Best Canyoneering Camera

[rockgremlin]

Looking to acquire a good waterproof camera for canyoneering. Any suggestions?

Hey Alex - are you still looking to sell that waterproof Olympus you once had?

[jumar]

I like the pentax optio waterproof cameras myself. I'm no camera expert though.

[nelsonccc]

i picked up the Olympus 770 SW last summer after seeing it do so well for the aharts in mexico. I like it alot. Very durable, waterproof. When you get out of a canyon you just rinse it under water and its clean. Picture quality is great and more than enough for my needs.
Good luck.

[jman]

woahh....thanks for the info. That just opened my eyes. hmm...do you have any pics that you can share to show the awesomeness of the camera?

[R]

The point-and-shoot cameras don't really go wide enough to shoot the marvel of slot canyons. You might think about a cheap digital SLR with an ultra-wide lens, like maybe the Sigma 10-20mm, in a waterproof housing.

[Alex]

Justin, I have Optio Pentax W10 camera, not Olympus. When I was buying it, Olympus only had 15fps video in their camera, while Pentax had 30fps, that was the biggest factor for me.

I like my little camera. You either go Dan's route and haul about 40 lbs of gear with you and take some awesome shots. Or you go the waterproof point and shoot route (Olympus or Pentax) and take semi ok shots with it. Your choice

[CarpeyBiggs]

You either go Dan's route and haul about 40 lbs of gear with you and take some awesome shots. Or you go the waterproof point and shoot route (Olympus or Pentax) and take semi ok shots with it. Your choice

:roflol: It's not 40 pounds...

Seriously though, there is no perfect canyoneering camera. I've looked long and hard. SLR's are generally too burdensome, and I just think the point and shoots stink. Those that are decent have no wide angle.

The most promising new camera I've seen is the Sigma DP-1. Rumor is, it may be on sale as soon as March. It is a 28mm lens, with a APS-C sized sensor in it. Fits in a pocket. Will be kinda pricy though, prolly 500 bones.

If wide angle doesn't matter, the olympus' are getting good reviews nowadays.

[Alex]

Is DP-1 waterproof?

[CarpeyBiggs]

Is DP-1 waterproof?

No, but I actually don't find that to be a big issue. Just keep it in a small waterproof case. The biggest issue with waterproof cameras is keeping the lens dry anyways. But that's just me.

Also, I doubt the DP-1 does video, so if you want that, you are outta luck as well. It is more of a rangefinder.

[hank moon]

Suggestion: first decide what you want out of the camera.

Most canyoneers favor compact cameras for ease of shooting. Unfortunately, image quality ain't so good with these. If your first priority is capturing all the action w/o concern for picture quality, go for one of the compact waterproofs. If image quality is more important to you, get a camera + wp housing combo.

Here's a possible compromise between the compact waterproofs and using a housing:

http://tinyurl.com/2w29xe

Note to Shane: I haven't used this camera - just bringing attention to another WP model out there that isn't often discussed.

hank

[Iceaxe]

Hank, have you actually used one of these?

I'd like to see some pics from a dark section of slot where the flash was used.


Fujifilm Big Job HD-3W, 6.0 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera
Price: $524.00

Fujifilm is pleased to announce the launch of the FinePix Big Job HD-3W. It is a heavy-duty and highly practical digital camera designed to be used in the most challenging of environments. Having withstood a drop test to 70cm and featuring a rubber grip and big buttons, this waterproof, dust proof and shockproof camera can endure what other cameras only dream of. The FinePix Big Job HD-3W is perfect for the construction, engineering, health and safety and manufacturing industries, or any environment where it is likely to get knocked around. The FinePix Big Job HD-3W has a very tough exterior. It is waterproof and can withstand being submerged for up to 30 minutes in depths of up to 1 metre. In addition, the layout of the big, easy-to-use buttons allows the camera to be used whilst wearing gloves, will helps to ensure that the camera it will not be dropped at the most crucial moment. However, the FinePix Big Job is also shockproof, so in the unlikely event of an accidental drop, (up to 70cm) your camera and images will be protected. The new model combines a wide-angle 3x (28-84mm) optical zoom lens with a large, scratch resistant 3" LCD screen so images can be viewed on the back of the camera more clearly. The camera also features a 6 Megapixel CCD sensor and ISO sensitivity of up to 1600, so detailed; low noise images can be captured in low light levels, such as dark construction sites, without the need for flash. However, for times when flash is needed, the powerful built in strobe enables longer flash distance of up to 10 meters. In two world firsts for the FinePix range the Big Job HD-3W features 'Detection of Manipulation' and 'CALS' modes. The first highlights any tampering that has occurred to images after the photo has been taken. Using the FinePix viewer software on a computer, it is possible to check whether the image has been processed or edited to ensure the integrity of all images. The CALS mode takes photos at 1MP - an ideal size for attaching and distributing via email. These unique features, along with the Shot Date function, which records the time and date that the photo was taken, make monitoring and reporting the progress of work highly reliable and as simple as possible.

