Compact camera general use and underwater. Recs?

[notax]

I am after a compact camera that I can use for general photos and video, but also take on holiday and use for snorkelling. I have previously used a waterproof Pentax camera but found the photos a bit of a let down so was thinking of a camera with a separate waterproof case this time. Thinking around £300 price. Any advice appreciated.

[Irrotational]

there are a few recommendations in here:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[TigerS6]

Missed the original thread, but as per the first reply on there! I've also got a Panasonic Lumix TS3 (or FT3 depending on where you buy it).
We got it for the Seychelles earlier this year and I was very happy with it's underwater shots, more than impressed with it's regular photo's, and more impressed still with the 3D capability and HD recording!!

If I were looking again, I'd get the same - it is a superb all-rounder.

[sammy_bibs]

Ah I had this same issue, I spent a lot of time comparing the LuMix, Sony TX7/10 and the Olypus Pentrax version. In the end I went with the TX10 as all the reviews and blogs swayed in it's favour.

The TX10 does not look rugged or waterproof but it's rated to 5 metres deep and I recently took it to 10M diving. Have taken it to -30 degrees and +50. I am yet to Drop it from a height. And all is still going well. Under water you will not be able to change the settings as its touch screen. Hawever you can record as there is a dedicated button for this on the body.

I have a selection of photos from various places. I have shrunk them all by half to upload, but hopefully it will give you an idea. I am not a photographer, just your average Joe with a camera. No editing has been done.

Also for a video I made using this camera from out last trip please see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfdzG5tb1Hc

Hope it helps,

Sam

A Bright English day;


A lazy afternoon;


Panoramic moutains;


Winter sports action shot;


Fire shot;


Clounds over portsmouth;


Burst shot hitting the golf ball;


Sunny day in cypruss;


at 2 metres deep underwater;


at 10 metres deep;


Panorama of desert town (from behind glass);


Close up of flower;


Close up of wine/glass;