NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing => Product Discussions => Topic started by: goldendog on July 29, 2008, 01:58:54 PM
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I was wondering what kind of cameras are being used by the group members to take photos from their kayaks. I would guess that most of you use some sort of waterproof digital camera that also takes video. I am not looking for anything that is professional grade, just an inexpensive, simple camera that can take the occasional splash, and has the photo quality for sharing on the web. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated!
Dave
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I can't speak for NWKA on this one as I don't think we've discussed it much here yet. However the favorite among the folks at NCKA are the Pentax Optio W-series cameras. I believe the current model is the W60. They're great little cameras, water proof down to 15 ft or so and take decent shots and video.
Another camera to consider is the Olympus Stylus SW series. I think the one advantage the Olympus may have over the Pentax is shock resistance. Olympus claims you can drop them from up to 5 ft.
Personally I use my old 2 MP camera (circa 2001), keep it in a dry bag and try and be careful.
Brian
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I've been using a little Olympus Stylus that is waterproof to 10 feet and can take the occasional drop. It has an internal lens cover that closes when you turn the camera off and it can take salt water. I've been happy with it so far, and more importantly I haven't broken it (yet).
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1365 (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1365)
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Thanks for the suggestions Brian. I will check them out. I also have an old 1.3mp Olympus that I thought about using. It doesn't take video though, and it's kinda bulky compared to the newer cameras. I do have an old underwater film camera, but it's huge, and I don't want to deal with the film thing. Totally spoiled on digital!
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Thanks for the link armyjim, I loved my old my Olympus d-460z. Took over 6000 photos with it, mostly of the dogs! Actually my avatar was taken with that camera.
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I've been a long time Optio user. However, after a few years of use the outer lense is getting a tad bit scuffed and my images are no longer as crisp as they used to be. So I'm looking to pick up a new camera before my next trip. I'm considering another Optio. Will let you know my final choice once I make it.
armyjim, how are Troy and Jon making out up there?
-Allen
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Another vote for the Olympus Stylus 850. I have an older version, have had it for 2-3 years now. I really like the stainless steel case, and it has withstood lots of abuse. Takes great pictures, and fairly cheap.
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I've had the Pentax and the Olympus waterproof cams.
I like the pics I got from the Pentax Optio better. They seemed sharper and better focused in full auto mode. However, I broke two of them. One fell from my pocket to the ground and was dead. The second I did not latch the battery door and put it in the water (dead).
I bought the Olympus because I've had very good results with them in the past and because its shockproof as well as waterproof. I've put the shock resistance to the test often and the battery door latches when you close it (you have to close, then latch it on the Optio).
Subjectively, the stills and video don't seem as well focused as the Pentax and it does not do as well in low light (again, I'm using it in point and shoot mode) But it has held up to my abuse for two years now and takes good pictures.
So if you go slowly slowly, the Optio might be it. If your like me, you might do well with the Olympus.
There's a couple of other new ones at a lower price point (Hero and ???) but I don't have any experience with them.
Oh, whichever one you get, add some key chain floats or a piece of pool noodle to the strap because they don't float.
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armyjim, how are Troy and Jon making out up there?
-Allen
Good so far. They stayed in Eagle River Saturday, and Yak on the Fly smoked up some of those pinks you all caught. We went bank fishing on the Little Susitna because there were supposed to be silvers in, but I think my fishing luck rubbed off on them, 'cause we got skunked. :BangHead:
But - they went down to Seward Sunday night, and were going to hook up with the Liquid Adventures guys, so I'm expecting great things.
They are a couple of great guys, and since there ain't a whole lot of other yak fisherman up here, I was glad for the chance to hook up with them. I just wish work would have let me head down to Seward this week :'(
By all means, if you guys need anything or just want to fish, let me know when you're coming up!
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on pole's advice I own the Pentax optio as well and don't leave home without it. Great camera, and one keychain float keeps it on the surface if dropped. (washtub tested)
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A word of warning about internet deals on cameras (this recently came up on NCKA).
There are a lot of apparently good deals on cameras out there but most of these sites are scams. They offer the camera at a low low price, but strip it of all it's accessories (you know things like batteries, software, instructions, etc..). After you order they have you call to confirm and then they try and sell you the extras at highly inflated prices. If you don't bite on the extras they mysteriously cancel/delay your order. Anyway, if you find a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is. I usually do a google search for "[name of company] scam" and see what comes up.
