Waterproof Camera

[Iceaxe]

So what is the hot setup for canyoneering waterproof point-n-shoot camera's this week?

And hurry so I have time to leave lots hints laying around the house before fathers day rolls around.

Thanks :2thumbs:

[2065toyota]

Fuji for the price.
Cannon for the quality

[Slot Machine]

And hurry so I have time to leave lots hints laying around the house before fathers day rolls around.

My friend's Panasonic Lumix TS20 has produced some very good shots. That will be my next camera.

His Panasonic produces better shots than my Canon D10. That being said, my Canon has been amazingly tough and I've been very happy with it. 3 years old, dozens of canyons, snorkeling in the ocean, frozen while snowboarding... it's insanely tough for an electronic gadget. If Canon comes out with a 16MP waterproof camera soon, I'll get it instead.

[Bootboy]

Olympus TG 1 or 2

Better lowlight than the lumix, the only area which this camera does not outrage the lumix is the lowlight video. It's a close second though.

[moab mark]

Lumix.

[tjdowling]

Got my shinny new Olympus TG-2 in the mail today. Bought it for the fast lens (f/2 - good low light perf like Bootboy says) and durability. Hopefully it will be providing excellent photos for many trip reports.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Jolly Green]

I bought the Olympus Tough TG-630 a few months ago and have liked it. It took a tumble down an 80 foot cliff in Spry and works just fine. Did pretty well in the dark narrows of Heaps last weekend, considering I still don't know the best mode to optimize pics. Still a notch or two below the quality of the TG-1/TG-2 Bootboy mentions. A decent option for ~$175.

[Renatomic808]

Ahh let's see... I've been through about 5 waterproof cameras, since I've gotten into Canyoneering, almost 3 years ago. Here's my thoughts...

Fuji XP10 - I went through 3 of these. First one I lost. 2nd succumb to leaking water real quick. Picture quality was good enough. Video mode was ok.. as you could zoom while recording. 3rd one of these, just broke. Gaskets tore, and buttons didn't do what I wanted them to. Manual settings suck, and the range doesn't go very far. Overall.. crap, and wouldn't ever get another one.

Panasonic Lumix TS2 - Awesome camera. For the most part, pretty bomber. Picture quality was better than the Fuji. However, while in video mode, you can't zoom in while recording. Great bang for the buck. My cousin however went cliff jumping with his in his pocket (25ft), and it bit the dust. The one I had, lasted for quite some time. I lost it and bought the Panasonic Lumix TS3.. and then found my TS2 a few months later. Still badass, and worked great for canyons. It was awesome having 2 cameras for a while.

Panasonic Lumix TS3 - Even better than the TS2 when it came for picture quality. It took some of the best pics in canyons. I loved the camera, and its features. I loved the program mode, which let you adjust EVERYTHING from aperture, sensitivity, and shutter speed. I managed to sneak some pictures of a moonbow (rainbow at night), with a tripod, and a 60 second shutter speed. Probably one of the best selling points of this camera. If you got the time to play with settings, it rocks! Getting to know this camera does take time though. Once I finally figured it out... I then lost this camera as well.

Olympus TG1 - This is my current camera. I decided to change brands, as although I'm a lumix fan.. i haven't had good luck with keeping them around. I also lost a bad ass point and shoot Lumix (not waterproof) which i've had for YEARS. For this reason, maybe its luck? (or so i hope). The TG1 has great options. You can add on a fishbowl lens to the camera, and take wider photos. Or even a telephoto lens as well, for that perv-zoom. I love the low aperture of the camera (f2.0). Low light pics are vibrant, and less noise gets added in. The video quality is pretty good. I'd say it is on par with the Lumix TS3, except you can actually zoom-while recording. It is a little confusing for settings, as i've used the lumix for years. However as a point-and-shoot, it takes phenomenal pictures. Downside of this camera, is that it doesn't have as deep of manual settings as the lumix (that i know of). It doesn't have the ability to change the shutter speed. Just aperture, and sensitivity (ISO). Essentially the TG1 is the same as the TG2, except the TG is more gimmicky. So for about $100 less, you get the same camera for last years model.

In the end, I would say as a normal "point and shoot" for deep, dark canyons, get the Olympus TG1. So far it seems more durable, and has great On-the-go settings. If you have time to play with settings while in a canyon, the Lumix TS3 takes my vote. Fuji can just bite my :bootyshake:

Ren

[neumannbruce]

I have a Sony, and my little point and shoot is better in low light than my partners newer Canon or Panasonic. I think the low light feature on the Sonys is really good. Mine is a 2007 - 7.2mp model and the newer ones have really improved. I’ve got my eye on the 16mp rugged model as it is time for an upgrade.

