Pentax Optio W series or the similar Olympus (mentioned in earlier post) both would be great for this. I use the Pentax, originally using a W20 model and not a W80. Both have been used for photos that have been published in magazines.
Probably get similar results with Olympus, but I can't vouch.
There are some lower end cameras that could also work, like the GoPros.
Jack, I have both the Kodak Playsport Zx3 and the Olympus X-560WP.
Both are waterproof to 10 ft. The Playsport is $129 at Walmart, and I just bought the Olympus at Walmart for $109, marked down from $149.
The Playsport has image stabilization which is nice, 4-5 settings for video, and will take 5 mg still shots which look nice. Zoom is so-so and at more than 30 ft you’ll want something with more resolution. But it is a great camera as it is waterproof, small and tough (dry, wet, cold or hot). It works well for video.
The Olympus has become my favorite for shots that are a bit further away. Good size display, lots of settings available, controls are easy to use and it does seem to be waterproof so far. Battery life is decent too. I’m SURE there are better cameras but for something around $100, they are more than worth it.
Olympus I have the Olympus Stylus Tough 3000. It does not take the best pictures in the world but it’s compact, durable and easy to use. When I’m out on the water I don’t need a million buttons or settings to mess with. I’m quite happy with it so far and for under $300 it won’t be a tragety if it gets lost or broken.
Fuji Z33 discontinued But the XP10 that replaced it is better, IMO. I’ve had mine for about 3 months and have been using it in and around the water all winter. Available at Wallyworld for ~150, I think. Mine’s been dropped, dunked, frozen, and washed under the faucet with no ill effects. Pretty good video but not much for sound quality. Pretty good photo quality for a waterproof camera in this price range. Easy to use on auto, but takes better looking pix if you learn your way around the shooting modes. Battery life suffers in sub-freezing temps, but extra batteries are inexpensive on ebay. I make sure the fresh one is in before I go out, since Fuji recommends against opening the battery compartment without rinsing and drying first. Cycle time seems average for the price range. Editing software that comes with it isn’t much, but I use other programs anyway.
You can get better in all respects, but probably not without spending more. If I were to accept a higher price tag (which I don’t right now, because I need something more “disposable” to be comfortable using it on the river) I would look to the Panasonic DMC series at about twice the price.
good camera Might I suggest the Hero Go-Pro camera. It even comes in hight definition giving you quality photographs and video with sound. I purchased the original version which attaches to your wrist. Great web-site. Camera housing is very durable and I’ve been using mine for many years.
P.S> Olympus sucks, See Derrick Mayoleth’s blog: Kayak Quixotica. He has had many, and they all fail and leak. I have avoided Olympus, but never owned one. The Fuji is a winner.
On all the underwater cameras you will have to send in every year to have the seals replaced at about $40.00 each, (at this time), plus shipping. I know for a fact the Olympus will leak. I have one that drowned.
If I only had one yesterday ! I could have had as many awesome shark shots as I wanted.
We were in a school of small Lemon Sharks at the mouth of the cut at Cayo Agua, off Key West and there were too many to count. We were guessing around thirty, and they were just meandering around us.
Normally the single ones take off like a shot as soon as we get close, but as we were drifting about with these guys, they would slowly come up to with in a foot or two of the boats.
Nanci must have taken a hundred pictures and only a couple came out half way decent, but she got a couple of awesome videos.
We stayed with them for about twenty minutes, and finally in the essence of getting back before dark we had to leave them.
I’ve had the Olympus 850SW… …for a couple years now. Decent pics, but only tried underwater shots a couple times. Need to try it more. Here’s a few examples. The underwater samples were in areas that were a bit “Murky” by most Ozark stream standards. WW
Canon Powershot D10 I have the Canon Powershot D10 and love it. Have used it for both kayaking and snorkeling. Was down in the Caribbean last year and took a lot of underwater pictures with it, and it performed flawlessly. This camera has been around for a while, so I suspect Canon will be bringing out a new model soon, if they have not already done so.
Used to own the Olympus SW1030. Not a good camera. Did not have true image stabilization. Also had other problems.
Fuji or Canon I have a Fuji & Jeff has a Cannon. They’re both good underwater cameras. I know you said you wanted to buy one at one of the big box stores. But B & H prices beat everybodies & anything I’ve ordered from them I got in 3 to 4 days. They also take trade ins or buy used equipment. I take the Fuji with me any time I go kayaking. It fits in my PFD pocket & has been dunked a lot. I also took it with me to Roatan & used it when I snorkeled.