For example, the Pentax Optio W60 should cost about $300-$350 but you can find it online for as low as $200. Here's an example..BroadwayPhoto.com has it listed for $243 w/ free shipping
http://www.broadwayphoto.com/viewproduct.aspx?id=10026288 (http://www.broadwayphoto.com/viewproduct.aspx?id=10026288)
A quick google search for "broadwayphoto scam" reveals 100's of posts like the following..
I am new to digital photography and was trying to find the best price for a Nikon D40. I placed an order for $407 after two phone calls to Broadway Photo. The first time I was told I need to buy a charger. The second time I was told the camera comes with accessories. After placing the order I was emailed to call to expedite the overnight delivery otherwise it could take 72 hrs to process the order, I am told the usual battery story of the camera comes with 30 min. battery, I foolishly agrea to second battery. After calling Nikon I call back Broadway and I am told why are you calling Nikon USA. Another call to Nikon and a web search and I figure out the camera is an import. I now call back Broadway and read them the riot act. Now they will sell me a USA model for circuit city price. I say no and they drop the price to $499 and include overnight delivery. So at this point I say ok. After this I find out their reputation and call to cancel. I am told it is too late my order is in the warehouse. So I call my credit card Company to refuse the charge. I am told it is just comming thru and it can be rejected.I was charged $539 on my card. I notify UPS to refuse shipment and breath a sigh of relief. Two calls to my card Company confirm the charge was rejected. Two days later I find out the charge is on my credit card and I have to go thru a written process to get the charge off. I find out by the tracking No. that Broadway recieved back the camera and signed for it. Every time I email Broadway I am told the package was shipped. I have filed a complaint with the New York BBB. On Monday I will be calling Broadway again. Any suggestions will be apprciated. I don't have alot of money. Why is this comapny allowed to stay in business???
That said.. Amazon.com is having a sale on the Olympus stylus SW series...
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=Olympus%20Stylus&search-type=ss&index=electronics (http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=Olympus%20Stylus&search-type=ss&index=electronics)
Purchasing through Amazon is usually a safer bet than buying from some random website.
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Mine is an Olympus Stylus 725 SW. I originally bought it for catch and release fly fishing cause it was really small and waterproof. However, now it's my "I carry it everywhere" camera. The picture quality is not as good as other cameras I own (Digial SLR, and Canon Powershot), but it's MUCH better than not having a picture cause I didn't have the camera. It fits real nice in my PFD pocket and have tested the waterproofiness (is that word) and shockyproofiness (I know that can't be a word, but you get the idea) and has held up great.
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Brian,
I have had one of those experiences with less that truthful online deals. I bought my Sony f-828 several years back from a place called Butterfly photo. It was a great deal at the time. The next day a salesman called me at home and pushed real hard to sell me extra stuff. Then magically, the camera was backordered. It took almost a month before I received it. They had charged my credit card when I placed the order, and I thought for sure I was getting ripped off. I was so relieved when I got the camera intact, and would never buy again from those guys. I have had real good service with B&H photo in New York. That's probably where I will get my next camera from.
Thanks everyone for the great advice. It's going to be tough to make a decision!
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Adorama and B&H are the only New York dealers that seem totally honest and reliable. fast shipping too, they don't rip you off on handling charges.
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I'm thinking about checking this one out. Sanyo E1 waterproof video camera with 6MP photo support.
http://us.sanyo.com/entertainment/cameracorder/index.cfm?productID=1495
-Allen
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I'm thinking about checking this one out. Sanyo E1 waterproof video camera with 6MP photo support.
http://us.sanyo.com/entertainment/cameracorder/index.cfm?productID=1495
My cousin has that video camera, she loves it. She regularly takes it out in the boat, drops it in the snow, ect. I had a chance to use it, I thought it was pretty cool.
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I'm mulling the Sanyo too---here's a review with sample pix and videos. They're about $325 or so from ebay
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/sanyo_e1.html
his conclusion:
Bottom Line - Sanyo's Xacti VPC-E1 has crossed a major line, becoming one of the first fully submergible video cameras. Fitting in the palm of your hand, this very easy to use camera captures high quality 640x480 video while allowing the photographer to capture a full 6- megapixel photograph, while recording video. The performance was a little slow, however the image quality of the photographs is good and the quality of the videos is excellent in and out of the water. With a MSRP of US$499.95 this would be an excellent camera for a person or family who does a lot of traveling or outdoor living.
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I can tell you the Sanyo is a decent cam. At my previous company we lost a design win for the video compression engine in that cam. So I've had a chance to eval the quality in detail. We had damn good quality in our product so if we lost it to someone with better quality, it must be good.