[agostinone]

I've got an Olympus Tough that I bought because it has an HDR setting (high dynamic range). HDR, if your not familiar, is for getting the most out of pictures that are a mix of shadows and bright light (like slot canyon photos). The Olympus takes multiple pictures at once, each at a different exposer--i.e. one optimized for the low light, one for moderate light and one for bright light--and weaves them into one picture. Awesome results! The only thing is that the camera needs to be held steady while taking HDR shots. I usually just place my hand against the canyon wall or use the 2-sec timer (so the camera doesn't move while I push the shutter).

I'm sure other water proof cameras have the feature now. For me HDR is indispensable.

[Iceaxe]

The camera on my Galaxy S3 has HDR and I love it. Thanks for mentioning that.

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[kiwi_outdoors]

I've got an Olympus Tough that I bought because it has an HDR setting (high dynamic range). HDR, if your not familiar, is for getting the most out of pictures that are a mix of shadows and bright light (like slot canyon photos). The Olympus takes multiple pictures at once, each at a different exposer--i.e. one optimized for the low light, one for moderate light and one for bright light--and weaves them into one picture. Awesome results! The only thing is that the camera needs to be held steady while taking HDR shots. I usually just place my hand against the canyon wall or use the 2-sec timer (so the camera doesn't move while I push the shutter).

I'm sure other water proof cameras have the feature now. For me HDR is indispensable.My non-waterproof Nikon P310 has HDR - I used it 100% on my last trip - and overall - I feel that photos are too dark - I am not pleased. Maybe I need to shoot in RAW for some shots (get a better camera)

[moab mark]

I have an Oly tough not sure if it is the TG1 just says tough. I hate this camera. I do not know what the photo term is but its reaction time is terrible. It is also very slow to load to the card. I now have a Lumix TS3 greatest point and shoot I have ever had. Great camera.

[bretoyce]

Has anyone tried the Canon PowerShot D20, I have seen a lot of posts about the D10 anyone one have some canyon time with the new Canon waterproof camera?

[Diana]

Been using my friend's camera for past two years: Waterproof and shock proof

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20D 16.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Used on PineCreek, Mystery and Spry. Sorry would link you the camera, but since I'm not allowed to until I 'post a few times'.

[Iceaxe]

So what is the difference between a Panasonic Lumix TS3 and a TS20, beside over $200?

I also see a TS25 and a TS5 all for around $200

I really don't care to spend $400 on a point and shoot, because I have a bad habit of destroying them in the slot.

Anyhoo... which Lumix do I really want? Yes, I could do the research but I'm sure one of you camera guys already knows the answers.

:popcorn:

[MrAdam]

So what is the difference between a Panasonic Lumix TS3 and a TS20, beside over $200?

I also see a TS25 and a TS5 all for around $200

I really don't care to spend $400 on a point and shoot, because I have a bad habit of destroying them in the slot.

Anyhoo... which Lumix do I really want? Yes, I could do the research but I'm sure one of you camera guys already knows the answers.

:popcorn:

I am not sure of the actual difference between the TS3 and the other models, but my TS3 is now over 2 years old with more than 100 canyon trips on it and is still working like a champ. I have dropped in from 6 feet onto solid rock countless times and it sat underwater in Cibicue Canyon for close to 4 hours before I was able to find it and it still takes the same quality of pics as right out of the box. Carrying the camera in a pelican case has saved a lot of wear and tear on it as well.

[spinesnaper]

I shoot with a canon S90. Has a large sensor for a small camera. The current model is the S110 with a beautiful 24 mm equivalent wide angle lens. But the set up is big and bulky. The camera is not waterproof but canon makes a great water case. Unfortunately these cases get the crap beaten out of them in the canyon. You can see the photos from my Imlay trip report. Generally I try to buy the cases used on ebay and this has worked out well. Of course my favorite is shooting with the 14 mm wide lens on the Canon 5D or the 21 mm lens on the leica M9 but I am afraid that my partner might decide to use one of these cameras as a chock stone for rapping off in the canyon and accepted leaving these very expensive but amazing cameras out of the canyon.

Ken

[kiwi_outdoors]

lets see if this works - ratings from Amazons reviewers, normalized to unity, try again, get rid of lesser performers so it all fits




Olympus TG-1

Pentax WG-2 w/o GPS

Canon D10

Canon D20

Nikon AW100

Pentax WG-1 w/o GPS

Panasonic Lumix TS20



0.527

0.500

0.524

0.524

0.528

0.389

0.490



0.247

0.344

0.199

0.238

0.174

0.190

0.237



0.067

0.031

0.075

0.070

0.090

0.087

0.070



0.080

0.063

0.076

0.063

0.086

0.071

0.046



0.080

0.063

0.126

0.105

0.122

0.262

0.156
















IGNORE>>>>


0.528

0.389

0.352

0.365

0.490

0.211




0.344

0.199

0.238

0.174



0.148

0.183

0.237

0.270




0.031

0.075

0.070

0.090

0.087



0.070

0.070

0.110




0.063

0.076

0.063

0.086

0.071

0.093

.061

0.046

0.144




0.063

0.126

0.105

0.122

0.262

0.275

0.322

0.156

0.265

[Diana]

So what is the difference between a Panasonic Lumix TS3 and a TS20, beside over $200?

I also see a TS25 and a TS5 all for around $200

I really don't care to spend $400 on a point and shoot, because I have a bad habit of destroying them in the slot.

Anyhoo... which Lumix do I really want? Yes, I could do the research but I'm sure one of you camera guys already knows the answers.

:popcorn:


Um.... I'm sure there is a difference but you sound like me with technology. Its pretty durable and waterproof. Get a wrist floater so if it drops into the water, it won't sink to the bottom. I would go with the cheaper one my friend has.

You saw my post: *Memorial Wknd: Heroic Rescue from Spry Canyon*
The photos from the canyoneering part is from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20D 16.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom.
Go with it if you think the quality is good enough for you.

Good luck!

[kiwi_outdoors]

Don't forget that sandproof is also why we buy these things - I had a system malfunction on my last trip down to Shaman's Gallery in Tuckup Canyon and my Nikon P310 regular camera planted itself squarely face down in fine sand. Neither one of the front lens leaf-caps works any more. And the irony is that my old Canon D10 was used on vacation for a great many not-at-risk shots and took great vacation photos (but it leaked and died when I tried to go snorkeling with it) . I now have a TS20 - used once in Zion Narrows with mediocre results (difficult lighting in fall).

[Byron]

Hey Ice, if you're still looking for a camera, obviously you have many choices. If you look at my trip reports, all the shots were taken with an Olympus Stylus Tough...great point and shoot.

[Iceaxe]

I haven't bought a camera yet. Still trying to figure out what I want/need. And I understand the sand, which is why I'm looking for a new camera. Sand ruined a camera on a recent trip so I had no pictures to go with the route descriptions I had written up.

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[maarten.1975]

My advice is check out the Sony camera's as well.

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10551&N=4294947354+4294938896&categoryId=16161&viewTaskName=CategoryDisplayView&facetlist=true

I have the TX-10, which is the older version of the TX-30 mentioned on this site. This camera (TX-10) has only one weak spot, the lens cover. If you have (too much) sand inside that mechanism, it gets damaged. Still, if you are careful with your equipment (try to keep the sand out of there, i.e. don't just throw the camera in the sand) and wash the sliding mechanism every now and then when water is avialable (just open and close it a couple of times in the water), this camera is awesome! It is not as robust as some others, but handled carefully it keeps up as good and make great pictures!
I see the other camera mentioned (TF-1) for the first time. It doesn't have the Exmor-sensor I read, don't know how it keeps up in picture-quality due to that.

Check my TR's for pic's taken with the TX-10. I may have slightly changed contrast or brightness on the pics before posting them (or glued some together). I don't photoshop them in any other way.
Sony is great at low light pictures, and when it is not an action picture, they have a great modus for strong backlight.

Good luck with the search, grtz!

[kiwi_outdoors]

you can either get the best ($$$) and hope not to break or lose it (Olympus TG1 perhaps) or something more affordable in the recognition that you WILL break or lose it at least every 2 years - that's why I bought a Lumix.

[Bluff-Canyoneer]

Does anyone with a Panasonic know if they still rig their cameras so that they work only Panasonic batteries?

I ran in to this issue a few years back. They wanted $40+ for a battery, if you could find one, when equivalent non-Panasonic batteries were selling for $10.

I typically carry 5 batteries on a multi-day outing and can't see paying $200 for a set.

