Can't meet seemingly simple criteria for waterproof camera

[pfishman]

I'm new to this forum, and I'm a frustrated amateur photographer. I can't find a camera that meets seemingly simple criteria:
- compact design
- large display
- waterproof to at least 30 ft (10m)
- uses AAA or AA batteries
- good quality still and video
- uses memory cards

I've been using an Olympus Stylus 300 for many years, and I have an underwater case for it. But it's old technology, the viewing screen is tiny, and the battery door is held closed with masking tape! I also have a Flip video with underwater case, but the viewing screen is tiny. Both of these are truly point-and-shoot while snorkling!

I'm going on a 4-day Colorado River rafting trip in late October, and I deserve a new camera, but honestly, I can't plug in a battery charger on the river.

So are there any cameras out there that meet my criteria? I haven't found one.

Thanks for any suggestions. Paul

[drg]

First - Welcome to Photography Review.

Check out these articles for variations on water'proof' cameras and users comments-

Underwater Photography News & Cameras at Photography Review

Waterproof Digital Cameras at PMA 2010

There's a link in the PMA 2010 article to more cameras from PMA 2009 that might be of further help.

Two cameras that stand out for one or more of your specs are:
Olympus Stylus Tough 8010
Liquid Images Dive Mask

Photo John who has written many of the Tough/Waterproof/Outdoor compact camera article has mentioned numerous times there are tradeoff with all of these consumer focused models. Both the Olympus and Liquid Image units have compromises or variations that still may not fulfill all you needs, but come closer. One is a Tough camera for a wide variety of environments and it, the Olympus, may be the best bet for Rafting on several counts. A spare power cell would be the best bet for added power. The number of shots one can get with these newer cameras can be astounding on one charge.

The Liquid Image cameras are more specialized for snorkeling or scuba dependent on model, but do run on commonly available batteries. They also make ski goggle/sunglasses with video cameras for that kind of adventure photography.

Good luck and let us know what you get and how it works!!

Again Welcome to PR!

[Anbesol]

The only criteria that would be tough to meet on that list is AA batteries. Other then that, theres a variety of options available that meet all your other criteria, Canon, Olympus, and Sony all make models that do it. I am not sure, but the Canon version may use AA's, its also the biggest of the bunch.

*edit - Just looked, the Canon doesn't do AA's. If you can get past the AA's requirement, then the Canon D10 (2.5 inch screen, big) and Sony TX7 (3.5 inch screen, huge) are both very good options. What is the reason that you require AA's?

I'm not well acquainted with the Olympus tough models, though they have been doing the waterproof thing longer than anyone else. Looks like DRG already informed you plenty about their option.

Hope you find what you need. If you can bend a little on the battery, all the other requirements are quite easily taken care of.

[Franglais]

AA and AAA bateries in cameras are a thing of the past, hardly anybody does that any more. The Lithium-Ion battery provided with the camera should do at least 200 shots - many do more (it's in the manufacturers specs).

You buy as many spare batteries as you need and charge them all up before leaving.

[pfishman]

Thanks for the good tips and links - I'll check them out. I realize the battery issue is a tough one, but it seems obvious that if one is going off the grid for several days it would be nice to take a bag of batteries instead of buying a few of the Li-ion ones specifically for the camera and charging them all before the trip. I know there are now solar chargers, even small wind generators - but these have disadvantages also. Oh well, I'll figure it out. Thanks again.

[drg]

Skip the Sony TX7, it is not weatherized or shockproof in anyway unlike it's predecessor or alternative the TX5.

P/S have come along way and 400 or more images per charge on a Li-ion power cell charge is very common. These battery packs additionally hold their charge far better than AA/AAA rechargeables so that is not longer a problem either! Video does eat power more rapidly, but also storage!! Be sure to have a waterproof memory card holder too!

We want to see the results of your decision from the rafting trip!!

[pfishman]

@drg - will do. thanks