What I don't remember are things like battery life. And I want to cradle that thing in my hands a bit more to get a better idea of feel and usability.
-Allen
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I found a bunch of reviews for the Sanyo at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000QSNQ9S/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
It seems that the biggest drawback is the still photo quality. Great reviews for the video though!
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I bought an Optio W30 last year from BuyDig.com. The seller was legit and delivered with no problems. The camera cost about $200. I haven't used an Olympus for more than a shot or two (to compare). The Pentax does seem slow on the focus, especially in low light. I am happy with the quality of the photos. My battery/card door snaps shut and does not need any additional locking, unlike Wali's. BTW, I bought a card with USB. Pull the card, Fold it to expose the USB and plug in to 'puter to download. No worrying about finding the cables, very easy to do.
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My battery/card door snaps shut and does not need any additional locking, unlike Wali's.
That must be one of the improvements between the w10 and w30. Good for them! ;D Sad for me :(
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It's a beach, getting old, isn't it? ;) Darn stuff becomes obsolete too quickly! :o
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Adorama and B&H are the only New York dealers that seem totally honest and reliable. fast shipping too, they don't rip you off on handling charges.
Thank you for the recommendation for Adorama - it is always appreciated when satisfied customers tell others about us.
If you ever have a problem with an order from Adorama, please do not hesitate to contact me directly: helen.oster@adoramacamera.com
Sincerely
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
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I too have ordered stuff from Adorama and have no complaints about the service.
Just curious ... Helen, how did you find your way here? Thanks for checking in. :icon_thumright:
-Allen
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Wow---now there's some customer-oriented service!!! Wonder if Helen fishes from a kayak???
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Wow---now there's some customer-oriented service!!! Wonder if Helen fishes from a kayak???
I must admit to have failed to progress beyond 5 sticklebacks in a jar - and a very cross squid off the side of a boat in Portuguese waters!
Please don't hold it against me..............
To the previous question - my job is to find postings on the Internet that relate to Adorama, and respond. Frequently there are compliments for members of the sales team (I really enjoy being able to pass those on to department managers); sometimes there are great suggestions from photographers that I'm able to pass on to the Senior management Team who discuss whether to incorporate them into Adorama strategy; often there are technical queries that I pass to the relevant experts within Adorama.
Then, as for any company, there are problems or problems relating to supply, delivery hiccups, customer service etc. I try to sort them out!
Hope you'll find my availability of use: I don't always catch every posting, so contacting me directly: helen.oster@adoramacamera.com, is always a good idea if I don't appear to have responded in the forum to a query.
Best wishes
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
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As a followup to my original post, and after a lot of time researching various cameras, I would like to report that I am the proud owner of a Pentax Optio W60. Great picture quality, waterproof to 4 meters, and takes 15 frame HD video or 30 frame VGA video. I found a Kingston 16 gig SD card for $50 so there's lots of memory. The only problem that I noticed so far is the sound on the video. If you use autofocus in video mode, there are numerous loud clicks that record while the camera is focusing, which is constantly. You can turn off the autofocus, but then you probably can guess what happens, blur. The solution, edit in some music instead. Time will tell how the camera holds up to the vigors of kayaking. My wife is taking it to Mexico next month to film some whale sharks. I don't think the sound issue will matter much for that!
Dave
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Found the 8mp Sanyo waterproof videocam on San Francisco Craigslist, the guy is willing to ship USPS, woohoo!! Now to dig up the pesos!!
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As a followup to my original post, and after a lot of time researching various cameras, I would like to report that I am the proud owner of a Pentax Optio W60. Great picture quality, waterproof to 4 meters, and takes 15 frame HD video or 30 frame VGA video. I found a Kingston 16 gig SD card for $50 so there's lots of memory. The only problem that I noticed so far is the sound on the video. If you use autofocus in video mode, there are numerous loud clicks that record while the camera is focusing, which is constantly. You can turn off the autofocus, but then you probably can guess what happens, blur. The solution, edit in some music instead. Time will tell how the camera holds up to the vigors of kayaking. My wife is taking it to Mexico next month to film some whale sharks. I don't think the sound issue will matter much for that!
