Cameras

[John N]

I'd like to get a waterproof camera with a zoom lens, one that can take the normal abuse in the boat. Anybody have any ideas on that? Thanks. John.

[Phil T.]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com can be of help. Their phone number is 1-800-947-6628. Over the years, I have found their staff knowlegdeable and helpful, not people who steer you to the most expensive model. There are models that are water resistant, submersible, and the real underwater cameras. For use in a boat, you won't need a long telephoto zoom. Instead, a short wide angle would be more useful. In other words, a 9-28mm zoom would be better than a 35-105mm.

[Phil T.]

Oops! Typo. It should read 28-90mm for the zoom with the useful wide angle.

[cisco]

From what you describe, I think you'd be happy with a Pentax IQZoom 105 Weather Resistant -- note it is "resistant" not completely waterproof.
You can get it wet and even momentarily dip it in the water -- But, it's not an underwater camera.
A feature I enjoy on mine is the panoramic setting. This enables me to take photos for 4 by 12 inch processing without changing film. The zoom feature is very good and closeups come out fine. Believe it or not I've sold a few photos with this camera and I'm not a prof photographer. Retail is probably now in the $280 to $300 range.
But it's worth it.

[Waterboy]

Geez!! You can buy one of the underwater throw-away cameras for alot less!!! Beleive it or not they take awesome pictures for about $9.00!!

They take a licking and keep on clicking. LOL
Try one.

[Chris K]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-09-00 AT 05:14PM (CST)[p]I have a Pentax Zoom I-90 and it is the previous model to the 105. I am very pleased with my 90 and I have looked at the 105 and I would purchase it if I needed a new camera. It is very easy to use, has a remote, and I have dropped in water, left it on the ice while ice fishing, and left it out in the rain. It is 3 years old and looks a bit worn but takes great pictures. Hope this helps, Chris.
*One of my friends is an outdoor writer and he takes all of his pictures with a Zoom I-90. He has had all of his published pictures and 3 cover shots come from that camera. He shoots slide film and with complete knowledge of the camera and it's features, as well as photography, he can take amazing pictures.

[Gunga Din]

Disposable camera prints look okay. But when compared side-by-side, disposable cameras have noticeably less quality than a good, high-quality 35mm point-and-shoot. And compared to a good, average quality SLR, the point-and-shoots have noticeably less quality. Worst of all is the new Kodak film format, that Advantix or whatever it's called.

For convenience, invest in a quality 35mm point-and-shoot. For the best quality, but with a larger footprint and less convenience, get an average quality SLR. Whatever you get, make sure you get and USE the flash--day or night.

As for a weather-resistant camera, mine isn't and it's been to the summits of the highest peaks in N&S America, as well as in my boat's glove box on some big water. I'd go with picture quality first, and use some ziplocks and a padded case for protection.

[ufda]

Normally would agree with you, but...I have a Nikon 6006 SLR with a Nikon 28 - 85 zoom. I also have a Pentax IQ 28-115 zoom point and shoot. Quite frankly, the Pentax has a sharper lens, IMHO. I can do considerably more with the Nikon, but for a point and shoot the Pentax is fantastic with an amazing amount of features including red-eye, fill flash, panorama, etc. This is not the water-resistant one, but its brother. However, the other responders are right... if all you are talking about is taking brag pictures then a cheaper camera would do fine. However, if you want to catch that sunset in all its panoramic glory, then an upgraded camera is in order.
ufda

[bob oh]

Have you considered a digital camera? - they're getting better and better and cheaper and cheaper.
Bob

[Gary Kloss]

I've used a Minolta "Weathermatic" for years. It's waterproof, floats, can be submerged down to 15 ft(have used it for snorkling),is very rugged, has two selectable lenses, is fully automatic, and is easy to use. Bought my first one about 10 years ago, took 100's of pictures with it, got stolen a few years ago while on vacation. The insurence Co. bought me a new one just like the old one & I see they'r still selling the same camera in the photo stores. Minolta must have done somthing right because few products these days have a model life that long.

[TBO/MN]

Ditto on the Minolta, great camera and reasonably priced, I think I paid $299. for mine. It has been in my boat for 5 years, and has been stepped on, kicked around, dropped in the water(it floats), and a pail of crawlers has been dumped on it, still works fine.

The Big One

[Scott_in_kc]

Ditto, Ditto! I have a full size Minolta Xtsi with a nice Tamron lens that I use for everything. I bought my mother a Minolta point/shoot with zoom and it takes awesome photos too. They put a lot of the features from the full on SLR's in the smaller ones too like the ability to flash fill for daylight pictures with shadows, & better light metering. Try www.cameraworld.com , cheapest place on the net and good service!

[MarbleEye's]

Are there any good, near indestructable cameras that are around $100 that would survive a trip to alaska and be a good camera for the boat? I can afford $300 and i need something with good resolution becuase i want to remember those fish and alaska for a long time comming. Thanks in advance, Marble Eye's