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Pentax, Olympus and Sanyo waterproof cameras provide economical options
Summary: Pentax, Sanyo and Olympus waterproof cameras provide several options available when you want to take photos of your family at the pool or the beach. These compact digital cameras with vidoe options provide great quality images at an affordable price.
Digital camera equipment and water do not mix.
That’s the rule. So, let’s break the rules and see how you can take
great pictures even when you are all wet.
There are several options available when you want to
take photos of your family at the pool or the beach. Several
manufacturers have compact digital cameras that provide great quality
images at an affordable price.  | | The Pentax Optio WP30 provides great photos above and below the water. Photo by Rick Lefton |
If you want to go old school, there are still film
cameras that are waterproof and quite effective in the hands of a
thoughtful photographer.
Pentax, Sanyo and Olympus
camera companies have introduced and updated compact waterproof cameras
in recent months. They offer quality images and durability considering
their modest price.
- A compact digital camera I have used is the Pentax Optio WP 30.
Earlier WP (that’s short for waterproof)
 | | The Pentax Optio WP30 is the lastest version in the optio WP line with WP 10 and WP 20 in recent years. |
models, the WP 10 and WP20,
performed well and remain affordable options in the online marketplace.
Priced at $299.99 MSRP the camera is waterproof to 10 feet and
dustproof as well, so you could take it to the beach as well.
- The 7-megapixel resolution allows capture of images up 3072x2340
pixels at it highest image quality setting and video capture up to 30
frame per second. With a built-in flash and 22 varied preset modes the
camera performs great on dry land as well.
- It features a 3x zoom lens providing a 38-114mm range. A digital
zoom lens capability exists, but image quality decay renders this
useless. It has a 2.5-inch LCD rear display, image stabilization
called blur reduction that is a common problem for casual users of
handheld cameras in the still and video modes. It utilizes a SD memory
card. The video is a Quick-Time video.
- Sound recording is available in the video mode, but several
online reviewers suggest disabling the autofocus mode when recording
sound to avoid capturing the motorized noise as the camera focuses.
- Another option is the Olympus Stylus 720 SW.
It has many of the same features as the Pentax Optio WP 30, but is also
shock-resistant. Online reviewers call it tough and rugged.
However, the video is a bit jumpy recording at only 15 frames per
second.
- A recent introduction by Sanyo and marketed as a underwater video camera operating only to depths of five feet is the Sanyo Xacti E1.
- Priced at $499 MSRP,
 | | Sanyo Exacti E1 comes in three colors and has a "high tech" appearance. |
the pistol grip operation is for recording
video and still images can be operated with your thumb, but the zoom
lens controls are tiny and not user friendly. Still, it produces
high quality MPEG 4-video and still images.
- For video of this quality a larger 4G SD of SDX memory card is recommended.
- The audio capability has been called outstanding by online reviewers and captures the gurgling and splashing noise of the water.
- It comes in stylish blue, white and yellow color options with
lots of chrome accents. On looks alone, it is a winner. The video/still
images sparkle.
- Other more sophisticated and higher priced waterproof cameras and
high-end waterproof housings for digital SLR’s are available but not
economically practical non-professional use.
- Economical alternatives include single use film cameras available
at retail outlets. Priced in the $15-20 range, both Kodak and Fuji
provide good alternatives. True, they are film cameras, but most photo
finishers offer services that will scan the images onto a CD-ROM to
create a digital image with little loss in quality.
- ToySplash.com has a reusable 35mm
 | | Film lovers are not left behind by the unbranded and reusable ToySplash.com 35mm film camera. |
film camera in a lastic underwater housing for under $10.
Techniques that work
When you are poolside, at the beach or even in the water many of the
same terra firma techniques for taking great photos apply when you are
up to your ears in water.
Anticipate the action in your photos and set your
camera in the continuous shooting mode. Depress the shutter half way as
you prepare to snap the photo, this will activate the auto focus system
and increase your chances of snapping the peak action as it moves into
the viewfinder.
Photos of the kids jumping into the arms of a parent
in the water, floating in a rubber raft and even blowing bubbles under
the water will make timeless and treasured images.
Storytelling and perspective
To make your photos more meaningful over time, use
your photos to tell a story or document a process like building a
sandcastle or a baby’s first time in the pool.
With water concerns cast aside you can feel free to
explore creative compositions. For example, lying in the shallow surf
with your waterproof camera will provide a unique angle for your photos.
Don’t limit yourself to faces only, back off a bit
to include the dramatic clouds hovering above the water on the horizon
as your subjects swim or float in the foreground. Pre-focus on your
subject by depressing the camera release half way and then recompose
the shot to include the surroundings.
While these cameras are for use in the water, they
will also function well out of the water. So, take full advantage and
don’t hesitate to take a few conventional photos of landlubbers.
Timing is everything
The time of day that you photograph will greatly
affect the quality of your photos. The morning and late afternoon
light will provide the best color saturation and keep harsh shadows of
the midday sun at bay.
If you must photograph during the bright midday sun,
use your flash to fill in the harsh shadows under eyes and from
backlighting. If your camera has a backlit mode that utilizes the
fill-flash technique, use it.
Care for your equipment
Although your camera is waterproof and even
dustproof (the seals that keep out the water will also keep out the
dust) you still need to protect your photo gear.
Digital and film cameras do not like excessive heat,
so don’t leave them exposed to direct sun or the glove box or trunk of
an automobile. Place them under a towel at the beach and maybe
considers a plastic bag to keep moisture like sunscreens from damaging
your equipment.
Limitations and realistic expectations
Economical products often come with limitations.
Often manufacturers keep the price low by using
lower quality components. Lens quality is often compromised and that
affects image clarity and color rendition. Adjustments in the printing
process can correct the color issues, but the lens quality issue
remains.
Don’t expect to make display prints  | | Standing in the water allows you to see the excitement on the faces of both subjects and provides context by including some of the background. Photo by Rick Lefton |
larger than 8x10
inches from these digital files. But for capturing lasting
“moments” worth sharing with family and friends, sharing in online
galleries or display in the popular digital frames these “wallet
friendly” alternatives are worth the investment.
See other articles and photo tips on this site. Keyword: Underwater
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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