Digital for on the river use?

[NJDrew]

Ive seen quite a few people post pics of their catches on the river and I was just wondering what camera everyone uses? Im in the market for a digital to use on the river. I am looking at the Olympus 725 SW as I can get one factory refurbished on ebay for $150. It would only be used for "fish pics" as I have a canon 10d that I use the rest of the time. As far as I can see its the best cheap solution for me.

725 SW Camera Features:

• Waterproof up to 5m**
• Shockproof (equivalent to 1.5m)*
• 7.1 million pixels
• Tough metal body in three colours: Deep Blue, Cherry Red and Titanium Grey
• BrightCapture Technology for better low light photography – with improved brightness for underwater scenes
• Large 6.4cm/2.5” LCD with 115,000 pixels
• Bright 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 38-114mm on a 35mm model) 1:3.5-5.0, with optical folded light-path
• 24 scene modes (incl. Portrait, Candle, Landscape and various underwater modes) plus Auto
• Movie function with sound (640x480 pixels, 15fps)
• Macro and Super Macro mode for shots from as little as 7cm
• Editing functions (e.g. Red-eye Fix, Calendar Composition, Layout Composition, Title Composition)
• Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• Multi-language menu with 10 languages plus possibility to download 15 more languages from the internet (on board: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Czech, Polish, Danish, Dutch)
• Supplied with Olympus Master Software, Neoprene Case and LI-42B battery plus LI-40C charger
• Optional underwater case PT-033 (waterproof up to 40m)

 

[Lucci]

I don't know about buying refurbished. IMHO, you are buying someone else's problem.

I just bought an Pentax Optio W 30. Not to go into all the details, but it is 7 MG's, waterproof, and has all the bells and whistles. It is the first Digitial Camera I have owned and I really like it a lot. I am a completely inexperienced photographer and have been able to take some nice pics with it. Here are examples from of some my first shots:

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/jdc625/IMGP0053.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/jdc625/IMGP0022.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/jdc625/Claremount_5_21_07038.jpg


http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/jdc625/Claremount_5_21_07016.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/jdc625/Claremount_5_21_07048.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/jdc625/Claremount_5_21_07047.jpg


I got the camera for about $250.00. If you shop online be careful. DO NOT buy anything from Fotoconnection.com. They are scam artists and engage is some of the most blatant consumer fraud I have ever seen. Check them out on NY Better Business Bureau and see what I mean. As a matter of fact, before you buy anything on-line, find out the state where the business is incorporated and go to the BBB of that state and see if there are any complaints against the company. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good Luck.

 

[theartoflee]

Lucci in the sky with diamonds.. that pic is a trip. Great shots and great camera advice.

 

[NJDrew]

The W20 was also on my list along with a waterproof Sony Cybershot. The W30 is a nice camera and is close to my price range. I dont want to spend to much money as I am saving for a house anf paying for a wedding this year. Im not dicounting it. It is definitly an option. Thanks for the help.

 

[Lucci]

The W20 was also on my list along with a waterproof Sony Cybershot. The W30 is a nice camera and is close to my price range. I dont want to spend to much money as I am saving for a house anf paying for a wedding this year. Im not dicounting it. It is definitly an option. Thanks for the help.

From what I have heard from people who own the W 20 it is a great camera, and they are all happy with it. It takes excellent pics from what I have seen. I think for what you are looking to use it for, whatever model you get, make sure it is waterproof. It will make your life easier and less worriesome while on the river. I have heard of too many stories of cameras getting destroyed from being dropped in the river. Personally, I am not a wealthy man and cannot afford to keep buying cameras. And considering you are getting maried soon, I would assume you are in the same boat.

Hopefully, some of the more experienced photographers here can give you better advice. Like I said earlier, I am just learning and do not really know much.

 

[AlexC]

I'll second the W20 or the W30. Both take excellent pictures and video. One thing I like about either is the size is compact so you can slip it in a shirt or vest pocket no problem. Another nice thing other than it being water proof is that it has a high dust proof rating so if you ever fish the coast it will be better with the sand/salt in the air. Not sure if you're a fly tyer, but it takes excellent macro shots too. I just got the W30 and am really happy with it and I've got two friends with the W20 who both love it. Check out this link to bhphotovideo, They've got a good reputation and their prices arent' bad either.

Digital Cameras, Camcorders, TV's, Home Theater, DVD Players, Apple iPods.

Good luck!

 

[NJDrew]

So after some debating I decided to try out a refurbished Olympus 725 SW on Ebay. I got it for $180, totaling about $203 with tax and shipping. Overall it’s a nice camera. Color reproduction is much better than I expected. It being a sold metal case has nice sturdy feel to it. I have already dropped it a couple of times, slammed it against a desk and tested it in the water, with no problems. I took it on two fishing trips so far, once last weekend when I took my nephew on his first fishing trip and once today at the Gorge.
<O</O

Some Samples:<O</O

Cody my Dog:

AJ and his first fish:

AJ and my fiancee Katy:

Crayfish at the Gorge (under water photo):

It was a bit difficult trying to shoot underwater, because the camera here and there tried to focus in on the silt in the water and attemping to use the flash under water was impossible. Hopefully next time im there the water is a little clearer and I will have more daylight to test it with.

 

[onemorecast]

Nice pics! Especially the crayfish. I can't get that close to any living thing underwater - at least not anything capable of quick movement.

 

[NJDrew]

Nice pics! Especially the crayfish. I can't get that close to any living thing underwater - at least not anything capable of quick movement.

He wasn't a cooperative subject at first. He tried to hide under a rock, when he saw me coming, but after I showed him I could move his safe haven he submitted to my god like will

I hope I will get some trout pics next time. I saw one skimming the surface at the honey pool, but my brother was fishing in there and I didn't think he would appreciate me spooking all the fish in there for a picture

 

[Scott]

I mostly use a Canon Digital Elph. I've had it for a few years now, it's proven to be pretty durable. Not wateproof, but I keep it in a ziplock baggie.