Which waterproof camera does this board recommend between the Pentax Optio waterproof series and the Olympus Stylus 700 SW series ???
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
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…!”
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.
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.
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
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! :lol: I’d very highly recommend the Pentax. Good-luck.
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
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.
[b]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.[/b]
if you bought the olympus anyway why ask for recommendations???
i’m puzzled???
Been using them since the early eighties and Pentax has always had the superior optics. Olympus is fine but Pentax is the best value for your dollar. By the way, the Pentax K10 DSLR has scored higher than all the others professional level DSLR type cameras.
When I can afford it I will get the K10 and waterproof box for it. I think the box will also fit my K110.
[b]
Normand…
The Olympus was such a great deal and I knew that I could always make up most of the money by selling the other camera on eBay. Just wanted to hear the board?s experiences. When I have tried both cameras and decide which one I like best, I will sell the other.
It won?t amount to a great loss of funds as both the cameras have comparable prices.
DickM.[/b]
For what it’s worth, I am VERY happy with my Pentax. I was able to get a dandy underwater shot of Aaron Weaver’s nice 'bow at the 2006 Michigan Fish-In. First underwater picture in the “Holy Waters” is tough to beaty.
Mike
I have now had a couple of days to test out the new Olympus Stylus 770 SW as compared to the Pentax Optimo W30.
I have to admit that I miss the histogram that the Pentax generated after a photo was shot but this is something that is easily corrected in Photoshop Elements. The histogram can be generated there and the balance of color and shades can be corrected.
The feature that blew the Pentax out of the water was a little option on the Olympus called a LED Illuminator.
I had always had trouble in Macro mode and especially in low light situations with the Pentax focusing. (Sometime it just refused to focus.) Had to always go to manual focus and play with the focus till I would get an image that I thought was focused enough. (They made it harder by putting all of the distances in meters.) It was a guess most of the time and I would have to go back and try to shoot the image again.
I thought that because the Olympus did not have a manual focus mode, it might be a problem.
Not so, the little LED Illuminator turns on automatically in Super Macro mode and can be turned on manually while taking normal distance pictures. In low light conditions it lights up the scene just enough that the camera can focus tack sharp.
Because of this the Olympus will get my vote as best waterproof camera. Not by much but it is still a better buy, because of the hard lens cover, more shock-proof, depth it can go, (33 feet) and the LED Illuminator.
DickM.
After discussions on this board I have decided to sell the Pentax Optio W30 camera.
If you are interested:
See: eBay Item # 150176479530.
Camera is in EXCELLENT Condition.
Extras include: An extra Pentax Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, D-LI 63Battery.
A Lexar Platinum , 2GB, 60X, SB Card.
A soft Corda nylon PENTAX carrying case.
Starting bid: $165.00
u might want to post it in the for sale area on this site also.
Thanks Normand,
I will.
DickM.
I think you made a good choice!! I have had my 770SW for about 4 months and I cannot believe some of the underwater pics and videos I have taken. Just thought I would drop my two cents!!
Thanks, G