Water proof cameras

[RuGlu6]

from DP review

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-d20

Conclusion and samples
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-d20/5

Canon PowerShot D20
This is the first in a series of short underwater/rugged camera reviews on DPReview. We're testing the cameras concurrently, and once all six cameras have been reviewed, we'll publish a roundup of the class, comparing them directly.

While other camera manufacturers have been making rugged cameras for many years, Canon didn't enter the market until early 2009 (preferring to create optional waterproof housings for many of its 'regular' compacts instead). Canon's first truly waterproof digital compact camera, the PowerShot D10, had a rather unique (and chunky) design, but its solid performance photo quality earned it a 'Highly Recommended' badge in our 2009 Waterproof group test.

Three years later, the PowerShot D20 emerged, whose colorful, curvy but less bulbous design appears to have been be inspired by tropical fish. The D20 offers a host of improvements over its predecessor, that include the use of a CMOS sensor (which Canon touts as 'high sensitivity'), plus a 5X zoom lens (versus 3X), larger/sharper LCD, built-in GPS, and 1080p video recording. While the D20 can be submerged as deep as its predecessor underwater (10 meters), it's slightly more shock resistant and able to take a slightly higher drop than before (1.5 versus 1.2 meters).
Specification Highlights

12.1 effective megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor
F3.9-F4.8, 28-140mm lens (5X)
Optical image stabilization with 'Intelligent IS' feature
3.0 inch LCD with 461,000 dot resolution
Built-in GPS with logging function
Waterproof to 10m, shockproof from 1.5m, freezeproof to -10C
1080/24p movie mode

While the D20 has the same number of pixels as its predecessor - that's 12.1 million - its use of backside illumination technology promises better low light picture quality. That said, the D20's lens is on the slow side, with a maximum aperture range of F3.9-F4.8. This compares especially badly next to competitors like the Pentax WG-3 and Olympus Tough TG-2 (at least at wide-angle) - so the sensor has its work cut out for it.

[scubadawg]

I upgraded my Sea&Sea D200 housing to a new Sea&Sea D800 housing, and a couple of new Sea&Sea YS-D1 strobes a couple of months ao, just back from Lembeh Straight in Indonesia

[StirCrazy]

I am looking at the one the OP listed also, every where I look at them the fiji is the best seller out of all there stock, but I will make one change, I am not looking for a camera to take pictures underwater I am looking for one to go in the canoe with me that can handle a splash or the ocasional capsize

Steve

[Aysha]

I have the older version (tx10) of this and I adore it.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-sho...dp_ob_title_ce

It can go anywhere, takes nice photos and I can put it in my fish tank! for a point and shoot it does everything that is required, Mainly it goes anywhere I would be afraid to take my Canon 7D

[Scythanith]

What lens do you usually dive with? You run equipment similar to me, except I am a dry lander

Originally Posted by scubadawg

I upgraded my Sea&Sea D200 housing to a new Sea&Sea D800 housing, and a couple of new Sea&Sea YS-D1 strobes a couple of months ao, just back from Lembeh Straight in Indonesia

[scubadawg]

Originally Posted by Scythanith

What lens do you usually dive with? You run equipment similar to me, except I am a dry lander

For the Lembeh trip I was using 105mm AF-D micro since it's all macro work, I also have the new 105mm VR, but tem I would have to buy a new port and gear set, but I only go diving 1 or 2X a year.

My lens pack that I use on holidays, is 16mm fisheye, 17-35mm f2.8 AF-S, 28-70mm f.28 Af-S, 70-200mm 2.8 VR, 1.7X teleconverter, and 60mm micro

I have a fisheye dome port for the housing, so I have the gear set for the 16mm and 17-35mm, and the gear set for 60mm micro.

I plan to go back to Lembeh in about 4-5 years, this system is way heavier underwater than my D200 system, I was getting arm strain, so I will be ordering bouyancy arms.

[Scythanith]

Nice haul! I like the 105 VR, it's a sharp lens and still usefull for portrait work. My usual holiday haul is:105 VR f2.8, 14-24 f2.8, 28-70 f2.8, 70-200 VRII f2.8, tc-2eIII, D800e & D700+grip, RRS mounts and tripod. If it's sporting or birds I will bring the 200-400 f4 VRII or the 300 f2.8. Check out www.lithicimages.com if you get bored!

Back on topic! Nikon just released their inter changeable lens system that is shock and water "proof". May be worth looking at. I do agree that Canon's P&S's are usually better than Nikons.

Cheers,
Scott

[scubadawg]

Originally Posted by Scythanith

Nice haul! I like the 105 VR, it's a sharp lens and still usefull for portrait work. My usual holiday haul is:105 VR f2.8, 14-24 f2.8, 28-70 f2.8, 70-200 VRII f2.8, tc-2eIII, D800e & D700+grip, RRS mounts and tripod. If it's sporting or birds I will bring the 200-400 f4 VRII or the 300 f2.8. Check out www.lithicimages.com if you get bored!

Back on topic! Nikon just released their inter changeable lens system that is shock and water "proof". May be worth looking at. I do agree that Canon's P&S's are usually better than Nikons.

Cheers,
Scott

My next lens I want is a 200-400 VR, 14-24mm, or the 24mm tilt shift lens, After using a D800, it's hard to use my D700, have both grips also
I am using Gitzo carbon fiber tripods and monopods, with a Kirk BH-1 and RRS small ballhead BH-25, on my monopod, along with the RRS and their portrait setup and gary Fong lightspheres, etc. RRS body plates and battery plates.
My lens are 10.5DX, 18-200mm DX, 12-24mm DX, 16mm,18mm,20mm, 85mm f1.8, 24-120mm, 24-120mm vr, 17-35mm, 28-70mm, 70-200mm vr, 80-200 2.8 AFS, 35mm PC, 60mm micro AF-D, 105mm AF-D, 105mm VR.

What do you think or the 28-70mm vs the new 24-70mm?

Yung

[Scythanith]

D700 with a grip is still the better fast action camera. What are your thoughts on the wide primes. I have been debating one for sometime now. Also the 200 f2 would make me happy

[Scythanith]

Originally Posted by scubadawg

What do you think or the 28-70mm vs the new 24-70mm?

Yung

Honestly, I haven't tried the new version. I love my 28-70 though. It's a tank. 28 is wide enough to make it a useful landscape lens but it's great for a large family shot. Sometimes I really have to back up if I have the 70-200 on the body when doing a family shoot, then you lose some of the dynamics you have going with the client.