posted 08-25-2003 02:01 PM            

I have a digital camera and I'd really like to be able to take some pictures while I'm out and about but need an option so that clumsy fingered me doesn't end up littering the lagoon bed with it.

Besides the ol' zippy bag, what are some options?

posted 08-25-2003 02:44 PM         

If you insist on taking a digital camera (keep in mind it only takes a drop or two of water, esp. salt water, to fry these things) get to a reputable, well stocked camera store and ask them for an appropriate "water proof" housing that will work with your particular camera (bring the camera so you can test it with the housing).

I've had some success with a heavy duty vinyl bag with clear plastic panels placed for the camera lens and view finder. The bag is designed for this use and seals with velcro like a dry bag. It makes the camera relatively splash proof, but is not designed for immersion - cost around $25 - $30 and they don't fit all cameras.

But before you go spending bucks an a bag or water proof housing, What kind of digi cam do you have? If it's just a point and shoot, or only has limited zoom capability, you might find it easier to buy some of those disposable cameras designed for "wet" use. Cost $10 - $15 and can be found in drug store and super markets (Eckerd's, Publix, Winn-Dixie?). If you want digitized prints a lot of photo developers will put on a disk for you for an additional fee when you get the shots developed.

posted 08-25-2003 03:18 PM            

Unfortunately, the camera I have is all I have and I can't afford those little disposables for every trip out. It's a Kodak DX3600 with Zoom and Short Movies.

Hopefully, it won't ever become scubacam but who knows .. anything is possible when I'm at the paddle!

posted 08-25-2003 03:51 PM            

If, these days, you are not able or willing to get a waterproof camera and/or a waterproof box, don't even think about taking a digital camera with you.

A couple of months ago, I tough a cell phone with only one of my fingers wet with salt water, and it was enough to killed it.

Last sunday, I killed a $450 GPS (hypothetical waterproof) because of salt water. It is covered by the manufacture warranty, so I do not mind. However, I do not have GPS for about two weeks.

Ps. You might try, but I do not think you want to trow away your money.

posted 08-25-2003 03:54 PM            

I'm answering anyway!

First, think about how and when you want to do your on-water photography.

WIll you want near instantaneous capabilities? That is -will you say -"Dang! What an opportunity, shoot NOW!" Or, is it a case of "...if I frame this THIS way, I'll get these elements in and the shadows will fall this and such a way, and the colors will mute (or not)..." Or perhaps its "OK.... Focus... Set...it...up.... Get...ready.... Closer.... Closer.... GOTCHA!" Or "It's the paddling crew! Paddles UP! Everybody SMILE! CHEEZ!"

Will you want -REALLY want and USE -your ability to zoom? How about your mpeg or avi capabilities?

If not, maybe a UW dispo P&S might work. No zoom, but they're variably good for between 15 and 50 feet underwater, depending on brand. I'v had great luck with both Fuji and Kodak UW dispos underwater, skin diving in the Virgin Islands on St Thomas & St John up to about 15-16' deep, and kayaking around and about here in South Florida & the Keys.

No, they don't instantaneously grab and store an image, and it DOES cost to develop the film, and if you DO want to put P&S film-based images into an e-photo or on-line album, you WILL have to scan them in -either yourself, or you choosing to process them such that the images are xferred to disk.

Otherwise...

First, go to http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/dx3600_qtvr.html
to see what your digicam looks like, VR-wise.

Then go to http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/dx3600.html
and scroll down to check out the facts and figures for your digicam. Most imprtant will be the body dimensions with the lens "in", and with it max telephoto'ed out.

OK, now go to http://www.aquapac.net/
and navigate to the camera cases -I'll conjecture that the $45 case will work for your Kodak and all its 'Kodak moments'.

Next go to http://www.ewamarine.com/English/e-start.htm
and check these items out. They have a camera compatability chart somewhere on the site which will twll you if you're a winner or not. Sadly for me, my FujiFilm Finepix 3800, a great digicam, isn't, and won't be, fitted by EWA.

I'm currently awaiting a report from a kayaking friend in Wisconsin who has the same camera as I and who purchased the Aquapac. When she lets me know, I'll relay in the info. It looks promising, and the Aquapac looks to be a good investment. I will, however, need to see what the situation is re floating -if it doesn't, and the cam fits inside OK, I'll add flotation to the carry straps.

Paddle -and shoot, H2)-proof bagged, or by dispo -on!

-Frank in Miami

posted 08-27-2003 05:36 PM            

Plastic bags, yes - but heavy duty with special optical polymer lens areas.

Seal is a mechanical pinch type - totally submersible. Case usually hold enough air that it floats with the camera in it.

posted 09-05-2003 08:23 AM            

------------------
JT Central Florida

posted 09-05-2003 09:14 AM            

I got a Canon WP-1 point and shoot (with original box, instruction book, carrying case and strap) off e-bay. Including shipping it cost $64. Apparently they take decent pictures and it's waterproof and floats and considering my penchant for falling out ... oops ... disembarking mid-trip .. from my boat sounded like the best and least expensive route to take!