Waterproof Cameras [Archive] - Bogley Outdoor Community

12-03-2007, 10:39 PM

Hey all,

Wanted to get people's thoughts on cameras. Figured people might have used some of the ones on the market. For waterproof ones, there are really only four current ones (that I know of.)

Olympus 770
Pros: compact, waterproof 33ft, freezeproof, crushproof
Cons: Not great macro, not great night shooting, expensive card,
expensive battery, xD picture card, 15fps movie max

Olympus 790
Pros: compact, 640x480/30fps movie, waterproof 10ft, freezeproof
Cons: Not great macro, not great night shooting, expensive card,
expensive battery, xD picture card

Pentax W30
Pros: compact, inexpensive memory (SD), inexpensive battery, good
macro, decent zoom, 640x480/30fps
Cons: Not great night shooting, quicktime movies; maybe doesn't
do 640x480/30fps (specs are hard to read)

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 waterproof camcorder
Pros: 640x480/30fps with sound, inexpensive memory (SD), takes
6mp still shots as well
Con: Water damage not covered under warranty, a little larger than
cameras, reviews say buttons are hard to use
Don't know if pro or con: mpeg-4 format, don't know quality of
still shots.

So, I'm looking at upgrading my camera, and would love to get something that does both still shots as well as quality video. Am looking at doing an upcoming video project, and feel the video is very important. Has anyone used any of these cameras/camcorders? If so, thoughts? Picture quality? Low light performance? Video quality? Sound quality with video? Issues/good stories with warranties? Can you zoom in/out while shooting video?

Thanks for any info!
A.J.

Cirrus2000

12-04-2007, 04:28 AM

The only one I know anything about is the old version of the Pentax - I had the Pentax Optio W10 (til I left it on the airplane when I disembarked in LAS - *$&#^@!!! And by the way, people suck. Why would someone keep someone else's stuff?!?)

I was very happy with the photos, but less so with the video.

You could zoom in and out while shooting, but it made a lot of noise on the audio track (which, by the way, sounded pretty poor, unsurprisingly).

The video didn't adapt smoothly to changing lighting conditions. In other words, when panning from sun to shade, the exposure jumped in distinct steps - that may be common to P&S cameras taking video, I don't know.

I liked being able to take lots of video on big cheap SD cards, but the Quicktime format was a drag - unless you're an arty Mac dude, I guess. I'm a pole-up-the-hoop uptight PC guy, though. Except I don't wear a tie.

redbonez

12-04-2007, 06:15 AM

I have the Pentax W30 and am not very impressed with the photos.

Alex

12-04-2007, 06:23 AM

I have W10, been using it for ever. It does the job for me. Quicktime sucks, but I live with it. When I was buying it, Olympus only had 15fps for the video and that wasn't acceptable for me. If 790 has 30fps, I'd definitely look at that camera.

CarpeyBiggs

12-04-2007, 06:42 AM

Am looking at doing an upcoming video project, and feel the video is very important. Has anyone used any of these cameras/camcorders?
I've used the two Olympus cameras. Great idea, poor execution, in my opinion. First problem, the lens is the equivalent of a 40mm lens on a 35mm camera. NOT WIDE ENOUGH. I need at least a 28mm lens. 2nd, noise levels are terrible. And third, it is nearly impossible to keep the water on the lens from smudging the pictures.

If so, thoughts? Picture quality? Decent in the olympus cameras, but nothing to write home aboutLow light performance? Terrible noise issues in any situation above ISO 200Video quality? Depends on final delivery medium. For web stuff, yeah, it's okay. For DVD or television, you'd be better off buying a cheap video camera Sound quality with video? Sufficient but not awesome Issues/good stories with warranties? Can you zoom in/out while shooting video? I know of very very few cameras that will let you zoom during video. These compact lenses just can't pull it off...

jumar

12-04-2007, 07:02 AM

I've got the pentax w10 and really like it. I'm not that informed on what makes a good camera, so I'm easy to please. But I'm very happy with having a decent waterproof camera.

shaggy125

12-04-2007, 07:10 AM

Cirrus2000

12-04-2007, 07:34 AM

Just get a regular camcorder with waterproof housing. Housings are generally much cheaper for video cameras than still. Dan was just showing me the Sony housing for $150. A cheap Sony camcorder and housing would be less than $500. Work your mojo on eBay and you could get them both for cheaper. Optics on still and video cameras are quite different. Video camera lenses take crappy still shots and still camera lenses take crappy video. I don't know of a still camera on the market that takes video anywhere near that of a decent camcorder.
Gotta agree with shaggy125 and CarpeyBiggs. I guess it really depends on what the video project is for, but if it's the video that's important, go for the specialized equipment.

