Is underwater digital camera durable as compared to the ordinary digital cams?

by Djof

i still can’t choose which digicam to buy; i like the beach therefore i like taking pictures of sea creatures and stuff (not that often though). But i don’t like to own a camera that has underwater casing since it’s bulky and i just want to have one that is light and simple to bring for roving..
I’ve read Olympus makes fantastic underwater cam, but I trusted Sony’s range of digicams for a long time now and i want to have one that has the touch screen panel

Im looking quality here (takes fantastic pictures and has reasonable price),
do i have to ditch my underwater fantasy of taking pictures underwater or is it much better to own the ordinary digicams? I just don’t one to buy one that might not last that long

Answer by rejectedzipper
Not sure if any underwater camera has a usable touch screen….

There are plenty that are “waterproof” and can be used in a swimming pool or (I guess) the sea – even if salt corrosion might be a conundrum unless you carry a bottle of fresh water to sponge down it off.

There are also several purpose built Lexan cases for innumerable model digicams, talk with a excellent community photo shop.

Answer by ukunyk
Persons waterproof cameras will nearly certainly be of lesser quality than a fixed digicam.
Underwater casings are not nesessarily bulky. If you really compare it, the waterproof camera will in itself be bulkier than the standard camera anyway. There are several types of underwater casing that I have used. As I do not reckon any underwater camera has a touch screen (as I mentioned they are not as up to date and modern as the normal cameras), in order to get a touch screen underwater, you would need to get one of persons apparent bag type cases http://cgi.ebay.com/Underwater-Waterproof-Case-4-SONY-N1-N2-W110-W120-W130_W0QQitemZ260525720705QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Camera_Accessories?hash=item3ca88b0481
They can be slightly annoying with a fixed camera, but with a touchscreen one they are simple to use and keep out water well.
For small cameras I have seen some very compact underwater cases that are practically like a skin to the camera, such as this one or even smaller http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-SPK-THB-Underwater-Case-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ280449615060QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Camera_Accessories?hash=item414c1984d4
Persons are hard and would not usually fit a touchscreen, even if there may be some.
In my opinion, for a lower price and better quality protection and pictures, you should go with a camera and an underwater case. I have used these in the past and even the bag type one is not too bulky to be a hassle in the water.

Answer by Mick
I have an Olympus Stylus 770 SW (Shock/Water) -[might be a mju and it might be a 790, can't remember] and it’s a fixed-sized waterproof camera that can take sea water all day long. It’s also drop-proof, crush proof and cold-proof (to some extent) and it’s stainless steel case is all but indestructible. I’ve even (accidentally) dropped it whilst riding my bike down a dirt track at 30mph. Didn’t even make it sweat. I picked it up and used it immediately.

Why public seem the reckon they’re worse at photography than additional compacts is anyone’s guess – it’s a fixed compact in a tough, tough shell. Even the LCD screen is super-tough. The photo quality is exactly as terrible as you expect from a small sensor compact of a couple of years ago. I’ve taken that camera to hell and back and it’s certainly survived 10 times more than my SLR’s may maybe.

Olympus are no longer the daddy in water-proof compacts, though – I judge the new water proof Nikon one (can’t remember the model name) is far superior in image quality. But a plastic-bodied pretender won’t stand up to life run-over. Seriously, that camera’s been through everything.

What do you reckon? Answer below!

Harvard Buildings II: 16


Image by contemplative imaging
View this set on Fluidr: 2010-05-12 Harvard Buildings II — 16 photos

Saturday, May 15, 2010
Harvard, Illinois

Olympus E-600 DSLR
Olympus ED 14-42mm f.3.5-5.6 zoom

in-camera image stabilization
hand held

Adobe Lightroom 3 beta 2
"Direct Positive" pre-set

NOTE: I’ve uploaded these photos earlier, but here they are again, this time post-processed with Adobe Lightroom 3 beta 2. Using the "Direct Positive" pre-set, the photos come out with greater contrast and color depth, but are somewhat darker. Compare to the first set: 2010-05-15 Harvard Buildings

I am looking for a excellent quality COMPACT digital camera. I want to get a complete SLR package, Nikon or List but I also want something that is VERY compact/lightweight.

So my question is what compact digital camera would you recommend that has the best performance compared to a top quality digital SLR?

I know the performance wont be equal, but what would come closest (relatively speaking)? I’ve been told to stick to brands from the film era eg. Nikon, List, Olympus, etc.. What are your opinions on that advice?