Dave
i read in a review that if you turn on a feature called infinite focusing or something like that you don't here the clicks...i don't know anything about just repeating what i remember...i ordered this camera just a few minutes ago to ship here on wednesday :)
the olympus turned me off because of the 10 second maximum on video...i don't know why they do this it seems kinda stupid...only thing that limits pentax is the amount of memory u have apparantly...ive heard that the quality of either video isn't great...but then again its not a video camera lol
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This is the camera I used at our last dino-fest. SeaLife ReefMaster Mini:
http://www.sealife-cameras.com/cameras/reefmaster_mini_pro.html
I bought it at the local dive shop, I've dropped it & taken it underwater with no problems. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to take decent close-ups of little stuff. In auto-focus, it sometimes will focus on the background, not what I'm trying to picture. Probly me not knowing what I'm doing. Haven't tried the video mode yet.
(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/412_22_12_08_1_27_39_1.JPG)
(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/412_22_12_08_1_27_39_0.JPG)
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I use the Olympus stylus 870 sw, it takes nice underwater pics. i used to have a 3.2 megapixel nikon that took awesome pics, but drowned and died.
i wanted the olympus stylus 1030 sw....waterproof to 33ft, 10.3 megapixel, freeze proof to 14 degrees, and crush proof to 200 pounds, and dropable from 14 ft.....bomb proof.
i couldn't get it, so i got the 870....still great, tuff, and waterproof. at first i thought it didn't take as good of pics as my nikon, but it's just different.
i had to get to know it and fined those little adjustments, but it's great, and takes just as good quality as my old nikon.
great for a point and shoot. for pro quality photos it's better to go with a digital slr and waterproof housing....if you got the coin to lay down that is.
-jason
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wow, guys, this is great information for those of us who seldom buy cameras..
paul, that one you're showing us looks suspiciously like both a pentax and an olympus model i saw on amazon not too long ago.. must be a great form factor if so many makers are using it...
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Just a day before Yakintup and I hit Cape Kiwanda on 4/10, I talked the wife into lett'n me get the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW as an anniversary present for us both >:D .
Fred Meyers had it listed for $319 and then another 10% off that. So, with the camera, a card (10% off this, too), and 2 year extended protection plan (from Freddies) my total was $347.
Happy Anniversary to me!
All the pics from the 4/10 Cape Kiwanda trip were shot from this camera in Auto mode.
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I have the Olympus 720 sw, so it's the earlier model of the on INSAYN has. I guess the lens isn't the best money can buy, but for a camera that's practically bulletproof it's as much as I could ask for. All of my pictures in my gallery save for Pacific City 4-10(which were INSAYN's taken with the newer model) were taken with my 720 sw. It takes ok movies, but that's not really why I bought the camera anyway. I like the layout of the buttons on the new models much better than mine. It has a ton of preset options and also the ability for you to adjust all the settings yourself manually. Overall, great camera, highly recommended!
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I've had the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 for about 6 months now. I haven't taken much video with it, but I've tried to use it as a normal camera. After all, it replaced my last waterproof camera. I don't think it is working too well for me. It doesn't fit in my hand well and I can't get used to the trigger style shooting. It's annoying enough that I think I take less pictures. And of course Sanyo comes out with the HD version in the meantime ...
Anyone heard much about the new Canon Powershot D10 Waterproof? http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021805canond10.asp
-Allen
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This sounds on par with the Olympus and Pentax models. The one feature none of these have that I think would be nice is a remote trigger fob.
Price estimate??? $400
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This sounds on par with the Olympus and Pentax models. The one feature none of these have that I think would be nice is a remote trigger fob.
Price estimate??? $400
That's true. What I do though is I have a knock-off gorilla pod and I wrap that around whatever and use the timer and that has worked for me so far. A remote would be nice though.
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I have the newest pentax Optio W60 and I am pretty happy with the results...it doesn't take very good indoor shots for some reason (lighting) but it takes pretty good outdoor shots...only problem with it is (and from what i understand it is the problem with olympus too) there is no shake reduction so you can very easily get a blurry shot...and i can't ever seem to sit still lol...
i didn't like the fact that olympus uses xd cards...was pretty much the only deciding factor for me lol
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i didn't like the fact that olympus uses xd cards...was pretty much the only deciding factor for me lol
The Stylus 1030 also takes MicroSD cards.
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Here's the discussion on iFish...
http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=2511938#post2511938 (http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=2511938#post2511938)
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I have a HERO digi cam. straps to the wrist and can take video too. Its pretty good. sometimes hard to with one hand though.
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ya it does after u buy a xd to microsd conversion card (if i remember correctly)
you lose some functionnality of the camera by doing that...
but ive seen both cameras and they both take relatively good pictures....