And Eric? Get outta my mom's pants! They don't fit you! Sheesh, some people...

Canyonbug

12-04-2007, 08:30 AM

I don't have any experience with the usual camera suspects, but I have been using the EcoShot Camera (http://www.northwashoutfitters.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=138) since August and have been totally pleased with the picture quality. 6mp camera that is waterproof up to 75ft. and also shock proof up to 6ft, which was nice since I dropped it out of an open pack on one trip, and occasionally bump the canyon walls.

I can't comment on the video quality of the camera because for video I use a Canon Digital Camcorder. As has been mentioned the quality is far better than you will get with any point and shoot camera. If you would like to check out the picture quality of the EcoShot camera (http://www.northwashoutfitters.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=138) check out some of the links for courses on this page:

http://www.northwashoutfitters.com/miscellaneous.htm

Look at the Technical Courses for 2007 September and October, Advanced Courses for 2007 September, and the Ladies Courses for 2007 August all were taken with the EcoShot Camera.
(http://www.northwashoutfitters.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=138)
Also on this page you can view videos that have been done with my Canon Digital Camcorder. The quality has been reduced for upload, but the original versions are crystal clear.

Camera specs click here. (http://www.northwashoutfitters.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=138)

Sombeech

12-04-2007, 09:36 AM

I have W10, been using it for ever. It does the job for me. Quicktime sucks, but I live with it.

Hey Alex, was this the W10 that shot this footage, or a newer model? I know it wasn't your camera, and I can't remember the model either, but it was a Pentax W-something....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4MRcWpJYFyU

Pictures here:

http://www.uutah.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8345

But anyways, I was pretty happy with it, even though it was Quicktime format. There are free converters out there to help you join the rest of society. :roll:

Alex

12-04-2007, 12:29 PM

I believe it was W10, I have seen a couple of W30 and I believe W10 produced better pictures/videos.

12-04-2007, 07:19 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Please keep them coming.

Thanks for the new camera lead Canyonbug. Looked at the specs and that one is great for ruggedness, but it doesn't have a great shutter range, no zoom at all, lens is equiv to 42mm (no wide angle), etc. I'm thinking it would be a good basic and very rugged camera though. (Not trying to dis your camera though - sorry - and I do appreciate you bringing it to my attention.)

As I'm sure many would, I'd love to have the best of both worlds of quality still and digital video in the same camera. It may end up being a combination of two; as several people have suggested. (That's kind of what I was leaning towards. Using Sanyo Xacti for vid; and my old camera or possibly upgrading to a newer model for pics.)

I was hoping someone might have used the Xacti and could comment...

Shaggy, do you use a camcorder and housing? My concern with that is the sound quality. (I've used several cameras and dive housings for both canyons as well as scuba; and the sound is pretty much gone. That's why I was looking at the Sanyo Xacti-E1. Waterproof, and still does sound... (I'll need sound for my video, so that's why I'm asking... Maybe they have made advances, and now have a way to better allow the sound through the casings...)

Thanks again everyone!

CarpeyBiggs

12-04-2007, 07:35 PM

Canyonbug

12-04-2007, 07:40 PM

Thanks for the new camera lead Canyonbug. Looked at the specs and that one is great for ruggedness, but it doesn't have a great shutter range, no zoom at all, lens is equiv to 42mm (no wide angle), etc. I'm thinking it would be a good basic and very rugged camera though.

I forgot about mentioning the zoom when I posted earlier. It doesn't have the optical zoom which I miss. It does have a 4x digital zoom. I'm not one for wide angle so that hasn't been an issue with me. I was amazed the first time I used it because the 6mp was a whole lot crisper than the older 3.1mp camera I had been using before. It is definitely more rugged than other camera's I have used in the past.

I hope you find what you're looking for and hope you share some of your pictures when you get them.

