Which Waterproof Camera ???

[DickM]

Which waterproof camera does this board recommend between the Pentax Optio waterproof series and the Olympus Stylus 700 SW series ???

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Dick,

Haven't tried anything but the Pentax Optio and really like it. Easy to carry in a pocket or vest, very nice macro capability, and great optics. Even though the camera is waterproof, we keep it on a zinger. We fish moving water and having a waterproof camera does no good if it gets washed down stream faster than you can move. The only drawback I've found is the glare when trying to compose a picture on the screen (no viewfinder) can sometimes make things difficult. Grizzly Wolf had a great aftermarket sunshade for his that all but eliminated that problem. That's definately on my gotta get one list.

Hopefully the owners of an Olympus will chime in here.

REE

[Bamboozle]

There is some good info [url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=20798:169b3]here[/url:169b3].

As another Pentax Optio owner; I concur with Mr. Elk's opinion.

"Say cheese...!"

[DickM]

Ron Eagle Elk............
I am leaning toward the Olympus Stylus 770 SW because it is waterproof to 33 feet, not just 10 feet like the Pentax and is crushproof to 250 Lbs & good to 15 degrees. It just seems quite a bit tougher than the Pentax. Although there is a cost difference.
DickM.

[dixieangler]

I also looked under the specifications and the Pentax Optio has a closer Macro for close-up shots of things like flies than the Olympus. While the shockproofing is nice on the Olympus, I went with the Pentax mostly due to the closer Macro feature.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Dick,

I haven't checked the price on the Olympus, so I can't comment on that. Our Pentax hasn't been treated with kid gloves and just keeps going. If I have to go deeper than 10 feet to get a camera back, it may just have to stay on the bottom. My diving days are long over, though I would like to see what's in some of the holes on my favorite river. I can't see putting 2250 pounds on a camera, except possibly sitting on it, but accidents do happen.

When I was using film cameras, the Olympus OM-1 was my 35mm camera of choice after dropping my old Nikon F out of a helicopter hovering at 75 feet. Olympus has great optics (but in this day and age, who doesn't) and makes a very fine camera.

For me, when I was using film cameras, how a camera felt in my hand was always a big deciding factor for me. Were the controls where I expected them to be, was it comfortable to use, that sort of thing. If you have a camera store nearby that carries both brands, why not give them a heft? See which one fits your hands and finances the best, then go for it. Either way I'm sure you'll get a fine camera.


REE

[Joe]

I have the older Pentax Optio WP 6MP Camera for over 2 years and it still takes great pics even after going on many swimming excursions! I'd very highly recommend the Pentax. Good-luck.

[Marco]

Not owning one, I can't comment on the Olympus, but I am SO satisfied with the Pentax line that after buying the WP I "bought my wife" the W30. Great little camera and the Macro mode shines.

Mark

[rainbowchaser]

I can't find it now but when I was looking at waterproof cameras I found a webzine article comparing the two. They came out very equal in value overall with the pentax getting the nod as the better choice because it had a better video function. I have been overall satisfied with my pentax.

[DickM]

dixieangler...
I can't see as to where the Olympus looses much to the Pentax in macro mode. True the Pentax goes down to about a half inch, but the Olympus focuses to 2.8 inches. You can alway crop from there. Just how close do you have to get to photograph a fly ???

The reason that I started this thread was that I began hearing some good things about the Olympus line of waterproof cameras.
I have been shooting with a Pentax Optio W30 for about a year now and generally liked the camera.
Then I noticed on eBay where Olympus was selling refurbished Stylus 770 SW cameras for about $100 off list price.
I also had problems with the Pentax with flare, (rogue light spots), even while shooting with flash indoors.
I was drawn to the 770 because it was supposed to be better in low light situations, (it has a F3.5 - F5 lens compared to the Pentax F3.3 - F4 lens.)
The Olympus is good to 33 feet underwater as compared to the Pentax?s 10 feet.
The Olympus is more shockproof, (they say you can drop it from 5 feet and it will not hurt the camera.)
There is a cover over the lens, (for scratch protection), till the power is turned on.
I just received the camera a few minutes ago by FedEx and am charging the battery now.
If as I suspect, the camera will preform better than the Pentax, the Pentax will go up on the eBay block to make up part of the difference in cost.
Thanks again,
DickM.