Can we do another camera thread?

Guyon

Guyon

Biscuit Whisperer
Super Mod
Joined
Mar 15, 2000
Messages
45,835
I need a better outdoor camera, and since I last looked, options have changed and the technology has gotten even better. I've long been using a little 5 megapixel Nikon CoolPix 5600, and while it really is a nice pocketable size, I've never been totally happy with picture quality.

I kayak, so I would like a waterproof point-and-shoot. Nothing huge though, because I'd like to be able to slip it into a front pants pocket when hiking.

A good while back, I was thinking about an Olympus 550WP, but now I see Olympus has out a 3000, 6000, & 8000 model in their Stylus Tough series. I also like the looks of the Pentax Optio W80. All these latter cameras appear to be waterproof and shockproof to varying degrees.

So, any recommendations on outdoor cameras? I'm curious what you use and what you like/dislike about it.
 
GoPro HERO HD

easy on the pocketbook, waterproof to 180 feet, impact proof, shoots 1080P HD video, AND has the option to take timed HD stills every 5 seconds, (or 10, 20 30 60 etc ), shoots in 1080P HD, can be mounted ANYWHERE. Runs 2.5 hours right down to -20 celcuis weatehr. Plus it is FIELD REPAIRABLE, UPGRADEABLE, and the guys that make it are Americans that know know something about service and product design

http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php?area=2&productid=33

sample HiDef videos shot with GoPro HERO HD http://www.goprocamera.com/hdheropreview/

videos by my buddy Daniel, also from BC: http://vimeo.com/2926837 Danger Bay 7! http://vimeo.com/1908371


sample hidef still photos shot with GoPro HERO HD http://www.goprocamera.com/photos
nuff said.

this will be my camera when i get a job
 
Last edited:
A friend of mine is the owner of a photo shop. He has explained to me that the greatest problem with customers lack of good photo quality is not the camera, but a failure to take the time to learn all of the advanced settings of the camera. I am using a Nikon Coolpix, and the number of advanced settings is staggering. Just keep in mind that you will smoke your memory capacity, but get great pix.
 
I'd like to tag on and find something with great Macro capabilities as well as the rest Guyon listed. :D
 
The waterproof and shock proof cameras I would suggest you look at are Canon D10, Panasonic DMC-TS1 and Olympus Tough Series.

I would suggest you try to get to a good camera store where you can handle all 3 and hopefully they will let you take some test shots.
 
I'm thinking of one of the non-SLR cameras with a high optical zoom ratio (like 20+:1). I have a small tripod and would like to be able to take some bird photos without hauling a pack full of heavy lenses. Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic all have such offerings.

DancesWithKnives
 
Canon D 10. It is waterproof and shock proof plus it has better pic quality than others. Buy yourself about 6 of the lion batts ( off brand) over at Amazon ( 10 bucks each with shipping) We have 6 digital camers and this is now our " go to" outdoor camera. Hope this helps.
 
stylus tough 8000. not the absolute best picture quality, but still pretty nice and indestructible. also take a look at the Lumix DMC-TS1, I don't have any personal experience with it, but i imagine the picture quality is quite good, also takes HD video. It's not as durable as the Tough, but still pretty damn strong.
 
I have the Sanyo Xacti waterproof dual camera for both stills and movies. The HD version looks nice with 9Meg stills. It certainly is nice not having to worry about moisture issues.

e1.png



"The VPC-CA9 was awarded IPX8 certification (which requires the device to operate when fully submersed in water) based on JIS C 0920 waterproofing guidelines.

http://sanyo.com/xacti/english/products/vpc_ca9/index.html
 
I have a Olympus stylus 1030 sw. I got this after breaking my canon turkey hunting. This camera is bomb proof. Only problem is after shooting the best buck of my life, I had my buddy take some pictures of me with the deer and I took some of him with the deer. The ones I took are crystal clear, the one he took of me and the buck are blurry. Dipshit. :D
 
^^^
So what you're saying is that I also need a dipshit-proof camera. :p

Thanks for all the advice so far, guys. :thumbup:
 
the olympus stylus series are a good way to go. very rugged cameras that are both water proof, shock proof and take good pics.

i carry a canon SD780is when i hike and while it takes great photos isnt nearly as tough as the olympus. If i were looking for a dedicated hiking/outdoors/holiday camera i'd definetly grab myself an olympus stylus.

the sanyo xacti's are cool but IMO are somewhat fragile. the fact that it has a flip up screen could mean a catastrophic failure if dropped. while an olympus might get a scratch on the screen, the xacti could have the screen break completely off.

some info about the olympus micro toughs that recently came out:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/09010703olympusstylustough.asp

cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top