Underwater Camera (that doesn't leak!) for under £100-300
Discussion
Hello All, I've had bad luck so far with underwater cameras and I'm looking for some advice. I went on a snorkelling/cruise holiday a few years ago and bought an impressive looking Nikon AW100 on the boat, from brand new it lasted a total of two days! The seal for the battery/memory card door failed and ended up killing the LCD screen although it still took pictures. The end result was you would have no idea what picture the camera would take as you wouldn't know what was in frame or whether the image was focused... We took it back and got a new replacement which lasted the rest of the holiday and a few subsequent holidays with occasional underwater encounters. After probably less than 10 times underwater across the years the same seal failed again! So now we have a camera out of warranty without a working screen...
Apart from the seal failing we were extremely impressed with the AW100 in terms of image quality. The latest AW110 from Nikon looks identical with the same compartment door, so I don't really have faith in buying this version... I've read a fair few underwater camera reviews across different sites, it seems that these reviews briefly test the cameras underwater with no long term tests. When I cross reference the cameras that are listed in the reviews against customer reviews on amazon and I've found no camera without a bad review stating that is has leaked, as such I'm not really confident on finding a truly waterproof camera!
The camera use is purely snorkelling with some occasional dive downs to perhaps 1-2 metres... not exactly high pressure stuff! I'm just surprised I can't find a confirmed leak proof camera in my price range. I've looked into housings for standard cameras and it looks like the budget would not be enough for the housing alone. I'm also in the market for an DSLR or mirror less DSLR, so I guess if I found a decent housing for a reasonable price this would also be an option.
So, any advice??
Apart from the seal failing we were extremely impressed with the AW100 in terms of image quality. The latest AW110 from Nikon looks identical with the same compartment door, so I don't really have faith in buying this version... I've read a fair few underwater camera reviews across different sites, it seems that these reviews briefly test the cameras underwater with no long term tests. When I cross reference the cameras that are listed in the reviews against customer reviews on amazon and I've found no camera without a bad review stating that is has leaked, as such I'm not really confident on finding a truly waterproof camera!
The camera use is purely snorkelling with some occasional dive downs to perhaps 1-2 metres... not exactly high pressure stuff! I'm just surprised I can't find a confirmed leak proof camera in my price range. I've looked into housings for standard cameras and it looks like the budget would not be enough for the housing alone. I'm also in the market for an DSLR or mirror less DSLR, so I guess if I found a decent housing for a reasonable price this would also be an option.
So, any advice??
No experience with underwater cameras as yet, but I have been pretty tempted by the Nikon 1 AW1 and have been considering getting one before I next go on a beach holiday where snorkeling will be involved. Think there are only 2 waterproof lenses available for it at the moment, but more will surely come, and you still get full use of the other 1 mount lenses on land.
I think there were early reports of some leaking. The AW1 has been pretty much out of stock worldwide for months and I have read suggestions that the shortage was because Nikon were fixing an issue with leaks. Seems to be coming back into stock now, so hopefully they have addressed it!
It should come with a 2 year warranty (1 year standard + extra year for registering it), so it doesn't put me off yet, but if I do decide to get one then I think I will be testing it thoroughly over and over again! The other option I have is a waterproof housing for my S100. I've not got any snorkling holiday plans lined up just yet though so still a bit of time to decide what to do.
It should come with a 2 year warranty (1 year standard + extra year for registering it), so it doesn't put me off yet, but if I do decide to get one then I think I will be testing it thoroughly over and over again! The other option I have is a waterproof housing for my S100. I've not got any snorkling holiday plans lined up just yet though so still a bit of time to decide what to do.
I have an old Fuji S6500FD bridge camera which dimensionally is near enough an DSLR, I'm thinking something like this camera bag is worth a punt?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331083682576
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331083682576
I've had three of the Pentax Waterproof cameras.
New ones as upgrades, not replacements. In fact my first, bought in 2006 still gets used.
Never had a leak with any of them.
The most recent one I bought won the Gadget Show test, they even dropped it out of a chopper from a ridiculous height - not a scratch.
All of the WG range are within your budget.
New ones as upgrades, not replacements. In fact my first, bought in 2006 still gets used.
Never had a leak with any of them.
The most recent one I bought won the Gadget Show test, they even dropped it out of a chopper from a ridiculous height - not a scratch.
All of the WG range are within your budget.
I have a Veho Muvi HD7 which is similar to a go pro, though I doubt the photos from it would be worth taking! I don't see much point in shooting videos.
With time running out (I fly out in a week) I've lumped for an Olympus TG-2 as it came out best in reviews online in regards to image quality. They all seems to have reviews stating they leak so I'm probably on borrowed time with any of them! I suggested buying a cheaper camera but the OH didn't want to sacrifice image quality...
With time running out (I fly out in a week) I've lumped for an Olympus TG-2 as it came out best in reviews online in regards to image quality. They all seems to have reviews stating they leak so I'm probably on borrowed time with any of them! I suggested buying a cheaper camera but the OH didn't want to sacrifice image quality...
I see that you have bought a camera for your trip now.
I wanted a cheap waterproof camera years ago when my kids were still quite young so we could use it in the pool and at the beach etc.
I ended up getting one of these:-
http://us.sanyo.com/Dual-Cameras/VPC-WH1YL-Waterpr...
It was on offer on amazon.co.uk for £175 so I thought why not.
It has been used now for almost 5 years and never once skipped a beat.
The pictures are a bit overexposed, but the video in 720hd mode is brilliant .
It's been. So good that my £1000 plus Panasonic full HD camcorder is never used.
