HELP! Need an underwater P/S camera for anniversary gift.

[ZMan2k2]

I'm lost. I've been looking at reviews, specs, and everything else, and can't decide on a camera for my wife for our anniversary.

Our old camera, a Canon PowerShot D20 got water in it, and died. She loved that thing, and said the pictures were great with it, both underwater and on land. It was her go-to camera when she wanted to shoot pics. Now, I've been researching cameras for a couple weeks now, and can't decide which camera to go with.

Canon PowerShot D30. Same sensor as the D20, but she didn't mind the picture quality. It's 12MP, sumbergable up to 100ft., has a sunlight adjustment for the viewfinder screen, and she's used to the menu structure. But the reviews are what have me second guessing just pulling the trigger on this one. A lot of reviews give this guy 4 or 5 stars, but others, almost the same amount, say it leaked in minimal water submersion. Does anyone have one of these, and can give me their honest opinion on it.

Nikon Coolpix AW130. 16MP sensor, I think CMOS, 5x optical zoom, but some reviews have said this one doesn't have audio with video recording. True? There aren't as many reviews of this one, as it's been out for only a couple months, but it's the same story, some reviews positive, others extremely negative, talking about the screen dying or the camera leaking. Again, does anyone have one, and can give me their opinion on it?

Or am I missing any other quality competitors? I know the waterproof camera area is blowing up with many other cameras, but I'm wondering on quality or ability of some of the others like Ricoh, Olympus and the likes. Canon and Nikon are both respected brands, so that's where most of my research has ended up.

I need opinions, or even first hand knowledge of these, as cameras are out of my league.

Thanks in advance.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

We got the Olympus TG-3 after my gf told me to do some homework for a camera for our upcoming vacation. Had really good reviews every where and met all the criteria. Was harder to find but was able to find it at a Vistek. Really happy with it, and trust it to handle the water shots but can't report back till May 9th on its performance.

The TG4 comes out really soon.

https://www.vistek.ca/store/DigitalC...tg4-black.aspx

[ZMan2k2]

Thanks. I'll do some looking at the TG-3. Can't wait for the TG-4, as I only have 3 weeks.

[jwslam]

Vouching for Olympus TG as well. Used a TG-630 underwater for a week in the dominican.

[jwslam]

see attached

[msommers]

What's your budget

[ZMan2k2]

Can't get the TG-3 in Canada anymore for less than $600. I'm not paying that much for a P/S. Any other suggestions or recommendations?

[AE92_TreunoSC]

My second choice was the AW130 for sure, our biggest problem is it didnt come in red

Can't say that I know if it records audio, but I would have bought one when we were ready to give up looking for the TG.

[msommers]

Had the TS3 of this version in Hawaii and South Africa and liked it.

http://www.thecamerastore.com/4011-P...x-DMC-TS5.aspx

Land:
20130702-P1000276 by msommers00, on Flickr

Shallow water:
20130702-P1000280 by msommers00, on Flickr

Now use a Nikon V1 with 10mm/f2.8 in a Polaroid underwater housing.

Silfra by msommers00, on Flickr

Silfra by msommers00, on Flickr

[ercchry]

Gopro?

[eblend]

I have been using a Panasonic TS-2 for the last 5 years or so, been great. TS-5 is the newest version of it. TS-5 came in second behind the Olympus TG-3 in latest reviews, can read about it here. For the longest time the Panasonic iteration have been the highest rated.

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/bes...rproof-camera/


On sale now for orange version at Mem ex

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX45095

[ZMan2k2]

GoPro wouldn't work. I'd love it, but she would hate it. The Panasonic pics look promising. You say you had the TS3 version, and the pics look similar, maybe a little sharper than the D20 we had before. With the TS3, have you had any problems with it? Leakage or such? Looks like a possibility. Thanks for posting sample pics too, especially the underwater ones. Gives me a frame of reference better than the staged photos on review sites.

[D'z Nutz]

I have the Panny TS-4. No complaints here other than I wish I used it more.

[ZMan2k2]

Originally posted by eblend
I have been using a Panasonic TS-2 for the last 5 years or so, been great. TS-5 is the newest version of it. TS-5 came in second behind the Olympus TG-3 in latest reviews, can read about it here. For the longest time the Panasonic iteration have been the highest rated.

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/bes...rproof-camera/


On sale now for orange version at Mem ex

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX45095

Sorry eblend. Glanced over your post in my last reply. I thank you, I think you found what I'm looking for.

[Tik-Tok]

We use a Sony DSC-TX20 everytime we're in Maui, it's a few years old now but has never leaked, and takes some decent shots. There might be a newer version that's just as good.

[eblend]

What did you decide to get at the end of the day?

My TS2 hasn't had any leaking problems at all, and I never bother doing the cleaning they keep talking about.You are supposed to put it into normal water if used in the salt, but I guess I usually go to the pool after the ocean so it clears the salt in there. It's usually in my swimming trunks the whole time I am in the pool.

[eblend]

Originally posted by ZMan2k2
GoPro wouldn't work. I'd love it, but she would hate it. The Panasonic pics look promising.

Just an FYI, the new GoPro Hero 4 Silver has a touchscreen on the back, so it isn't so bad. I have one of those too, haven't used it under water yet, will try later this year.

[s2k_boi]

We have been using the olympus TG850 for a year or two. It's been great. Love the flip screen for those selfies.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/.../10299221.aspx

[ZMan2k2]

Ended up with eblends' suggestion of the Panny. Specs look good, even though I don't know what half of them mean , and I liked the pics I've seen with them from various sites requesting images from the camera. Should arrive today, so I'm stoked, even though I won't be home to get it, I'll have to pick it up Thursday. Got it from Mem. Express.

[Mitsu3000gt]

A decent camera + separate housing wins by a mile every time, but I'm guessing your wife doesn't want to worry about maintaining an underwater case, o-ring, etc.

In that case the "rugged" P&S was proably a good choice, however the o-ring's don't always last very long, so you may want to pick up a spare or two if it's even available.