Xmas Camera?

So Christmas is coming and I'm in the hint, hint stage of what I'd like my family to get me (it's all about me).  I only want 1 thing and it's a waterproof camera.  But...although of course I'll use it to post fish pics, I want something that I can primarily use to take out in the water surf pics.

So, I'm looking for something small, that can be strapped to my wrist or wetsuit and rugged, but also not really expensive.

Anyone got any suggestions?

And early Merry Christmas to all.

I just picked up a Pentax Optio W60 on Amazon for ~$225 and I love it.  The Pentax Optio W line has been a proven camera with the NCKA crowd and they have everything you describe wanting (depending on what your idea of expensive is).  Actually, you'd be hard pressed to find a decent waterproof digital camera for anything less, even the older models (W20 and W30 sell for >$200)



Brian

Love my Olympus 850SI,
Received mine as an early B-Day gift a few weeks ago and it has worked great so far even under water. $229.00 at Costco with case and 1G XD card and Charger included as well as 50 free prints and Costco free 90 day return policy. After checking this site it seems the two top contenders were the Pentax Optio and the Olympus SI. Either would be a good choice.
Good Luck,
Eric

Those are both great, but if you want to going surfing I would get something with a housing.  Those cameras are dunk-proof but not surf proof. 

The small camera and housing that Seahunter uses is IMPRESSIVE.

Those are both great, but if you want to going surfing I would get something with a housing.  Those cameras are dunk-proof but not surf proof. 

The small camera and housing that Seahunter uses is IMPRESSIVE.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at.  Would the pentax and olympus take a beating?  Maybe I'm asking too much of the camera?  Does anyone know what Seahunter uses? 

Thanks

I've seen these advertized in surfing magazines:

http://www.amazon.com/GoPro-Digital-Sports-Wrist-Camera/dp/B000NDYER4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1227198161&sr=8-2


I've never used one, but the reviews on amazon look promising.

Jason

I think it's one of these, don't know witch model http://www.sealife-cameras.com/

Those are both great, but if you want to going surfing I would get something with a housing.  Those cameras are dunk-proof but not surf proof. 

The small camera and housing that Seahunter uses is IMPRESSIVE.

Ditto.  You can't go wrong with either the Pentax or Olympus.  I've been very happy with my old Pentax Optio WPi (6mp), but I would love to upgrade to the Pentax Optio W60 that BSteves just bought.  I know it takes way better quality pics and I believe that model also takes HD quality video.

I know it takes way better quality pics and I believe that model also takes HD quality video.

Caveat here ... 720P resolution video but at only 15 frames per second.

I recently got a Sanyo VPC-E2 for a birthday present.  Too new to me to be able to comment on it yet though.

-Allen

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Great help here.  Thanks.

I'd like to get either the pentax or the olympus, but I'm wondering if their waterproof rating of 10-13 ft will be sufficient for surf pics.  You guys that surf know what kind of poundings you take in the lineup.

I also was impressed with the wrist mounted, cased one that Jason found.  It looks tough enough, and the price is low enough that you won't be pissed that much if you lose it.  But the downside it's only 3 MP as compared to like 8 or more for the others.

If I'm not going to make posters, or fine prints, isn't 3 MP sufficient resolution for most things?

The Go-Pro is a toy really, a cool toy but takes lame pics.  I will see if we can track Justin down.

Sorry to revive this older thread (like a fish) but I really am tired of my digital camera and want something smaller and waterproof.  I was looking at the Olympus 1050 and it is getting slammed in the reviews for slow shutter speed.  When you are trying to take a shot of a flopping fish balanced on a tape measure, that is really a big criterion.  Does anyone have any feedback on any of the other waterproof cameras and their shutter speed?  Pentax?  My camera buff friends are really into the no-delay shot. 

I appear to be signed up for about 100 hours of non-stop fishing starting Saturday so I might as well have a decent camera.  thanks

  I have and use the Pentax W30.  It has a slight delay when taking the shot, but I've become used to it.  There is apparently a way (Or mode) that allows it to shoot quickly.  (The pictures I posted for the HMB fish & chill were taken with it.) The camera has many different operation modes, and I haven't explored them all yet. I just shoot in the Auto Pic mode. 
  It is a nice feeling to not have to worry about it getting wet.  Just have to check the lens occasionally to make sure it's dry/clean. (No view finder)

I am getting the Pentax W60.  Seems like a safe bet.  thanks