I want the camera to be handle a wide range of subjects including landscapes, public, even action.

PS – I know I’m asking alot.

Answer by Elvis
All of the major brands are excellent. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to reckon about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, result a reliable place to hold it, and the list goes on and on and on…….

The first business to realize is that nearly any digital camera will take excellent pictures. If more public would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it may maybe be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really judge buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can choose on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Excellent Luck

my suggestion
go to this link for help
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guide/

Answer by phishfour
No, you are not asking a lot.

1st, the advice you were agreed about sticking with persons brand names was excellent advice. I would really just stick with Nikon or List for myself, but some of the additional brands are excellent as well.

Most point and shoot cameras will handle everything you are looking for. i would personally recommend the Nikon S550. I got it for my wife and it is a fantastic camera. I have a Nikon D70S DSLR and her camera can take photos that look as excellent or better than mine. It is a very small camera (I reckon it is Nikons smallest) and it is loaded with features that we really use like face recognition. There is alos a feature where it automatically takes a picture when it sees a smile so you will never miss someone smiling again. it is a fantastic small camera.

Answer by Ren
List Power Shot Digital Elph, hand’s down.

Answer by Curious
Cannon is the best. They make allot of different models, so you have a wide range ot choose from. And they all have a wide range of abilities. So go to a BestBuy and see what they have, they will give a excellent deal. That’s where I got my Cannon and I like it.

Answer by Pey
In new cameras, look for optical viewfinders (LCD invisible in bright sun) and check battery prices. Also, high mega pixel settings take longer to process and may not be needed unless required for very large pictures or enlarging small parts of huge pictures. Maximum print size for a 3 mega pixel background is 8 x 10 inches. Click links below for more details.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 …
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm …

Just saw this camera at Best Buy and reckon it is a fantastic camera and a best buy. It has an optical viewfinder, image stabilizer, auto focus, and uses NiMH rechargeable batteries. Read as much of the later as you can for additional information and help with choosing a camera.
List A590IS $ 129.99 at Staples days gone by.
http://bountii.com/deal-1523871-list-powershot-8-0-megapixel.html …

There is no one particular place to get fantastic buys, but you may see something above that really helps you find the best buy. Click on the link in the information above for an example then search for your camera of choice at the high left. Camera prices at this link exchange often.

While most of the cameras out there are really excellent, I would choose List over Nikon because it seems like more camera for the money. Some would say List withholds their best technology for high end cameras and Nikon implements their best at all levels. Before you choose, read all the text and links in the information below because it will help you know what to look for in a camera.

There are so many cameras out there it is hard to say which is best, but digital is beyond doubt the way to go. The second source link will be very helpful as it list most of the cameras out there with prices. The later information should help you know what to look for in a camera.

What gives a camera its picture quality?
The small answer is that it is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very vital, but the ability to set the scene, exchange the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the fantastic pictures.

Lots of fantastic camera tips in these two links. http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution …
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/10468/6368/333&pq-locale=en_US …

Check this more for the money camera. FUJIFILM – FinePix 10.0-Megapixel Digital.
Life time Warranty (Parts & Labor).
Wide-angle shooting, a 12x optical zoom and picture stabilization mode combine in this camera for exceptional shooting performance, even at a distance. Overflowing scene modes, autofocus and automatic white balance controls make this camera a snap to operate. You may be able to find it on the Internet for a lower price.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8879234&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat152400050001&id=1212192673855 …
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3514&review=fuji+finepix+s1000 …

This may maybe be the best slim line camera with a viewfinder. It’s PINK!
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber-shot%20DSC-W150%2FR%20Digital%20Camera:1995337750;_ylc=X3oDMTB0bjZzaWNuBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNlbGVj …
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3462&review=sony+cybershot+w150 …

The information about my camera is just to show that you don’t need the largest and best. Just know how to use the one you have.

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives fantastic results, is nearer, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7 x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an ancient camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes … like magic.

Check with the Geeks in several supplies and compare prices. Question what cameras they own, but don’t judge everything you hear. Once you select a camera read all about it in the owner’s manual. Just learned that my camera has red-eye prevention and correction. It also has adaptive lighting. You may be able to view owners manuals at this link, but will need to Login. http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera …

The source links will show most of the cameras out there with prices and help make your digital cameras work better.

Know better? Place your own answer in the comments!

amzn.to Olympus Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Digital ED SWD Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
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