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ya it does after u buy a xd to microsd conversion card (if i remember correctly)
you lose some functionnality of the camera by doing that...
but ive seen both cameras and they both take relatively good pictures....
Included in the box is an Olympus MASD-1 microSD Attachment card. Good to go!
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I've had allot of fun with the olympus stylus 870 mounted on a piece of foam on my front deck. I use the wrist strap and loop it through itself and around the perimeter line to keep it from sinking if it came off the foam. I can't get code to post the video directly, but here is a link to a post I did with some good underwater video. It's definitely waterproof and abuse friendly.
http://kayakangler.blogspot.com/2009/04/kayak-technique-rolling-and-self-rescue.html (http://kayakangler.blogspot.com/2009/04/kayak-technique-rolling-and-self-rescue.html)
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I've had allot of fun with the olympus stylus 870 mounted on a piece of foam on my front deck. I use the wrist strap and loop it through itself and around the perimeter line to keep it from sinking if it came off the foam. I can't get code to post the video directly, but here is a link to a post I did with some good underwater video. It's definitely waterproof and abuse friendly.
http://kayakangler.blogspot.com/2009/04/kayak-technique-rolling-and-self-rescue.html (http://kayakangler.blogspot.com/2009/04/kayak-technique-rolling-and-self-rescue.html)
Ironic question, but could you get a pic of your camera mounted to your kayak? I'm curious how and where you have it attached. The view that your camera has is great! I'd like to have my Olympus 1030 shooting a surf launch. By example, our launch on the 10th at Cape Kiwanda was incredible the way the sun was behind us, and light lit up the the tip of the swells right as we where punching the bow through the top foot or so. I happened to glance over at Yakintup just as he was punching through a swell, and was blasted in the chest.
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I will get a pic..errr...hmmm. need two cameras....Are you coming to the Alder Creek Paddle Fest this weekend? I'll have it there.
My set up is NOT surf proof at this point. I basically carved a slot in a piece of closed cell foam a bit more narrow than the diameter of the camera and wedge it down in there, making sure I can get to all the buttons and the lens isn't blocked.
Then I tie the camera off to the perimeter line and snugg the foam under the bungee deck rigging. Holds through mild action, but not really set up for breakers. I suppose if I ran a couple of cam straps around the boat and foam piece it would hold through heavy action.
What we've done at the shop, and some of my co-workers did for This is the Sea and Pacific Horizons, was two things;
1.strapp a tripod to the deck riggin on your back deck, and screw on a camera. lash everything down to the point of excess. This makes you a bit top heavy.
2. wrap a housed camera with cam straps all the way around the deck and hull to the point of excess.
A friend of mine has been doing the action photo thing quite well lately. You might get some ideas from him: www.paulkuthe.blogspot.com (http://www.paulkuthe.blogspot.com)
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Sorry out of town over the weekend. I understand your mount system just by your description. Thx. ;)
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Insayn
Can you give us an update on how you like the Stylus 1030 SW so far? I bought one early on, didn't like the results, and returned it. However, it was a very short test period.
I'm in the market now and would like something specifically for fishing.
Thanks
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Insayn
Can you give us an update on how you like the Stylus 1030 SW so far? I bought one early on, didn't like the results, and returned it. However, it was a very short test period.
I'm in the market now and would like something specifically for fishing.
Thanks
I really like it, and it's size. My priority here is that it needed to be a rugged camera, and take clear pics while on the water. So far it has exceeded my expectations.
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After talking with the guy at the local camera shop he thought my problems with the Stylus 1030 was that it was a lemon. Impressed by the design and ruggedness I bought the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 from Amazon ($329) last Wednesday and it arrived Friday.
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1448 (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1448)
Now I'm waiting on the memory cards and a silicone protective housing from Adorama. Should be here in the next day or so. Had I done more research I would have ordered the Micro 2 SDHC cards instead of the xD's.
So far the pics come out much better than the 1030. Can't wait to drag a steelhead up to the side (underwater) and take some video!
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I'm happy with my olympus. The lens quality isn't as good as some, but man, I beat the crap out of that thing....leave it in my pfd pocket soacking wet, throw it in the bottom of my gear bag, and sling that thing around.
I tested my deck mount in some small (2-6ft) breakers this past weekend and it worked great. For me personally, the waterproof/crushproof thing is more important than anything as I've killed a few cameras in my day. A moderate quality pic is better than no pic, and the olympus has proven itself to stand up to my abuse.
I'll post the video as soon as I clean up my computer to make enough room for the video to download from the camera.