The main reason being the fact that it's waterproof, but also that at 720hd the file sizes are not too larger and are easily managed for editing.
The second reason is the battery life,, sometimes I leave it in my bag on standby for up to 6 months and it still comes on with hours of battery life left.
Most times on a 1'week holiday,,it gets used all day every day, and with the spare charged battery, I don't even have to charge it for the entire week long holiday.
Also for traveling we take the SD card out and plug it into my iPad and import them for easy viewing.
I know it's been discontinued now, but I hope it never gives up, I will struggle to replace it for a simple fun camera.
I wanted a cheap waterproof camera years ago when my kids were still quite young so we could use it in the pool and at the beach etc.
I ended up getting one of these:-
http://us.sanyo.com/Dual-Cameras/VPC-WH1YL-Waterpr...
It was on offer on amazon.co.uk for £175 so I thought why not.
It has been used now for almost 5 years and never once skipped a beat.
The pictures are a bit overexposed, but the video in 720hd mode is brilliant .
It's been. So good that my £1000 plus Panasonic full HD camcorder is never used.
The main reason being the fact that it's waterproof, but also that at 720hd the file sizes are not too larger and are easily managed for editing.
The second reason is the battery life,, sometimes I leave it in my bag on standby for up to 6 months and it still comes on with hours of battery life left.
Most times on a 1'week holiday,,it gets used all day every day, and with the spare charged battery, I don't even have to charge it for the entire week long holiday.
Also for traveling we take the SD card out and plug it into my iPad and import them for easy viewing.
I know it's been discontinued now, but I hope it never gives up, I will struggle to replace it for a simple fun camera.
Wasn't clear on the price range you are looking at (<£100 or £100-£300)
I have a Panasonic DMC FT3 (they are now up to FT5 version). It's been a great little camera for holidays and has withstood countless snorkelling, pool, pool slides exposure and is pretty tough. Not had any complaints with it's underwater capability (video or photo)...I'm no expert...but as a tough, waterproof camera for the family I've been very impressed. Not sure you'd get an FT3 now...but take a look at FT4 / FT5 which I think are under £300
I have a Panasonic DMC FT3 (they are now up to FT5 version). It's been a great little camera for holidays and has withstood countless snorkelling, pool, pool slides exposure and is pretty tough. Not had any complaints with it's underwater capability (video or photo)...I'm no expert...but as a tough, waterproof camera for the family I've been very impressed. Not sure you'd get an FT3 now...but take a look at FT4 / FT5 which I think are under £300
Steve Campbell said:
Wasn't clear on the price range you are looking at (<£100 or £100-£300)
I have a Panasonic DMC FT3 (they are now up to FT5 version). It's been a great little camera for holidays and has withstood countless snorkelling, pool, pool slides exposure and is pretty tough. Not had any complaints with it's underwater capability (video or photo)...I'm no expert...but as a tough, waterproof camera for the family I've been very impressed. Not sure you'd get an FT3 now...but take a look at FT4 / FT5 which I think are under £300
My FT2 died after two underwater sessions. Piece of sI have a Panasonic DMC FT3 (they are now up to FT5 version). It's been a great little camera for holidays and has withstood countless snorkelling, pool, pool slides exposure and is pretty tough. Not had any complaints with it's underwater capability (video or photo)...I'm no expert...but as a tough, waterproof camera for the family I've been very impressed. Not sure you'd get an FT3 now...but take a look at FT4 / FT5 which I think are under £300
t...I have the Panasonic FT5, used it everyday for a week in Barbados last Nov and it performed brilliantly. Also works well as a general compact
Some video from it at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw93RhlXu9Y
a few stills
Some video from it at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw93RhlXu9Y
a few stills
Some years ago, I took a chance with a Vivitar 5399. They're still available http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/141252258827?limghl... and, at £49.99, it has to be worth a go. I haven't been snorkeling for quite a while now but it took reasonable snaps both under and over water. And no leaks.
If I'd switched the colour mode from daylight to auto, I expect these shots would have been better:
If I'd switched the colour mode from daylight to auto, I expect these shots would have been better:
sgrimshaw said:
I've had three of the Pentax Waterproof cameras.
New ones as upgrades, not replacements. In fact my first, bought in 2006 still gets used.
Never had a leak with any of them.
The most recent one I bought won the Gadget Show test, they even dropped it out of a chopper from a ridiculous height - not a scratch.
All of the WG range are within your budget.
+1 on the Pentax. Used one for the past couple of holidays as a supplement to the DSLR. Great underwater and in water parks. Slow-mo video a great gimmicky feature, but pretty good. Very pleased with itNew ones as upgrades, not replacements. In fact my first, bought in 2006 still gets used.
Never had a leak with any of them.
The most recent one I bought won the Gadget Show test, they even dropped it out of a chopper from a ridiculous height - not a scratch.
All of the WG range are within your budget.
sgrimshaw said:
I've had three of the Pentax Waterproof cameras.
New ones as upgrades, not replacements. In fact my first, bought in 2006 still gets used.
Never had a leak with any of them.
The most recent one I bought won the Gadget Show test, they even dropped it out of a chopper from a ridiculous height - not a scratch.
All of the WG range are within your budget.
+1 on the Pentax. Used one for the past couple of holidays as a supplement to the DSLR. Great underwater and in water parks. Slow-mo video a great gimmicky feature, but pretty good. Very pleased with itNew ones as upgrades, not replacements. In fact my first, bought in 2006 still gets used.
Never had a leak with any of them.
The most recent one I bought won the Gadget Show test, they even dropped it out of a chopper from a ridiculous height - not a scratch.
All of the WG range are within your budget.
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