Sombeech

12-04-2007, 08:05 PM

Now I'm actually thinking about the Olympus 790. It's FREEZEPROOF!!! That'll make for some good snowboarding/snowmobiling video. :2thumbs:

CarpeyBiggs

12-04-2007, 08:14 PM

Now I'm actually thinking about the Olympus 790. It's FREEZEPROOF!!! That'll make for some good snowboarding/snowmobiling video. :2thumbs:

The 790 would be a great camera if... I just want a wideangle lens. 40mm is way too narrow field of view for helmet cam type stuff, because it amplifies all the movement and camera shake, and you can't tell where you are going.

Why can't someone just make a weather proof wideangle camera? Ugh...

12-04-2007, 10:34 PM

I haven't tried the Xacti yet, because they are hard to locate in stores around these parts... Here is a discussion forum of it on DVinfo though. People seem to like it for what it is, it looks like.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=115

Thanks Dan,

However, those are the HD Xacti's. You will want to search for the Xacti E1's, which are the waterproof ones. I did do the research, and most of the users liked them; some had issues with the controls. Saw some test vids, and they looked decent to me. However, a canyoneer is a bit different than a normal user. Usually much less light, etc. Was hoping someone had tried it out. Doesn't sound like it though; so I might be the Guinea pig...

Why can't someone just make a weather proof wideangle camera? Ugh...

Why can't someone make a weather proof camera; that does 640x480/30fps high quality avi movies, saves to SD picture cards, with an effective/equivalent optical zoom of 28mm - 115mm, shockproof, freezeproof, good in low light, macro mode under 2", responsive focus on changing conditions in movie mode, with good quality still shots, and able to adjust your shutter speeds and aperature settings for low light conditions up to 5 minute shutter speeds? (While we are dreaming, might as well go big! :haha: )

Add at low cost with good battery life if we want to get greedy...

shaggy125

12-05-2007, 07:03 AM

Shaggy, do you use a camcorder and housing? My concern with that is the sound quality. (I've used several cameras and dive housings for both canyons as well as scuba; and the sound is pretty much gone. That's why I was looking at the Sanyo Xacti-E1. Waterproof, and still does sound... (I'll need sound for my video, so that's why I'm asking... Maybe they have made advances, and now have a way to better allow the sound through the casings...)

Thanks again everyone!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2758044603692723510&q

This video was shot with the Sony housing, no issues with sound. If you watch long enough you will hear sound clips from the camera (even when we are not in the canyon, ALL filming was done with the camera in the case). I have the raw footage on my computer, if you want I can upload some of that so you can get an idea how it sounds without background music. There is a plug on the side of the camera that hooks to an external mic on the front of the case, so sound quality is not diminished. (keep in mind that Google downgrades the bitrate on their online videos so the actual footage on my computer sounds better). Sand kills camcorders almost as fast as water so the case is pretty much essential even when not in wet canyons.

Reedus

12-05-2007, 07:35 AM

I used to have a camera and case just like Shaggy's and it works awesome. :smile: The only hang up I had with it is the size. The housing is roughly the size of a small football, and when you are packing it through a canyon, it can get cumbersome.

Sombeech

12-05-2007, 08:50 PM

The 790 would be a great camera if... I just want a wideangle lens. 40mm is way too narrow field of view for helmet cam type stuff, because it amplifies all the movement and camera shake, and you can't tell where you are going.

Why can't someone just make a weather proof wideangle camera? Ugh...

The wide angle is something I'll have to adjust for, and there's probably no way to upgrade the lens on these type of cameras either.

They do have some type of image stabilization feature, but it's probably something that shrinks the angle even more to compensate.

Now, a question about XD cards, do they fit in the SD slot? Will everybody just quit coming out with new format shit and let us catch up on our possessions for a bit? hell.

CarpeyBiggs

12-05-2007, 09:19 PM

Now, a question about XD cards, do they fit in the SD slot? Will everybody just quit coming out with new format shit and let us catch up on our possessions for a bit? hell.

Unfortunately, xd and sd aren't compatible. I don't understand why everyone hasn't fully adopted the sd format, since xd is so much less common, and sd cards are cheaper... Lame, indeed.

