Pretentious Snobby Bastard Fly Fishing!

This Ain't Necessarily Fly Fishing => Gear Reviews => Photography / Video => Topic started by: tomato can on May 29, 2012, 18:44:12 PM

Title: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: tomato can on May 29, 2012, 18:44:12 PM
I know this topic has been beat to death but what is a good waterproof camera.  I like taking macro shots and have also used exposure bracketing.  Does anybody know of a decent waterproof camera with these options?

I also was wondering about this camera:  the Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video  I think its about 300 bucks.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: lostnwilderness on May 29, 2012, 19:49:24 PM
I have a stylus tough 14 MP and it is a great kayaking camera, damn near unbreakable but for fishing and everyday purposes it does not seem to take the quality of photos that others do.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Grannyknot on May 30, 2012, 10:24:43 AM
Where do you fish mostly?
Tailwaters or small mountain streams?

Before you buy, learn about aperature, how it affects your photos, and if you need a larger aperature.
I like an F-stop of about 3.5 or less on these cameras.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on May 30, 2012, 11:23:54 AM
I think that the pentax Optio WG-2 has the best option for macro with six LEDs for close up lighting, that being said, I've never shot with one.

The Olympus Tough series is SOLID. but my 1030 really sux at focusing on close up, not sure if the newer models are improved..

That Nikon isn't getting great reviews http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cpaw100/user-reviews/list (http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cpaw100/user-reviews/list)

Now I'm sending my trusty Oly 1030 SW off to Canada with my son for the summer, and I'm going to get the NEW Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom when it's released next month!!!!

most compact cameras come with a f/3.5 lens which is pretty slow, and 1 2/3 stops slower....

Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: rbphoto on May 30, 2012, 12:13:04 PM
Quote from: Woolly Bugger on May 30, 2012, 11:23:54 AM
I think that the pentax Optio WG-2 has the best option for macro with six LEDs for close up lighting, that being said, I've never shot with one.

The Olympus Tough series is SOLID. but my 1030 really sux at focusing on close up, not sure if the newer models are improved..

That Nikon isn't getting great reviews http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cpaw100/user-reviews/list (http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cpaw100/user-reviews/list)

Now I'm sending my trusty Oly 1030 SW off to Canada with my son for the summer, and I'm going to get the NEW Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom when it's released next month!!!!

most compact cameras come with a f/3.5 lens which is pretty slow, and 1 2/3 stops slower....

My son's Pentax really has not endured.  Screen issues x2 and now it's not worth the repair.

Still haven't decided what to get, so I'm interested in the replies as well.

Raymond
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on May 30, 2012, 12:17:37 PM
FWIW, I have had a Fuji FinePix xp20 since around September of last year, which is generally a piece of shit, but it does surprise me with some nice photos sometimes.  The main issue I have is the long-range shots are meh, the close in stuff though I am content with.  If you are looking to get something and not break the bank, it might be one to look at. 






Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on May 30, 2012, 12:22:06 PM
my wife bought my daughter one of the fuji's and it is a POS.

Heads up on the soon to be OLD tough model 1/2 price while they last...

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Stylus-Digital-Camera-Blue/dp/B003NAO98I/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338398396&sr=8-2-spell (http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Stylus-Digital-Camera-Blue/dp/B003NAO98I/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338398396&sr=8-2-spell)

Hard to beat for $150

jis say'in
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on May 30, 2012, 12:25:33 PM
Quote from: Woolly Bugger on May 30, 2012, 12:22:06 PM
my wife bought my daughter one of the fuji's and it is a POS.


That I won't deny.  I have learned to not do anything more with it than turn it on, take the picture, and turn it off.  The menus, settings, etc. are enough to make me want to smash it to pieces.

Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Grannyknot on May 30, 2012, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: Woolly Bugger on May 30, 2012, 11:23:54 AM

...... I'm going to get the NEW Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom when it's released next month!!!!


Woolly, this camera looks awesome.
Saw a review for it the other day.  F2.0
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Dougfish on May 30, 2012, 16:12:37 PM
Pentax Optio  WG-1 here. We need to schedule a trip so you can try it out.  /"\ I really like the macro function and pic quality. I take a lot of plant pictures and it's great for picking up detail. I am not in love with it for general photography, though. I especially struggle with shots of people. My 15 year old Canon still beats it's ass on those.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: The Dude on May 30, 2012, 16:46:54 PM
I am a HUGE fan of the Panasonic Lumix DMC.  It is much better than my old (but still trusty) Pentax Optio W80.  The great thing about the Panasonic is that I have found that the Auto Settings actually work as they should.  There is very little need to play around with personal settings.  The Panasonic takes good macro photos, but the Pentax does have it beat for super macro shots.  However, I have found that if I just take a macro shot and then crop the photo down, it works just the same - the detail is still there.  It takes good video, but the focus is so-so when you zoom in on video mode, but I don't think there are any out there that have cracked that nut yet.  It also has a GPS that will geotag your photo locations, altimeter, barometer, etc - but I personally don't utilize it.  I have the TS3 model, but here is a link to the TS4.  There might even be a TS5 out.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=REG&sku=838508&Q=&O=&A=details (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=REG&sku=838508&Q=&O=&A=details)
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Transylwader on May 30, 2012, 17:36:15 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on May 30, 2012, 16:12:37 PM
Pentax Optio  WG-1 here. We need to schedule a trip so you can try it out.  /"\ I really like the macro function and pic quality. I take a lot of plant pictures and it's great for picking up detail. I am not in love with it for general photography, though. I especially struggle with shots of people. My 15 year old Canon still beats it's ass on those.
/l\WHAT HE SAID.
My mate has one, they are similar to the W90, but alot cheaper. Another good one is the Olympus Tough 810 and then of course, it helps if you have a dude like Woolly to clean up the pix to make em look bad ass. I just wanna fish, fuck pix...
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: tomato can on May 31, 2012, 19:38:28 PM
Quote from: Grannyknot on May 30, 2012, 10:24:43 AM
Where do you fish mostly?
Tailwaters or small mountain streams?

Before you buy, learn about aperature, how it affects your photos, and if you need a larger aperature.
I like an F-stop of about 3.5 or less on these cameras.

Va blue lines: bows & specks, the smith: browns, & float the James, New & Staunton for smalljaws & hopefully muskie.

The guy at the camera story was trying to sell me a canon.  It felt very substantial much more so than the oly.  I am used to sony cameras.  And I have heard good things about the pentax.  So I ain't sure. 
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Big J on June 02, 2012, 20:00:27 PM
Quote from: tomato can on May 29, 2012, 18:44:12 PM
I know this topic has been beat to death but what is a good waterproof camera.  I like taking macro shots and have also used exposure bracketing.  Does anybody know of a decent waterproof camera with these options?

I also was wondering about this camera:  the Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video  I think its about 300 bucks.

About time you start looking at a waterproof camera!  You won't be disappointed with the Pentax.  I've beaten mine to death and it still takes great pictures.  Indoor pictures and low light pictures with my Pentax suck. But besides that it is good.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: consumnfire1229 on June 04, 2012, 19:24:20 PM
Not so sure about the photo quality, but it looks like it takes some really good video.  Good macro settings that keep things focused inches away.  Kodak Playsport zx5...its dirt cheap at walmart.   haha
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Stone-Man on June 10, 2012, 15:04:43 PM
Pentax WG-1 here and I love it
I got it on e-bay for $200
I am a piss poor photographer and that camera makes me look good.  (95% of my pictures are taken outdoors)

  JT
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Transylwader on June 11, 2012, 14:01:25 PM
Bill, if you have $400 to play with, get this:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1621 (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1621)
Woolly has one, I saw it on Saturday, after reading the reviews and short description, it is an uber point and shoot, you have the ability to change the lens. I'd buy one in a heart beat, but have a car payment nowadays...
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: streamer on June 11, 2012, 14:04:54 PM
I just bought a an Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 for $50.00 on Craigslist.
Here's a review with a pic.: http://www.dslrphoto.com/dslr/olympus-12mp-waterproof-stylus-tough-3000-review-by-dcr-with-rating-3-5,16546.html (http://www.dslrphoto.com/dslr/olympus-12mp-waterproof-stylus-tough-3000-review-by-dcr-with-rating-3-5,16546.html)

I used it to shoot a few pics of my son's HS graduation last weekend, and the pics are good.

Yer Pal,
Streamer
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: OldDominionAngler on June 12, 2012, 15:35:44 PM
Here's a good article on what they consider to be the top four on the market.  http://gizmodo.com/5916329/the-best-waterproof-rugged-digital-cameras (http://gizmodo.com/5916329/the-best-waterproof-rugged-digital-cameras)

Dude, your Lumix wins.  I have the Nikon AW100 and I tend to agree with what's said in the article...especially the theme of overexposed/washed out images and also a bit of a slow focus on closeup shots.  Of course, I could stand to learn a few things about all of the settings, which would help with some of the exposure issues.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on June 12, 2012, 16:35:45 PM
Quote from: OldDominionAngler on June 12, 2012, 15:35:44 PM
Here's a good article on what they consider to be the top four on the market.  http://gizmodo.com/5916329/the-best-waterproof-rugged-digital-cameras (http://gizmodo.com/5916329/the-best-waterproof-rugged-digital-cameras)

Dude, your Lumix wins.  I have the Nikon AW100 and I tend to agree with what's said in the article...especially the theme of overexposed/washed out images and also a bit of a slow focus on closeup shots.  Of course, I could stand to learn a few things about all of the settings, which would help with some of the exposure issues.

re the Olympus TG-1.

I'm going to dispute claim that it takes 5 sec to start up and snap a pic. I would say it's about 2 sec. differently less that 3, but it does take about 5 sec when you change custom modes. I'm not 100% sure that I like it. I've got to learn some of its particularities. I'm using the 2 custom settings, one for normal close-ups which I use for most of my fish pics, and the other is Super Macro mode for bugs and the like, then I use the general P mode for everything else. I like not having to navigate a menu to make those changes.

I think that the fast lens is really going to help out in low light situations, whether it be late in the day or down in some deep gorge with a canopy of trees. Now the focus on the 'super macro' is another issue, it is slow and problematic. Might just be me and the bugs I catch, but this camera isn't any better than the old one... 
We'll see and you can judge my pics as time goes by.  Perhaps a firmware update will address these issues....
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: tomato can on June 20, 2012, 06:47:33 AM
Well I ended up getting a Nikon coolpix waterproof camera.  I read reviews till my brain hurt and I did not find the reviews helpful - too much contradictory information for me to synthesize.   Of all the camera's I fondled the Nikon felt the most grippy.  Hopefully my picture skills will improve.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Big J on October 17, 2012, 08:30:17 AM
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/waterproof-2012/waterproofA.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/waterproof-2012/waterproofA.HTM)

A good review of all the leading waterproof outdoor cameras.  Here were the top 3.

#1: Canon D20
Big and bold, Canon's first foray into folded optical design was certainly a success, even if telephoto optical quality suffered a bit. The Canon D20's overall performance put it at the top in a fairly close race. Its large display performed well outdoors, and the Canon D20 captured good quality stills and video. Chromatic aberration and corner softness were quite high, but the Canon D20's positives far outweighed those issues. When it comes to outdoor and underwater performance, the Canon D20's results speak for themselves, with good color, good detail for the category, and satisfying pictures.

#2: Pentax WG2
With its aggressive Transformers-like design, the Pentax WG2 rose above the Olympus TG1 primarily thanks to its superior image quality in the situations we imagine people will use it: Underwater and in outdoor sun. The Pentax WG2 just turned out better shots more often. It also turned in a great print quality result, making a decent 4x6 even from ISO 6,400 images, and a good 11x14 at ISO 125. Timing factors, like startup and shutter lag, were slower than others in this roundup, but not by much. If you want a little faster AF, look to the Canon or Olympus, but we're talking a tenth of a second difference, so it's not a big issue. Our reviewer also had trouble with the buttons, and had a hard time viewing the LCD underwater, as our sample video demonstrates, so take note if those issues will be a problem for you.

#3: Olympus TG1
Better in most ways than other recent Olympus Tough cameras, the TG1 came in third with a good physical design and impressive speed. The Olympus TG1 was fast, had good print quality, and very low chromatic aberration. Distortion at wide angle was a bit of an issue, and in our tests the TG1 struggled to maintain good exposure. Where the Olympus TG1 shines is speed. It's faster to start up, faster shot-to-shot, and even its flash recycles quickly. Its battery life is best-of-class too, all of which amounts to a lot. The Olympus TG1 also turned in the best print quality numbers of the group, especially as ISO rose. So if speed and print quality are important, the TG1 is a top choice, but the exposure problem is a major issue, which is why we couldn't rank the Olympus TG1 any higher.


I personally don't like the look of the Canon D20, but they thought it out performed both the Pentax WG2 and the popular TG1.  I have really been liking the images that you guys have been throwing on here from the TG1, and was surprised it didn't get a higher ranking.  Is the exposure really that big of a problem with this camera?
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on October 17, 2012, 08:47:05 AM
Quote from: Big J on October 17, 2012, 08:30:17 AM

I personally don't like the look of the Canon D20, but they thought it out performed both the Pentax WG2 and the popular TG1.  I have really been liking the images that you guys have been throwing on here from the TG1, and was surprised it didn't get a higher ranking.  Is the exposure really that big of a problem with this camera?


X2 on that Canon...looks totally designed for the couple that is going on their honeymoon to Hawaii and wants to take pictures.

The review sure as hell talked up the TG1, but they docked it for exposure, which I haven't seen an issue with.  I have done most of my shots in auto-mode and haven't seen that issue crop up.  Like every point and shoot, you'll see some issue in low light, but even this one overcomes it with honors.  Here are some pictures I've taken with my TG1 at places other than bluelines just to show you how sick the thing is:

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Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Big J on October 17, 2012, 09:09:42 AM
See, its pictures like that that make me want one.  The TG1 has gotten some awesome reivews and they seem to take better shots then the Pentax. That review just made me wonder if the exposure was really a "major issue"  like they said.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on October 17, 2012, 09:10:46 AM
nicely done BenBen!
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Dougfish on October 17, 2012, 09:57:43 AM
Ben, I know you're talented, but.....
The Olympus pics are much better than what my Pentax offers.  b';
Auto mode leaves a lot to be desired. It It's adjustments to conditions and distances blows.
Flower mode for most shots and microscope mode for closeups work best for me.
But the Olympus really wins, hands down IMHO.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on October 17, 2012, 10:29:38 AM
Quote from: Dougfish on October 17, 2012, 09:57:43 AM
Ben, I know you're talented, but.....
The Olympus pics are much better than what my Pentax offers.  b';
Auto mode leaves a lot to be desired. It It's adjustments to conditions and distances blows.
Flower mode for most shots and microscope mode for closeups work best for me.
But the Olympus really wins, hands down IMHO.

As you know Mike has the TG1 as well and we were talking about it and the main things at the end of the day I like about it best is the start-up time from power on to picture taken, quick focus, and just overall quality of the shots.  I coined it as "one and done".  I can pull it out, power it up, know it will be focused as soon as I depress the shutter to focus it, and the picture will be nice, all in a matter of seconds.  I'm not fiddling around trying to wait on the camera or taking multiple shots in the hopes of getting one good picture.


Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: tomato can on May 12, 2013, 07:16:50 AM
Dayum Benben those are nice shots for a P/S.  Wicked good.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on May 12, 2013, 08:28:42 AM
Quote from: tomato can on May 12, 2013, 07:16:50 AM
Dayum Benben those are nice shots for a P/S.  Wicked good.

Thanks. I believe that 80% of a shot is composition. The rest just let the camera do its thing as best it can.


Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: tomato can on May 12, 2013, 10:15:54 AM
I agree but I find composition tough!  I can kind of do the easy easy  foreground and aft shots, but that waterfall shot  has all kind of good things going on in it. 
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on May 12, 2013, 18:13:49 PM
Quote from: tomato can on May 12, 2013, 10:15:54 AM
I agree but I find composition tough!  I can kind of do the easy easy  foreground and aft shots, but that waterfall shot  has all kind of good things going on in it. 

I actually took a 3 hour workshop/class through a local photographer that was just on photographic composition.  It was definitely helpful, the biggest help was learning how to frame shots.  Rule of thirds is a good thing to know.

Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: tomato can on May 13, 2013, 19:56:46 PM
I'll start posting some of my photo's mostly non fishing related.  I need to get up on the blue ridge and take some sunsets.  Its close I just ain't had the chance.  Also got a ton of water fall's around also. 
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Big J on November 22, 2013, 10:39:03 AM
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_1_aw1_review/ (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_1_aw1_review/)

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This looks sweet.  Would make a great outdoor camera but for almost $800 I think I'll pass......
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 31, 2014, 16:53:59 PM
Olympus announces TG-3 $349
http://m.dpreview.com/news/2014/03/31/shockproof-flagship-olympus-drops-new-tough-tg-3
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: The Dude on March 31, 2014, 17:09:01 PM
Pretty cool. I just wonder if they solved the focus issues from previous models (mostly video related, but photos, too, in the case of my camera and a few others I've seen in reviews).
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 31, 2014, 19:27:57 PM
Four reasons to upgrade

1. Aperture priority exposure mode
2. Remote app / preview on your phone
3. Improved macro ring light add on
4. Depth of field multi exposure thing
F. Wi-fi file transfer

Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on April 01, 2014, 08:44:15 AM
Looks like that Ring Light thingy will work on TG-1, 2, and 3!
It's just a light pipe from the LED flash to a plastic defuser ring.. , a little spendy at $60 n!n

The TG-3 offers four macro modes: Microscope, Microscope Control (maximum 44.5x magnification from 1cm), Focus Bracketing and Focus Stacking (multiple images are taken from foreground to background, and the areas in focus are automatically merged into one perfect shot). Add the new LED ring light and you've got a complete portable macro set-up.

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tg-3.html?utm_content=tg3_banner&utm_campaign=TG-3_SH-1_launch&utm_source=email_etprm&utm_medium=email (http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tg-3.html?utm_content=tg3_banner&utm_campaign=TG-3_SH-1_launch&utm_source=email_etprm&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: benben reincarnated on April 01, 2014, 10:12:33 AM
I don't need this, but I do.  The focus stacking intrigues me.  My TG-1 has been good to me, hopefully it will continue that for a little while longer.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: rbphoto on April 01, 2014, 10:46:52 AM
Focus stacking can be extremely useful for macro depth of field, if it actually works well with that little camera.  That's a lot of processing to ask of an in-camera option.  And I can only imagine it will require a very steady hand/tripod to work consistently well.

Here's an article about focus stacking in general - http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5717972844/focus-stacking-in-macro-photography (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5717972844/focus-stacking-in-macro-photography)

It can be done in photoshop, but unless you create an action or batch process for it (hard to do) it requires a lot of manual correction.

Check out http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker (http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker) and http://www.heliconsoft.com/ (http://www.heliconsoft.com/) for an idea of some other software options.

Raymond
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: gamatt53 on April 02, 2014, 19:32:52 PM
Just bought a tg-2 a few weeks ago b';.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: The Dude on April 02, 2014, 19:46:18 PM
Return it.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Transylwader on April 02, 2014, 21:01:28 PM
Man, fuck Olympus and every other gizmo creator. Buy the best today, then you have the worst tomorrow p;-
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: rbphoto on April 02, 2014, 21:14:35 PM
I still have a beater Canon 20d and just bought a "backup" 40d ( and looking for another one and a waterproof housing for it.  Point n shoots change all the time, but DSLR's and the pixel war is done - if it still functions, buy good glass and enjoy!!!!!!!
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Woolly Bugger on April 02, 2014, 21:45:15 PM
What the dude said! Return it!
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Aka on April 03, 2014, 08:21:56 AM

Quote from: rbphoto on April 02, 2014, 21:14:35 PM
I still have a beater Canon 20d and just bought a "backup" 40d ( and looking for another one and a waterproof housing for it.  Point n shoots change all the time, but DSLR's and the pixel war is done - if it still functions, buy good glass and enjoy!!!!!!!

I took a few photo journalism classes (pre-digital) and loved shooting with my SLR. Switched to point and shoot when cameras went digital because DSLR was cost prohibitive. I've gone through several, not really liking any of them and came to the point that you and mike make. The technology changes too fast and a $300 camera is outdated in a year.
I'll keep on catching average or slightly above average fish and taking average pics.
Title: Re: A good waterproof camera.
Post by: Michael Toris on April 03, 2014, 08:33:41 AM
Rbphoto is right on.

Buy a cheap canon dslr (I shoot some good pics with a rebel t3, but hope to upgrade to the 70D) and spend your money on glass.

Good glass. I bought my first L-series the other day and have been blown away. I will be buy more L-glass