VERY exciting new waterproof camera

[Adam Grace]

Check out the new Canon waterproof camera!:

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_d20

http://usa.canon.com/CUSA/assets/app/images/cameras/powershot/PS_D20/profile/d20_586x186.gif

This is BY FAR the most feature-loaded waterproof digital EVER!!!!!

If you need one and can afford $350 jump on it!!!

[Adam Grace]

Has anyone bought this camera?

[DFrink]

This new Pentax looks pretty sweet. It got some great reviews as well. I'm no camera expert, just saw this on Moldy Chum's site.

http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/news/1683/news.html

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Nikon has a new WP P&S = AW100 = $299

http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikonusa/en_US/pd/ThemeID.18145600/productID.236005400

[Adam Grace]

All three cameras are using a backlit CMOS sensor that will dramatically improve low light shooting. The Pentax is rugged but lacks the OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION of the Canon and Nikon. Nikon's digital compass sounds cool, depending on how well it works. I still have way more faith in Canon's image processer than I do with Nikon's processer (too many yellow-ish pictures indoors, and other smaller issues) and that is backed by 7 years of digital cameras sales experience.

I have owned 2 Pentax waterproof/resistant cameras, the first one about 9 years ago was very good, the last one wasn't all that great but it is not bad. Both cameras failed as an all around camera, not good indoors. I have a modest amount of faith in Pentax.

All three look nice, however the best 2 IMHO would be the Canon and Nikon due to their improved image stabilization systems.

If you guys buy any of these post some pictures and tell us what you think :)

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

My Canon P&S digital WP ($300) is about 3 years old so I guess I need to sell it and get a new Canon with IS.

I am a Canon guy.....

**Heard from some budgit movie makers that Canon has a digital movie camera that has extreme quality for under $1000 now. They are making small independant little films they sell on the web that are cjeap downloads.

[Dave Neal]

Thanks for the info, guys!

I am in the market for a new H2O proof camera of good quality... prolly go w/ this canon (I'm a Canon guy too) will let you know!!

[Adam Grace]

Dave, I would buy it if I had the extra money to afford it. I can't wait to see how you like that Canon D20. Please post pictures on the board after you take some :)

[koffler]

Is anyone familiar with the Fuji XP50. My local Costco has the Fuji and the Nikon Coolpix AW100. The cost difference is about $100 more for the Nikon. Any thoughts?

Fuji = $180
Nikon = $280

[Cmcculloch]

Has anyone seen any comparison reviews on these new waterproof cameras? I had a Pentax Option W 60 and enjoyed using it. Also have a Nikon Coolpix S 8100 that is faster cycle and start up times. But it needs a plastic bag near the water.

[nvpescador]

I picked up an Nikon AW100 for a fishing trip to Belize and had high hopes. Good size, controls, easy to use menu and waterproof etc..

I liked the camera for all those reasons but found a fatal flaw...fogging.

Used the camera daily in 80 degree heat, no submersion and found the lens would often fog a few minutes after the camera was turned on. Extremely frustrating. Quite a few pictures have a big blurry spot, others slightly "fogged" depending on the amount of condensation within the lens enclosure.

A Google search shows others have had the same problem. Called Nikon on my return and they said "never heard of it, send it in for eval". Took it back to Costco instead and now I'm waiting for Canon to release it's D20.

The AW100 could be a good camera but Nikon has to address this problem.

[Adam Grace]

koffler - The Fuji is a lower grade camera. The Nikon has a much better sensor and image stabilization system. If you plan on using your camera often and are expecting GOOD photos go with the Nikon or something similar priced. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR :)

Cmcculloch - the new Nikon AW100 has the same sensor and processor as your S8100, it's just a slimmer less zooming WATERPROOF version, in a nutshell.

nvpescador - I have heard more complaints about Nikon over my 7 years of selling cameras than I have of Canon cameras. Panasonic is also very good. I have enjoyed both of my Pentax cameras too. Fortunately this newest batch of waterproof cameras over $300 have good technology such as improved low-light sensors and real optical image stabilization. :)

[TaylerW]

how about the olympus tg820 IHS as compared to this camera? buying one of the two in the next few days....

[TaylerW]

pulled the trigger on the canon! thanks for the great info all!

[Cmcculloch]

Just got an email about another new model DSLR - Pentax K-30 that is "weather proof" (fully weather sealed, dustproof, and cold proof design. http://pentaximaging.com/dslr/k-30_Black

It doesn't say you can take it underwater.

[TaylerW]

so far all i have are positive reviews about this camera. moderate use for 3 days and the battery is still great. takes great low light pictures, image stabilization very effective. also, it effectively zooms to 16x which i did not realize. very fast, easy to use and change settings!!

[koffler]

I ended up getting the Nikon AW100 and like it. I'm no camera expert but it takes clean photos, I've used it underwater, and I can record short videos. So far so good-

Jason

[Adam Grace]

Thanks for the reviews guys. Can you post some of your pics from your new cameras?

[ssy]

What about the GoPro?

[Adam Grace]

The GoPro is primarily a video recorder, the images are good but all of the pictures will look "fish-eyed." A waterproof camera will be much more versatile, but the GoPro is very cool for video! The sensor on the Canon is much better in low light as well as having many more shooting modes and much better/predictive Auto Mode.

[Blueracer]

http://waterproof-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.2cameraguys.com/best-waterproof-cameras-2012.htm

[Cmcculloch]

Thanks for these articles with the side by side comparisons.