Waterproof cameras

[snowandrocks]

Does anyone have any experience of waterproof cameras? Not looking for dslr quality but something at least equivalent to a decent smartphone would be ideal. If it's reasonably sturdy so much the better.

Will be used for hillwalking, kayaking, mountain biking, maybe snorkelling but not actual diving so no need for any great depth rating.

[GetCarter]

You can buy waterproof housings for many cameras, rather than spending money on another camera.

ETA... but of course, GoPro etc come with waterproof housings as standard.

Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 3rd December 17:49

[Weslake-Monza]

Olympus TG4 or TG5 - can be dropped and still work as well as being waterproof. Not cheap new but I guess you can buy s/h. The only downside is that despite being a compact it's not that light.

[snowandrocks]

Thanks will have a look at the Olympus.

Getcarter, nice thought and I did initially look at waterproof housings for my dslr but they're horrifically expensive and make an already bulky camera into something unmanageable.

[F355GTS]

I've a Panasonic DMC-FT5, had it for a few years now and works well

[sgrimshaw]

Had several Pentax (now Ricoh) one's over the years. Always been very happy with them.

Last one I bought is this one:

https://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Ricoh-WG50-Compac...

[GetCarter]

F355GTS said:

I've a Panasonic DMC-FT5, had it for a few years now and works well

How was Gordon's bash for you Mark? Drink enough free booze?

(sorry for the off topic O/P - PM didn't work for some reason)

[Speed addicted]

We’ve been using the Olympus tough range at work (oil rigs) with good results.
They would be waterproof enough and have managed to withstand rope access team use, so should stand up to most situations!

[F355GTS]

GetCarter said:

F355GTS said:

I've a Panasonic DMC-FT5, had it for a few years now and works well

How was Gordon's bash for you Mark? Drink enough free booze?

(sorry for the off topic O/P - PM didn't work for some reason)

I was good and stuck to water was a very nice day out

[FunkyNige]

Weslake-Monza said:

Olympus TG4 or TG5 - can be dropped and still work as well as being waterproof. Not cheap new but I guess you can buy s/h. The only downside is that despite being a compact it's not that light.

That's what I've been using for ages (think it's a TG2), it's been snorkelling and used in the rain/snow/gigs a fair bit and it's been fine but isn't the best as a 'normal' camera as the quality isn't as you'd expect for the price (the sensor is behind a big chunk of glass), plus it's quite big.
If you're taking it snorkelling make sure you get a buoyant wrist strap for when you're passing it to other people!

[Weslake-Monza]

Jessops had a special deal on when I bought my TG that included a wrist strap float.

[snowandrocks]

Thanks everyone - the Olympus Tough cameras look ideal. I notice Jessops have the TG - 4 at £279.00 so will probably just go for one of those.