Sombeech

12-05-2007, 09:30 PM

It's like Blu Ray. Hell. Sure, it's the bomb, highest quality you've ever seen, they basically hand you the movie script and you act it out as you watch it, that's how realistic it is, yadda yadda yadda....

So you'll go buy it, brag it up, then in 3 years something else will be out because the color of yellow showed up better with BeechVision.

12-05-2007, 09:35 PM

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2758044603692723510&q

This video was shot with the Sony housing, no issues with sound. If you watch long enough you will hear sound clips from the camera (even when we are not in the canyon, ALL filming was done with the camera in the case). I have the raw footage on my computer, if you want I can upload some of that so you can get an idea how it sounds without background music. There is a plug on the side of the camera that hooks to an external mic on the front of the case, so sound quality is not diminished. (keep in mind that Google downgrades the bitrate on their online videos so the actual footage on my computer sounds better). Sand kills camcorders almost as fast as water so the case is pretty much essential even when not in wet canyons.

Thanks Eric,

I'm thinking I might try the Xacti. I agree the sand is destructive; however with a waterproof camera; you can just run it under the faucet. Worked for my current camera for many years. I'll still research camcorders with cases though. If yours has an external mic, then that's a good thing...

Thanks to all for the info. Keep it coming if you have more.

Beech; yep, that's life. I have tons of old tech, outdated and useless...

Alex

12-06-2007, 05:11 AM

Xacti isn't waterproof is it?

12-06-2007, 07:07 AM

Xacti isn't waterproof is it?

Yes, the Xacti E1 is. See the original post...

Sombeech

03-25-2008, 02:50 PM

Bump.

AJ, did you decide on anything?

I'm still looking at the Stylus 790, but I'm trying to find out if there is a time limit per movie. Some cameras will stop recording after 1 minute, or a certain memory limit is reached.

I want to completely avoid those limits, and just keep shooting until my 2GB card is filled. So far, the reviews say it will keep going until the xD card is filled, but I want to be sure.

Alex

03-25-2008, 03:06 PM

The latest olympus waterproof cameras have 10 second limit at 640x480 @ 30fps :frustrated:

tanya

03-25-2008, 03:08 PM

What does 10 second limit mean? I would like to pick up a little pocket sized camera to take when I don't want to lug my big one around.

Alex

03-25-2008, 03:10 PM

The movie length that the camera would record is limited to 10 seconds only (at higher res) at lower res, I believe it's memory limited

Sombeech

03-25-2008, 03:31 PM

The latest olympus waterproof cameras have 10 second limit at 640x480 @ 30fps :frustrated:

This review of the Stylus sez it will film for the entire card capacity. Is that wrong?

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3200&review=olympus+stylus+790+sw

Alex

03-25-2008, 03:33 PM

[quote]Movie Mode

The 790 SW's fairly standard movie mode permits users to capture 640x480 video clips (with mono audio) at 30fps

Sombeech

03-25-2008, 03:35 PM

[quote=Alex][quote]Movie Mode

The 790 SW's fairly standard movie mode permits users to capture 640x480 video clips (with mono audio) at 30fps

03-25-2008, 04:14 PM

Nope; got bumped in priority by much higher stuff. I looked into some cameras, and was leaning towards a video camera since my next project involves video.

I use an Olympus Stylus 410 and it takes decent shots; not very good in low light, and is limited to 20 seconds at 320x240 movies. I remember all the movie modes on water-resistant cameras that I looked at all left something to be desired.

Pretty much came to the conclusion that others have stated. If you are wanting to do pics, get a camera. If you are wanting video, get a video camera.

Some of the Kodak (and other brand) cameras can shoot decent video; however, they aren't weather resistant, and you lose the mic if you get a waterproof housing...

Good luck; let me know if you find anything different...

Take care,
A.J.

tanya

03-25-2008, 04:35 PM

The movie length that the camera would record is limited to 10 seconds only (at higher res) at lower res, I believe it's memory limited

Oh... I never do movies! --- so would not need that. I do have a great new movie camera though that uses a computer disc. That might be fun to tote along in a canyon. I would have to get you and Beech to show me how to put the files on the computer though.

tanya

03-25-2008, 04:39 PM

We just got the 3.1 mp panasonic HDD - 3CCD movie camera. It has a couple of wrestling matches on it but have not watched them yet. One of these days I should take it through a canyon and record stuff.

Sombeech

03-25-2008, 05:31 PM

icthys

03-26-2008, 08:30 AM

I use an Olympus Stylus 410 and it takes decent shots; not very good in low light, and is limited to 20 seconds at 320x240 movies. I remember all the movie modes on water-resistant cameras that I looked at all left something to be desired.

The Stylus 790 is saying 640 x 480 30fps, but I'm still trying to find out fer sure about the video filming length, whether it shuts off at a certain time frame or not.

If it doesn't automatically stop the film, I think that's the one I'll get, and soon.

I've got the Stylus 790 and have had it since January.

To help answer your question I grabbed it and used the video function for the first time. As soon as I turned the dial to the video mode I was given a number of 41:41, which I assumed was how much length of time I was able to record. As soon as I started recording the time adjusted to 28:XX and started to count down from 28:XX. I filmed for 30 seconds. Without digging into the manual this is what I assume. The 41:41 is the time I would have with an empty 1GB card. There were 35 pictures on the camera so I'm guessing that's why it dropped down to 28:XX minutes once I started to record. If you didn't catch it I'm using a 1GB card.

So far I like the camera. I got it to primarily take fishing. I've also taken it snowboarding. While out fishing I tried out the waterproof feature, the camera still works. While out snowboarding it wasn't really cold, maybe 35 degrees, it was in my pocket next to my leg. When I pulled it out it was ready to take a picture. I have dropped it (not on purpose) and it still works fine. It has a screen larger than I have had on older cameras so to me it's a large screen. I like the small size of the camera which makes it great for sticking in a pocket or attaching to my fishing bag so I can use it very quickly.

So far I like the camera and the cool orange one I got makes it even better.

Sombeech

03-26-2008, 08:36 AM

As soon as I started recording the time adjusted to 28:XX and started to count down from 28:XX. I filmed for 30 seconds.

Nice, that's what I had hoped.

Now do me a favor and fill your entire card with 1 video for me, just to be sure. :haha:

Alex just mentioned the 1030 to me, it has a wide angle lens. I'll check that one out too.

Thanks again icthys. :2thumbs:

Alex

03-26-2008, 08:57 AM

icthys

03-26-2008, 09:06 AM

itchy, as all reviews I have seen, you didn't answer the critical question:

What is the duration of the video at 640x480@30fps?

As I stated above, anything in other resolution specs is memory length (640x480@15fps, 340x240@30fps, etc), but not the highest res and fps.

Can you check that please and repost the finding?

Thanks

Good catch. I was just trying to get a quick review for beech and didn't think about the resolution.

I switched to 640x480 and sure enough I could only record for 10 seconds. Does that answer the critical question?

Sombeech

03-26-2008, 11:05 AM

I switched to 640x480 and sure enough I could only record for 10 seconds. Does that answer the critical question?

AAAGGGHHHH!!!! :frustrated: :frustrated: :frustrated: :frustrated: :frustrated:

Alex

03-26-2008, 11:29 AM

Yes, thanks man!

Ya I almost bought 1030SW when I first saw it, but the damn 10 seconds is a big no no to me

Sombeech

03-26-2008, 11:31 AM

Yes, thanks man!

Ya I almost bought 1030SW when I first saw it, but the damn 10 seconds is a big no no to me

On the 1030 too huh? hell, back to square one. I may end up waiting for that VholdR helmetcam after all. :cry1:

Alex

03-26-2008, 11:42 AM

Ya I am really surprised they are still using xD memory, it seems like all xD cameras are having issues with long video. Plus it's more expensive than SD.

CarpeyBiggs

03-26-2008, 11:52 AM

Sombeech

03-26-2008, 12:12 PM

By the way, those vholdr's are now in stores, supposedly.

I saw something that said the 28th. But I hit the Buy button, it just redirected me to a couple of other online retailers, whom also don't have it in stock yet.

Plus, $349.99 is full retail. I spotted some places that had it around 315 or so when it was in stock.

Man, if only it wouldn't cut off at 10 seconds..... Logically, they're probably protecting us from ourselves. They think we will forget we are filming, and it will fill up the whole camera. And then we won't know how to delete the film... Just give us the option, hell. Have a little more faith in your customers.

Also, I do need another still shot camera, and the VholdR doesn't show you a preview of what you shot..... this sucks. I got all excited for a minute there.

Alex

03-26-2008, 12:33 PM

I am sure Olympus will release a new camera with longer video

Sombeech

03-26-2008, 06:27 PM

Well, jeez... I was satisfied with that Pentax W30 we took on Westwater, maybe I'll just quit being so picky and get that one.

I don't like the battery though. I'm a fan of AAs, instead of special recharger types that you need to purchase a spare on.

And I'm pretty happy with the photo quality, even though it's rumored that the W10 took better shots?

Sombeech

03-26-2008, 07:05 PM

...on the other hand.

Here are some waterproof camcorders, but on average the still shot is only 640 X 480. The price is around $300-$400, and they all take SD cards.

Found on www.camcorderinfo.com

This one already mentioned by AJ; The Sanyo Xacti E1

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/images/upload/Image/news/2007/Sanyo/Sanyo_Xacti_E1/Sanyo_Xacti_E1.jpg

Panasonic SDR-S10

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/images/upload/Image/news/2007/Panasonic/Panasonic_SDR-S10/Panasonic_SDR-S10_vanity.jpg

Panasonic SDR-SW20

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/images/upload/Image/Panasonic/First%20Impressions/Panasonic_SDR-SW20/Final%20Product%20Shots/SDR-SW20_Vanity_350.jpg

The BAD thing besides the photo quality, I'm not seeing the 1/4" threaded camera mount on the bottom for a tripod, making it difficult for helmetcam purposes.

Sombeech

03-27-2008, 10:42 PM

Hey Alex, this dude is saying that if the xD card is an M type, it will stop the movie after 10 seconds, but if it is an H type, it will film to capacity...

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1008&thread=27328371

I hope he's right, although I don't know the difference between H and M xD cards. High and Medium?

And if he's right, I'll probably be looking at picking up a Stylus 1030

Alex

03-28-2008, 07:31 AM

You could easily get it from Inkleys, they have a 10 day no question asked return policy. It would be an easy way to test it.

Thanks for heads up, I sure hope you are right

Sombeech

03-31-2008, 11:01 PM

oops, sorry Dan, seriously didn't mean to delete your post.

I accidentally replied logged in as Admin, deleted my post, but must have gotten yours too.

You were saying the VholdRs were now in stock.

I saw they were back in stock, but back up to full retail price. I've been having second thoughts on those anyways, I really like to review my footage right there, and I do need another still camera anyways.

Thanks for the info though.

jman

04-01-2008, 12:08 AM

the 770SW is technically more advanced than the 790. I'm going to the Homestead Crater for scuba diving and will take some pics for ya so you can judge the quality for yourself.

I like the Olympus 770SW because it's compact, freeze-proof, water-proof to 33ft, crush-proof up to 220 lbs +, dust-proof, and shock-proof from a 6foot fall. I keep it in my pocket and it takes decent pics and subpar vids, but hey, all that good environment protection is great. No worries.

But for my photography I use the Canon A5 IS with conversion lenses - and that's great quality there. IE. I just printed off 2 pics from my latest Goblin Valley trip this last week at 16"x20" and 20"x24" at walmart for about $12 a piece and they are "art quality". I got them humg up on my wall and they look great!

anywho...
www.dcresource.com is a great comparison site and review site of most digital cameras (although I believe they are somewhat biased to Canon...although I can't blame them).

Sombeech

04-01-2008, 06:40 AM

I like the Olympus 770SW because it's compact, freeze-proof, water-proof to 33ft, crush-proof up to 220 lbs +, dust-proof, and shock-proof from a 6foot fall. I keep it in my pocket and it takes decent pics and subpar vids, but hey, all that good environment protection is great. No worries.

Yeah, and now the 850SW and 1030SW just came out. Man, I'm still bordering on these and a Pentax.

I just really want the untimed video length. And I want it at 640 X480 at 30fps. I'm willing to go 640 X 480 at 15fps, but it CAN'T stop filming on me after 10 or 30 seconds.

I like the freezeproof and shockproof features of Olympus, and both brands will have a photo quality that I would be satisfied with. I run all of my photos through Picasa anyways.