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Digital Camera

K

klg neighbor

New member
OK, it's time to look for a new digital camera. I lost mine a few months back (don't ask where, I have no idea). I see there were some other threads about cameras, but they were well over a year old, so features/technology has changed. I previously had a Sony with Carl Zeis lens and 6Mpixel. It was nice, no complaints and the macro feature was great.

So here is what I need:

Taking fishing pictures so water proof/ resistant is a big plus. But I'll use it for other pix. Ease of carrying in a pocket a plus as I'm not looking for a big bulky camera. Macro photgraphy a must as I like taking pictures of bugs/insects/flies. Low "fiddle factor" meaning the common features of turning flash on/off, macro/regular, exposure with minimal button pushing is desired.

A lot of you post some great pictures, so what do you use and why?
 
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As far as I know, the only two waterproof options are the Olympus Stylus series and Pentax Optio series. There maybe a few others geared toward salt, but I haven't seen anything with more than 6 MP. Maybe one of the camera buffs can better answer that.

You know I love my Optio, but as we've seen in other camera threads, there are probably just as many Olympus devotees.
 
What's about Panasonic LX3 ?

It's kind of pricey but quality of the pictures is like IOS plus you can get a waterproof case for it.
 
As previously stated here, the Pentax Optio and Olympus Stylus series are the only waterproof cameras available. While saying these are the only 2 companies providing waterproof cameras, I am certain that I have seen others. However, the cost of the other cameras were quite steep. The Olympus and Pentax cameras can be purchased for under $300. These cameras can be found as refurbished or open box items for less than $200.
I have the Olympus Stylus 790. It has macro features and is very easy to operate. I like the Olympus a great deal. A friend and frequent fishing associate, has the Pentax Optio. His Optio has produced many very nice images.
Choosing a waterproof compact camera for carrying along to the fishing hole is a wise decision. I have learned this lesson through the school of hard knocks, at least twice.
Steves Digicams - Olympus Stylus Digital 1030 SW - Hands on Review
Steves Digicams - Pentax Optio W60 - Hands on Review
 
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Santa got me an Olympus Stylus 1030 SW. I absolutely love it. It's waterproof, shockproof and crushproof, good to sub freezing temperatures. It's near indestructible (knocks on wood). The macro is works quite well as well as "super-macro". It's a great size to stick in the pocket and it's not too hard on the wallet. Good shopping.
 
KLG - I just bought the soon to be discontinued Olympus 1030. 10.1MP, waterproof plus is supposed to be crush and freeze proof. It's feels very well made, heavy duty metal frame, gaskets on any part that opens, etc. J&R had it for $279. Supposedly it's being replaced but to my understanding, the new one is prettier but not has tough (waterproof to shallower depth, less "dropable").

Cheers.
 
olympus did the same thing with their previous water proof cameras... one version that was tougher, the next less rugged. The only difference was the "less rugged" version had better video, than the "tough" version.

decent cameras overall...excellent for uber-convenient water proof shots.
 
This is my baby. It's not waterproof and it's not water resistant but it kicks ass.

Click to enlarge
 

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I'm looking also for a waterproof camera. A friend just purchased the Olympus 1030 and I sure like the sizing of the thing. My question is: how is the ease of use between the Olympus and Pentex. I'm not too tech savvy. Thanks for the help.
 
I bought the pentax optio, but after 2 seasons it became no longer waterproof. And it fired the LCD but to water damage. when sent back to pentax they wanted more than $100 for the repair. Needless to say i will never buy another pentax product. Buy the olympus i you need a WATERPROOF camera because the pentax isn't what it claims to be.
 
I have the Olympus 1030SW. It works as designed. I have had it underwater up to 3 feet and taken pictures with it since the spring. It appears to be fairly durable and simple to use. the macro and super macro let you get within a single inch of a subject. (I have a photo of a butterfly looking into the lens and you can see the individual segments of the eye. )

It is a point and shoot and is limited in the amount of zoom and the movies are web page worthy, but not much more.

When fishing it stay in the pocket of my shorts. On those rare occasions that I hook a fish, I bring the camera out and turn it on and leave it dangling on my wrist. If it falls in, or gets dunked while netting a fish, or bumps into a rock there are no worries and its ready to snap a quick pick without fumbling around trying to keep the fish alive while I remove it from a bag, case or other contrivance.

I have heard they are discontinuing it. That may mean they are introducing a 12Meg version or a less rugged pretty version, but I cannot confirm that. I have recommended it to a few folks, they all like it. It is not an SLR, but it is a workhorse and can take rough treatment.
 
I second everything Agust just said...not to mention the pretty colors it's available in. Fly fishermen/women love to look good on the stream.
 
Hey guys (and gal), thanks for all the advice. In the next month or so, when our cash flow is a little better, I'll be taking some of your advice.
 
klg neighbor said:
Hey guys (and gal), thanks for all the advice. In the next month or so, when our cash flow is a little better, I'll be taking some of your advice.
Click to expand...

Oh, great.....

Now we have to wait a month to see just who's advice he is following.

klg Cliff hanger
 
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