Which camera for yakking?
 

I'm in the market for a new digital camera that won't break the bank. Somewhere around $200, maybe a little more. I'd like it to be waterproof and shockproof. After seeing all the bitchen on the water shots you guys post, I thought who better to ask. Please give me your opinions on the best cameras for the buck. Thanks ahead!

I had the Olympus Stylus Tough-3000....waterproof to 10 feet i think, shockproof from 5, and freezeproof. Took good quality shots and relatively easy to use. I just kept it on the auto shoot setting to detect the lighting and whatnot. 199.99. Unfortunately mine is at the bottom of the harbor. Probably buy another one though once i have some extra cash. Definitely overall good camera for the cost.

i also have the olympus and love it! BUT it will sink like a rock! so buy the floaty handle or atlease a floating key ring from a boat store, takes good pics and very cool underwater vids and pics.

GoPro, the 960 res version, should be about $159-199 on eBay. I got a GoPro, the 1040 res version for $259 w/free shipping. The cameras come with a waterproof case good for 180ft. they can be configured to start filming with pushing the on button, and the battery last a good while. Just be sure to get a class 6 or above mem card. I wasted $50 on a 32G that couldn't write fast enough and lost some good footage. You probably don't need a 32G either, 16 would cover most outings.

dont get the olympus. they suck!
ive gone through five 6000's in 6 months alone.

they are about as waterproof as a ziplock bag.
one tiny bit of flexion of the housing, even from water pressure around your hand will allow water to penetrate the inside...

joke business..........
(maybe fine for mama at the community pool taking shots of the kids jumping into h20, and not having to worry about 2 drops of water getting on the lens fine....
Underwater..no good. POS. c. r. a. p.

Fuji Waterproof is this Shiznit!

oregon scientific atc3k

kodak playsport

Fuji XP10

going on it's second fishing and hooping season, it's taken a beating and still going strong. Its usually clipped to my vest or I'll clip it somewhere on the kayak......shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof & dustproof.

I have one of those two, great camera, use it for close up shots while the GoPro is for video.

Thanks for the input. At least now I have a bit of direction. I still wouldn't mind a few more reviews. You guys are awesome!

if you go with the fuji i sometimes see it on sale at the local target for around $170 they are regularly $199. i have also seen then on sale in costco too.
i am waiting for target to put it back on sale since i have some gift cards to use up.

Keep an eye on Costco
 

Picked up the Fuji XP20 for 140 bucks with a coupon a couple months ago. I like it, but I always tape the battery compartment shut, since I read a couple horror stories of surfers springing the trigger latch, and it is bit touchy. Realizing that sitting in a yak isn't typically going to involve as much flailing as swimming with the camera hanging off your neck or wrist. So far, so good, though I've yet to take it snorkeling to test its underwater photo and video capabilities.

i dont even have one but if you've seen all of the hd videos posted and some of the pics from The Darkhorse you would know that the GoPro is the way to..........go. that thing is sick and i cant wait to get one! there area ton of attachments and even a 3d housing for it. GoPro has my vote all day long.

I'm new to this board, and don't even own a kayak (yet).. just lurking and learning for now.

Can't go wrong with the Fuji XP20 at Costco. Pretty inexpensive, but nice photos and HD video. Waterproof, sandproof, shock-proof. It also comes with a neoprene case on a lanyard you can wear around your neck. I think the pouch might even float? But I'm not sure. The camera definitely sinks.

The GoPro cams are cool also. I saw some amazing video of a GoPro cam stuck on the tip of a paddle, and an stand-up paddle surfer taking footage of sharks off San Onofrio. Very cool...

fuji XP10 $149.99 at Target....

:cheers1:

I would check Costco first, I got my camera with a 4gb memory card and a coupon for 100 free prints.

I've got the Fuji XP10 from Costco. Good for fishing as it can take a dunking. I used it snorkling in Thailand and it was fine. Pictures are pretty good and more than good enough for posting fish pictures on the internet. Controls are simple and options few. I don't use it as my standard P&S for vacations but do use it when water might come into play.

Go Pro
 

I would go with the Go Pro and its not even close! Best camera hands down for surfing fishing and etc...its small, good quality, tough, (can handle overhead waves) Plus there are a ton of mounting options (head mount, pole mount etc..)

Go-Pro is good for video, but very iffy for photos. In the right light, under perfect circumstances you will end up with a decent photo. It even has a bit of a fish-eye effect, so it will make your catches look bigger. :cheers1:

The go-pro has no flash, no zoom, no image stabilization, does VERY poor in lower light conditions, and you need to be uncomfortably close to the subject to get them framed in the photo right. If you want a camera for taking photos, I'd look at someting else than the go-pro.

I've had an Olympus Tough for a few years. Haven't had the same bad luck as Wade though. I've beat the snot out of it for a few years with no issues. Image quality isn't that spectacular though, but it has worked for me.

I've read the Canon has the best Image quality of the group, but I could never carry around that big blue thing.

I think I may swing by costco to check out the Fujis, see what all the hype is about :cool: