Camera Recommendations

When the weather is nice I don't mind taking out my camera that may actually be stolen... I bought it from some kid who heard me mention I was looking for a camera.  But that doesn't work if it is rainy or the water is wavy.  What might you suggest?

Depending on your budget, the kodak playsport is a pretty good all around camera and HD video camera. I just picked up a second one on ebay for less than 40 bucks. I also have the Fuji XP30. I like it okay but it always seems like the settings get all jacked up when it's in my pocket or under my PFD. Mine has the GPS feature that sucks battery life like crazy. It's important to always have it off. To be honest I miss using the playsport, it didn't take the greatest photos but it was simple and easy to use.

I just got  a GoPro for my video needs but for the last few years I've been using an Olympus point and shoot.  It's waterproof and shockproof.  Great for all of my outdoor photos.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp?section=tough

I just got  a GoPro for my video needs but for the last few years I've been using an Olympus point and shoot.  It's waterproof and shockproof.  Great for all of my outdoor photos.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp?section=tough

I picked up a used Olympus Tough for my youngest boy because he was always running around with our good cameras to make his videos of his toys.  After my Playsport went for a swim (deep dive actually) I started using the olympus on the water.   At first, I hated it.  But after I played with the settings a bit, I actually really  like it.  It takes great photos, but the video is low resolution.

You can't go wrong with a Nikon D700 and an underwater housing.   That is what I will get.... when I win the lottery.

I picked up a used Olympus Tough for my youngest boy because he was always running around with our good cameras to make his videos of his toys.  After my Playsport went for a swim (deep dive actually) I started using the olympus on the water.   At first, I hated it.  But after I played with the settings a bit, I actually really  like it.  It takes great photos, but the video is low resolution.

+1 on the Olympus Tough. I've gotten sand n' saltwater all over it and banged it around plenty to no ill effect. It definitely is "tough"!

Take a look at the Pentax waterproofs.   I've found that they tend to produce better focused pictures in more conditions than the Olympuses in plain old point and shoot mode. I like the SD cards as well. YMMV.

It takes great photo's!  Uses SD cards as well.

I have a Pentax Optio W80 and it's been a great camera. I wear it on a lanyard around my neck. It's been wet when I've been wet and functioned well. I've not submerged it on purpose as I'd rather not test fate. Before I had a Pentax Optio W10 until I broke the door on it while landing my first salmon out of a kayak. Peed my pants and broke my camera, but well worth it

I've got a Pentax Optio, Kodak Playsport, and GoPro. The Pentax has been chugging along taking great pix for 5 years now. Video, being such an old camera is not so good. Had to buy a backup battery a year ago for $10 on EBay but no issues other than that.

The Playsports' video is great. Overall easy to use but a little weird for photos because of the way you hold the camera. It's nice because you use one hand but framing photos can feel awkward. Newer versions don't have a removable battery so have lost a lot of fans on the site.

The GoPro is a good set it and forget it videocam but taking photos are challenging. There's some nice new additions but also have heard the GoPro2 sucks more juice for some reason. It still is great as a POV cam IMO. What I'm really looking forward to checking out is the Contour cam. Very comparable to the GoPro while having a few interesting features. Plus they're based in the NW so gotta try and help the local company!

For the folks with waterproof point and shoot models The Clymb has some Lowe Pro camera cases this week and the "D-Wrap" is on sale for $6.

A nice low bulk package when your camera is in your PFD pocket.
They offer good protection and mount where the tripod connects so it's not coming off.

I have 2 already. One has fish vomit/bait residue and the other lives on the land and stays nice and clean.