[kiwi_outdoors]

I have an extra battery for my Lumix TS20 - the batter is by Wasabi Power - no issues

[oldno7]

Don't know if this is good or not but on goldbox deal right now for $179

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00728ZC1A?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[StarFangledNut]

I've had the both the Panasonic Lumix TS20 and the Sony TX-10. Ultimately water and sand ruined both of them, without beating on them too hard. I'm curious to know if anybody has used a GoPro as a point and shoot solution. The new Hero 3 Black is shooting @ 12MP for stills and 1080p 60fps for video. Sure, you don't have the ability to zoom, but the cameras are bomber tough and small. Thoughts?

[Brian in SLC]

I have an extra battery for my Lumix TS20 - the batter is by Wasabi Power - no issues

Ditto using Wasabi batteries. I think their charger is kinda huge, but, it did come with euro adapters, which was nice.

I use the batteries in two different cameras, no issues (Canon S95 and a Panasonic Lumix).

[mzamp]

First off, here is probably the best web site to review cameras with links for where to order them the cheapest: http://www.dpreview.com/

You can search by camera features. IMO the two main features a canyoneer would want is waterproof and manual exposure capability. Since having manual exposure in a point & shoot is not a common thing, filtering on those features leaves only 3 cameras. Richo PX and the Pansonic TS4 and TS5.

I own the TS3. It takes great photos and has lasted 2 seasons in the canyons and shows no signs of slowing down. My GF just got the TS4 with the manual mode. Looking forward to using it. I'm not looking forward to adding a tripod to my pack to take advantage of the manual mode.

[Iceaxe]

To me point and shoot means I'm never going to use manual mode and I'm never going to carry a tripod. Manual and tripods are worthless to me. My point and shoot camera lives in my shirt pocket and is set to auto. I pull the camera out click a pic and shove it back into my pocket. That is what I want my camera to do well. and I like it to shoot HD video in a reasonable manner.

FYI: I've been using a Canon Powershot elph 100HS the past two years, it was $120 new. It does a great job of taking the pictures (and video) I want. It's downfall is it's not waterproof.

[Brian in SLC]

To me point and shoot means I'm never going to use manual mode and I'm never going to carry a tripod. Manual and tripods are worthless to me.

Yeah, kinda that way for me too. I do like having some features and most nicer waterproof cameras have "some".

Wide angle lens is also super nice. At the risk of losing my man card, a macro setting for taking close ups of flowers, uhh, I mean bolt placements, is also super nice.

A spot to attach a tether.

Has to fit in my wetsuit pocket.

Folks debate the merits of having an exposed lens or not. One that hides when not in use is nice, as, it doesn't get scratched up and maybe avoids water droplets some. They do seem to fog, though.

[hike.higher]

My experience with the TG-2. Awesome camera unless you want the video. Apparently the way the camera is manufactured the lens clicks during filming. The speaker picks this up and unless you plan on putting sound over the top the video is entirely unwatchable. Olympus claims there is nothing they can do, its the way the camera is because of the compact nature of it. Overall awesome camera. Disappointed in the video though.

[Bootboy]

Interesting, my TG-1 makes no such noise.

[hikster11]

Shane
What camera did you end up getting? How do you like it?

[Iceaxe]

I still haven't brought a waterproof camera. For my website I've just been pulling screen shots from my GoPro. It is working pretty well. The problem for me is I can't GoPro and take stills on the same trip.


Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[Slot Machine]

I still haven't brought a waterproof camera. For my website I've just been pulling screen shots from my GoPro. It is working pretty well. The problem for me is I can't GoPro and take stills on the same trip.


Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

Our new Lumix TS5 is crazy good. With dozens of pre-programmed settings, it seemingly can do anything. GPS, Wifi enabled, it even has a shake sensor to tell how bad your essential tremor has become. :haha:

Our B&W pics from Fry Canyon turned out great and required minimal editing. The posted photos on Bogley don't quite do justice for the 16 megapixel resolution. We highly recommend it, if you are still shopping.

[Canyonater]

Beware of the Panasonic cameras....I just lost a 4 month old TS-4 cause the battery door popped open while doing the 7 teacups....I was at the final swim and when climbing out someone told me that my camera was floating in the water. I pulled it up and the door was open. The problem is the pathetic locking mechanism. Its basically two sliding latches, neither of them have a true locking feature. The main slide lock protrudes past the body of the camera and gets unlocked just from handling the camera or putting it in your pocket. I've found it open on several occasions and had to keep sliding it back closed. Well this time they both slid open and the camera is toast. The Nikon has a far superior push button while twisting lock. In fact every other waterproof camera out there has a better lock than the Panasonic....