http://www.millenniumcamera.com/images/big/FJBJHD3W.jpg

[Scott Card]

I have the Pentax Optio something or another. It is a fine canyon camera but for memories only. If you are seeking the poster "wow" factor shot, it ain't going to happen. I take it along when I am not with Dan. I shoot a couple of shots here and there just for the memory but know that in low light and tight spaces I don't have the lens or light settings to get a good shot. It works great for the before and after group shot, on the approach and exit route and for some in canyon shots of people. I've taken mine in many a canyon including Heaps twice and I simply stick down the neck of my wet suit and my massive pecs :roflol: keep it from dropping further. Actually it has a pretty long strap that I dangle out the top of my wet suit that keeps it in place. The waterproofing has not failed me....yet.

[hank moon]

Here's a cam/case combo worth considering:

http://tinyurl.com/34wrcd

http://tinyurl.com/3d5oxe

I've used the Fuji F20 a lot (pix: http://tinyurl.com/ytncqw), but not the case - I'm getting one, though (just found it online spurred by this thread). The camera is the best compact p/s I've used...great low light pix w/o flash.

Flash note: the Fuji F20 has an interesting setting that takes two shots with one press of the shutter: one w/flash and one w/o.

hank

[tanya]

I have a big heavy camera! I am sure getting tired of toting it around! I would suggest something smaller like these guys are saying.

[rockgremlin]

Thnx for the suggestions guys...I really appreciate it.

[Deathcricket]

Hey can I bump this thread? Oh wait I just did! I had the Olympus Stylus 850 SW. I bought it just cause it was on sale at Costco. It was ok. The things I didn't like about it was that you had to take the battery out to recharge it everytime. Then when you plugged the battery in, it would insist you set the date and time, then it defaulted to some weird macro shot mode I never used and I had to go through a bunch of menus an adjust the settings... Every single time I charged it up. Low and behold it started failing at the battery entry point, but I could usually dry it off and get my pictures, looks like last trip through Birch in the rain completely killed it.

So just looking for some simple compact point and shoot that takes minimal effort to use. What's new in the last 4 years? What you guys using and what do you not recommend????

[2065toyota]

I have been using the new Fujifilm xp20. While it isn't the best camera ever made, it is a 14.2 megapixel, waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and with lots of options. I bought it at walmart for $169 and you can get a 2 year replacement I think it was $18 or something. It has been through at least 20-30 canyons and for the price and the replacement value I am very happy with the choice.

[MrAdam]

I bought the Panasonic Lumix TS-3 last year after seing recommendations for it in a different thread and I really like it. I have dropped it countless times and it even sat in the bottom of a water filled pothole for about 3 hours before I was able to fish it out and it still works great. Above all it takes really good pics! There is a newer TS-4 version out, but a lot of the reviews have complained of water leaking into the camera and ruining it.

[Slot Machine]

I have been using the new Fujifilm xp20. While it isn't the best camera ever made, it is a 14.2 megapixel, waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and with lots of options. I bought it at walmart for $169 and you can get a 2 year replacement I think it was $18 or something. It has been through at least 20-30 canyons and for the price and the replacement value I am very happy with the choice.

X2 in regards to Fuji. My buddy brought his Fujifilm XP50 (http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=11759601) though Misery last week and it put my Canon D10 to shame as far as photo quality (especially in low light). He got it at Costco for $180. I don't think you can get more bang for your buck.

Canon has come out with an updated version of the D10, the D20 (http://www.technobaboy.com/2012/02/07/canon-powershot-d20-underwater-camera/). It is certainly worth a look. I've had my D10 for 3 years and regularly beat the hell out of it. I've taken down to 20 feet while snorkeling, taken it snowboarding 10 times, backpacking 10 times and canyoneering at least 30 times. I highly doubt you can find a more durable camera.

[remoteman45]

My favorite camera is in a dry bag (still dry?doubtful) somewhere in Kolob creek below where Boundary comes in. It's a DSLR and tho heavy and bulky it'll get the shot I want. Of course I carry a tripod too. If there's a great shot, I want the tools to GET it .

[canyonguru]

I have a Cannon D.10 and i love it. The camera after about 3 years of abuse started to leak and wouldn't work. I sent it back to cannon for a repair, they said they dont' repair those models so they sent me a brand new one for free, Awesome. I would also suggest getting a Go Pro Hero. they have a wide lense they shoot in HD and you can just film the whole canyon, go home and take out snap shots of what you want. And they are way cheaper than most other cameras.

