Sun - October 29, 2006

Wateproof Digital Cameras for Paddling - A Review by Canoe and Kayak Magazine






Canoe & Kayak Magazine published a review of waterproof digital cameras for paddlers in its October 2006 issue. This review is also available in their online edition.

The review is not very critical or detailed. Nevertheless it shows what options are available for paddlers from waterproof cameras to weather resistant ones to cameras used with waterproof housing. The following digital cameras were reviewed (click links to compare prices):

I am using Pentax Optio W10 and the original WP for my paddling and other outdoor acitivities, so you can find a lot of information about these cameras in my blog. Before Pentax I was paddling with Canon PowerShot S40 with waterpoof housing.
DIGITAL CAMERA FAQs from Canoe & Kayak Magazine:
Waterproofing vs. Weatherproofing. Waterproof cameras can be totally submerged in water. Usually this is limited to a certain depth. Weatherproof cameras can be splashed or rained on, but not dunked underwater.

Shutter Lag. This is a concept that is unfamiliar to film photographers and is by far the most annoying feature of point-and-shoot digital cameras. It is the time between when you push the shutter button and when the picture is taken. It can be up to three seconds with some older cameras. Newer versions mostly keep it under control, and it is less noticeable. Cheaper cameras still have a long delay.

Megapixels. This refers to the size of the image-capturing sensor in cameras. Larger is better (and more expensive). Not everyone needs 8 megapixels. Generally, 2 mp is enough for Web use and small snapshots. Three or 4 is fine for shots up to 8-by-10 inches, and 5 or more for 11-by-14 and larger prints. Match your needs to the sensor size and you should be fine.

File Types. Digital cameras record files. There are several common file types. Jpg files (JPEG) are the most common. They compress the picture files so you can fit many pictures on your camera’s storage device, but they may be of slightly lower quality. TIFF files make better-quality pictures but are much larger files. Raw files are the equivalent of a digital negative, and a few cameras offer them. This is desirable if you are going to post-process your files (play with them on the computer—this is a major source of marital contention worldwide).

Optical Viewfinder. Many models now offer only an LCD monitor on the back of the camera. Usually that is fine, but LCDs are sometimes difficult to see in bright sunlight; they also use up precious battery power, which is a problem if you are on a long trip.

Memory. The digital files are stored on one of several types of storage cards—little cards that slip into a camera. Other than size, there is not much difference between the types.

ISO/ASA. This is similar to ASA for film. It refers to the capability of the camera to capture images in low-light situations (dusk/dawn, when the light is the best). Like higher ASA film, higher ISOs tend to have a grainy appearance.

White Balance. All digital cameras have this. It is the camera’s ability to filter light colors to make a photo look as if it was shot in daylight. Remember when you would shoot inside with film and get yellow photos? Digital cameras can adjust to the type of light and get rid of that color to make your photos appear as you see them. Filters that we used on film cameras are no longer necessary.

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