Well our old, slow, digital olympic digital camera got soaked in that big rainstorm the east coast got over the weekend. It spent every day since saturday in dry rice, but we couldnt save it. Instead of buying lots of waterproof 1-time use cameras, we want a waterproof digital camera. Does such a thing exist? Perhaps one that won’t break the bank?
Try the Pentax optio line. I’ve had one for several years now and really like it. No worries about dunking it, and great pictures to boot.
Kevin
There’s a whole slew of waterproof digitals out there, but they seem to fall in the $200-$500 range. I don’t have one myself yet, but the two that most of my friends seem to be buying re the Pentax Optio W20, 7 megapixel around $225 and the Olympus Stylus 850 SW, 8 megapixel around $240. Hope this helps a little. Good luck
Ken
P.S. Use the search engine of your choice and type in “waterproof digital cameras”. You’ll get a bunch then
I bought the first model Pentax Optio waterproof camera 3 years ago. I just love it.
They have come out with an upgraded model about every 6 months since then.
They are small, take great pics, and can even be used under water. ( I finally got enough nerve to try that----it was just fine).
If you decide to go for the Pentax, I suggest you get the Pentax case too. It makes for a slimmer combined package than an alternate make case.
Panfisha -
I believe there are only two waterproof digital cameras on the market, at least in the affordable range - the Pentax Optio series and the Olympus SW series.
After LOTS of research about five months ago, I chose the Olympus 850 SW over the then current Pentax Optio. Both are waterproof - the Olympus to 10’. But the Olympus is also shockproof from six feet to a solid surface and freezeproof to 14F.
They are pretty much price competitive at around $300. You might get an Olympus cheaper, but it might not have the amenities, like the battery charger, battery, USB cable, OlympusMaster software, etc. The memory card was about $15 for 1 gig, as I recall.
I can vouch for the waterproof feature of the Olympus. I’ve taken a number of underwater ( not more than a foot or so down ) pics. Haven’t dropped it, and don’t plan to ( just like you didn’t plan to dunk your old camera ). Haven’t had it in below freezing temps yet, but around here, that is not all that far off.
It has auto, movie, scene ( about 18, I think ) and zoom features and 3 macro settings. The flash setting has red eye reduction and contrast minimizing features. It doesn’t have a view finder, but the screen is very good for setting up the shot you want, and for reviewing pics on the camera.
I haven’t used all the features yet, but have used a lot of them. It is pretty straightforward getting to and using the various features once you get a hang for how it comes together. It has an appropriate amount of “heft” and seems to be very well made.
The 850SW produces good images and good color. Not what you would get from a $500 digital ( nonwaterproof ), but good for a special use point and shoot. You can take a look at any of the posts I’ve done since early 6-08 with pics to get an idea of the quality and range of images available.
So far, I haven’t found any downsides to the camera.
John
Hey Panfisha, listen to John and have a look at some of his fantastic fishing reports on the reports board, they are always a good read and the pics are great!
All the best.
Mike.
I have the Pentax Optio W10 & it’s great, plus it has been upgraded as previously stated. It is a very slim profile. I carry it in my vest pocket with a coil type plastic strap clipped to a D-ring on my vest. I have also heard NOTHING negative about the waterproof Olympus, & from what I have seen, it takes great pics.
IMHO, you couldn’t go wrong with either.
Mike
I have the Olympus SW 720 which was the one before the current SW 850. I could not be happier with the camera.
I’ve heard good things about the pentax but had a bad experience years ago with a pentax 35mm camera. I’ve owned several Olympus cameras (35mm and non waterproof digitals) and they have all proven to be workhorses so I ended up choosing the Olympus.
Hope this helps.
Jeff
Ya, the Pentax Optio, I know several who have them, we all like them very much. (mine is the ‘30’) 
I have had the Wp (first model I beleive) since it came out.They had a WR (Water Resistant)prior to that and when I went to buy it they were out of stock. The sales person said that they were coming out with a water proof (WR)model in the next 3 months, so I waited and am glad I did.I love it. Huntin,fishin, riding horses,campin, nope I ain’t scared.
Kev
I have the Pentax Optio 30 also…great all around camera. Easy to use and easy to carry… I stuck it under water for a few photos just to try it out and it worked fine…
Bill
I have the Optio 30 and really enjoy it. It is a good feeling to know that I do not need to worry about my camera when I get caught in a rain shower, fall in, etc. I feel it takes good pictures for my needs and if my memory serves me right, I paid $245 for it and it came with the battery charger and software CD. I purchased a 1GB card for it and that stores all that I need.
I would swear that some of the FAOL members must be psychic. I’ve been looking for a waterproof (resistant) digital camera for a while now so that I don’t have to bag my Nixon Coolpix in a Ziploc bag every time I take it fishing. Thank you for the evaluations. This has been very helpful 8T
I have a GzOne phone from Verizon. Absolutely waterproof! Even can take photos and video under water (done it). It’s camera is only 2 megapixel and that is “adequate”. I high recommend the phone for being water proof. The camera is just a plus but no substitute for a ‘real’ camera.
This was taken with the phone’s camera:
The Pentax and Olympus cameras are top notch. You cannot go wrong with either one. If you are going to buy online I highly recommend Cameta Camera on ebay. Just click the link to their ebay store. You can order online or by phone.
http://secure.cameta.com/index.cfm
Mikey tipped me off on them and that is where I now buy all of my photography gear online. They are a real brick and mortar store with outstanding customer service. There are some cheaper but none better in my opinion. Bought my Pentax K-110D DSLR off of them and have never looked back.
Something that hasn’t been mentioned here is that you can buy the older models on eBay as refurbs. I spent 40% of what a new Pentax cost(forget the actual model # to be honest) and found it to be absolutey reliable and waterproof. It’s been dropped into the wash many times.
Some don’t like the idea but it’s treated me VERY well…and you can’t argue the price. Use a reputable seller, no worries…
Actually, my first digital camera was a Sony Mavica purchased as a “refurb” at the (now sadly closed) Sony Outlet Store in Grove City, PA…Eric, Amy & I have spent some time together there! As mentioned, refurbs purchased from a solid seller can be one HECK of a bargain. I never had a problem with mine.
Mike
those are 2 major brands that make waterproof digital cameras, but theres more. they are lesser known brands such as:
ricoh
vivitar
sealife
gopro
intova
sanyo xacti (waterproof camcorder)
in addition, any digital camera can be made waterproof by putting it in an aquapaq plastic bag and even the major brand digital slr’s have plastic cases that make them waterproof.
Pentax just released a new model the Optio W60 which has a few new features. I have some friends who have the W40 and are very happy with it.
I bought the Optio 30 at around the same time as my mate bought an Olympus, and they are both terrific. I was able to get mine quite a bit cheaper than the Olympus was so that made my mind. Having used both, I think the Optio is a lot less complicated to operate… but whether that is because I am more familiar with it - maybe. My kids and wife keep knocking it off and using it, it is very easy.