[msmnificent]

I'm expecting to be in the market for a new camera soon too so I'm glad you bumped this thread, thanks.
Almost everyone I know seems to think that the Panasonic Lumix TS3 is the way to go. I am also very partial to the Sony Cybershot TX10.

Here are some reviews that might be useful:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q311waterproofcompactgrouptest/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366987,00.asp

I am interested to hear what others think of the trade-offs between the Sony and Panasonic.

Thanks,
Malia

[ghawk]

This one has been on my radar for awhile. Reviews seem good so far. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1621

[mzamp]

I have the Panasonic Lumix TS-3 and leaking has not been a problem. I like the ease of the WP because we simply clip it to the gear loop and it is readily available for shots. We end up with hundreds of photos. About 50% of my shots are worth sharing and only about 15% of my GFs shots are any good or in focus. Occasionaly I will take my 10D or in rare instances my 1D. I never get many shots becuase it is time consuming getting them in and out of the dry bags. However, you can get some killer shots. So like mentioned above it comes down to what you want. Most of the time I just want memories...

[mtn_dude]

It's hard to see what you're really setting up(unless you buy the LCD backbac) but the new GoPro camera's work awesome. Wide Angle Lens, waterproof, high quality pic...has worked really great for me!

[maarten.1975]

I am interested to hear what others think of the trade-offs between the Sony and Panasonic.

I have been using the Sony DSC-TX 10 during my last 2 Utah trips, and it is a very nice camera. Below some of its features and my experience with it. I can't compare it with other camera's, but I'm quite happy with this one.

Picture-quality is quite good in my opinion, and I've made and printed many pictures. The camera has a great 'backlight'-picture mode. It takes 3 pictures very quickly after one another and calculates this into 1 end-picture. In canyons (where often the light from outside the canyon is very bright) I think this works great. This trick works very very well with non-moving situations. Moving images may cause some strange effects though:
57257

In general I think (and see this confirmed in many opinions on the internet) the general picture quality in low light situations is very good.

Fantastic is the sweep-mode, which mostly makes great pictures of landscapes (after a short training and experience with the modus). (Original resolution is 10480x4096)
57245


Movie-quality is proper/ good as well I think. I hardly ever make movies, so not much to add here.

Camera-construction - the camera is quite small for a water- and dustproof camera, but even though this camera looks quite fragile, in general it has kept quite good, being dropped out of my hands a couple of times.
The mechanically-opening and closing lens cover gave me some trouble though. Read more about this at 'dust-proof' !
Another little thing is the fact that the lens is located all the way in the top-left corner of the camera. Occasionally when not paying enough attention, it may happen that the last piece of index-finger is in front of the lens... making the proper hand-position (how you hold the camera when taking the picture) a habbit easily solves this.

Water-proof - no problems so far concerning this, and I've been swimming with it in about 10 canyons.

Dust-proof - well, this depends on the definition of dust. After my first holiday (of the 2 holidays I've had this camera), the lens cover didn't appear to like sand. Sand (not dust) got into the closing mechanism and about 2 mm of play between camera and lens cover was the result. Sony repaired this properly and freely for me, I had bought it about 3 months earlier. Last holiday, a lot more canyons and no problems anymore. I was more careful on the camera: properly wash the lens cover system in a pool of water if you feel friction, and of course rinse out all the sand at the end of the day. Washing is done by opening and closing the cover while below the water surface or below the tap. In dry canyons I have experienced less problems with sand up untill now. It more easily falls off, being less sticky without water.

Battery-life - incidentally I need my back-up battery during a day, and in general I do take quite a lot of pictures. If I have to make an estimate.... I'd say you can take 200 or 300 pictures without problems on one battery. If you use the special modes a lot (takes a lot of energy to feed the processor), the battery will go more quickly of course.

Touch-screen - incidentally it doesn't wanna work. That is frustrating, however turning the camera off and on works and solves it. To me this happens lets say once every 2 or 3 days or something. Furthermore the touch screen works very well.


In general I'm very happy with this camera. It is easy to use, great pictures, it is nice and small. I didn't wanna add to many example-pictures to this reply, but you can check my latest trip reports for some (in size reduced) examples.
I would buy the camera again, for sure! Probably the big DSL camera's make much better pictures, however they are so expensive, so heavy, mostly so not waterproof and in general so complicated... :roll:

Any questions left... feel free to ask!

:mrgreen:

[Scott Card]

:hmm2: That picture is blurry.... and there is a mysterious green arrow. Is this a feature of the Sony? :haha:

[Byron]

I love my Olympus Stylus Tough. It performs as advertised. I have a trip report in the backpacking section with all photos from it. I recommend the camera.

[maarten.1975]

:hmm2: That picture is blurry.... and there is a mysterious green arrow. Is this a feature of the Sony? :haha:

Hehehe, nope, that is a feature of Maarten... :naughty: