming … So NO MORE OLYMPUS … any suggeston…?
jw
October 17, 2011 at 2:32 pmHeGu, wow NO MORE OLYMPUS? How long did yours last?
The new Nikon AW100 looks good but I’ve yet to test it http://sportfishin.asia/2011/08/25/nikon-aw100-waterproof-shockproof-camera/
HeGu
October 18, 2011 at 10:03 pmMy Olympus? Around 2 years only.. BTW i spoke to a friend of mine who runs his Photo Shop in Lowyatt.. Surprisingly..he said every wproof camera he sold will come back…hahaha just the matter of time.. some takes a while..some..verrryy soon…hhahaha.. so the best solution go for casing… but then the problem using casing is.. often mist will develop easily especially if ur snorkeling where hot n cold current of the sea water..changes frequently.. So any suggestion according to ur own experience..
SportFishin' Asia
October 18, 2011 at 10:39 pmOwners of waterproof – rugged camera may be expecting too much from these cameras and even expect them to be indestructible. They will have their limit somewhere before they start to break or leak.
I am actually quite satisfied with the durability of my camera after the abuses I have put them through. Even though they are waterproof, most have a limit to how long they can stay underwater, some rubber seals may be only able to last 30 minutes or less even in just a few feet deep. So, prolonged used in the swimming pool may not be a good idea.
Underwater camera housing will be the way to go to have the best waterproof protection. Care will still need to be taken every time when closing the housing. But the housing are expensive and makes the camera bulky.
One alternative is to use an Aquapac, 100% proven waterproof http://store.aquapac.net/explore-product-range.html
Another option is to opt for really tough cameras such as the GoPro http://sportfishin.asia/2010/10/17/top-4-waterproof-hd-video-sport-camera-to-buy/
The reason why I will still need a waterproof rugged camera is for the peace of mind that they offer.
Btw, mist in the casing shows that the casing is not 100% water tight!