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Thu - March 6, 2008
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I am getting a lot of questions from readers of this blog concerning waterproof cameras and camcorders, camera mounts and paddling photography. I am trying to answer them directly or with the aid of new posts. I apologize for questions which remain without answer.
Please keep in mind that my personal experience with digital cameras is limited to Pentax Optio W-line (WP, W10, W30) and Canon DLSR cameras (10D, 40D). My first digital camera was Canon Powershot S40 in a waterpoof case. I also own Canon Optura Xi camcorder and a bullet cam, but I haven't used them much since starting to play with Pentax Optio cameras.
Jeff Potter from Out Your Backdoor sent me some questions concerning Pentax Optio W30 camera.
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I note a complaint is that it doesn't have a lens-cover---that seems odd---do you find it to be a problem? I carry cams in packs and such and it seems like it would get scratched.
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I don't have a problem with this, but I usually carry my camera in a small neoprene pouch attached to my life jacket, so the camera is quite well protected. I use the same or similar camera pouch for backpacking and other outdoor activities. Olympus Stylus SW has a sliding lens door at least on some models. Some owners are concerned that this door may be sensitive to dust and dirt.
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Does the waterproof aspect translate somewhat to dustproofing or even shockproofing?
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I am sure that waterproof means also dustproof. I have never had any problems with leaks or dust in my three Pentax Optio models. I suspect that many cases of a leaking camera are resulting from changing battery or memory card in a dusty or sandy environment when door seals can get dirty.
Pentax doesn't advertise their cameras as shockproof as Olympus does, but their construction is pretty sturdy. When paddling my racing kayaks I am often dropping the camera from an eye level to a sprayskirt. Sometimes, it is hitting a kayak deck ...
My first Optio WP has survived a pretty tough test. During 2006 WaterTribe Florida Ultimate Challenge I got a ride with the Coast Guard on the Florida Bay. They picked up my Sea Wind canoe, loaded on a deck of their power boat, and run full speed through 2+ foot chop. There was a lot of vibration and jumping over waves. My camera got out of its pouch, and bounced at the bottom of my canoe during that crazy run. It is still working!
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How is the movie mode? I'd like to do more video work.
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I like movie options in Pentax Optio W10/W20/W30: 15 or 30 fps, 320x240 or 640x480 pixels. I can shoot in movie mode until your memory card is full. In contrast, Olympus Stylus SW have more limited video capabilities. Even with their newest model, SW 1030, you can record the 640x480 video only for 10 seconds.
Most of my recent video clips avialbale on-line were shot with the older W10 model. The W30 is still waiting for its paddling movie debut.
Rambo, an outrigger canoe paddler from Australia, claims that GoPro Digital Hero 3 camera shoots much better video than his Pentax Optio W30 and he is using Pentax only for still pictures. In turn, Hero is shooting lousy pictures. Nothing is perfect.
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I just had 2 stories published in glossy color outdoor magazines, using a dozen pics taken with my old 1mp micro Sony cam. They printed at 4x5". So perhaps the worry about quality is much ado about nothing. Maybe they're all good enough for typical work. Or, maybe there are scary image quality differences I need to know about?
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I have published a couple of pictures from Optio WP and W10 inside magazines like Adventure Sports and Ducks Unlimited. I am also happy with 8x10" prints from these cameras. I don't see any major problems with image quality. There are complains about performance of Pentax Optio in low light conditions and indoors. I don't really shoot pictures indoors, but I don't have problems with shooting around sunset.
On the other hand, Pentax pictures contain more digital noise than pictures shot with DSLR cameras (even my old Canon EOD 10d). I have started to sell my pictures through microstock agencies. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to satisfy technical quality requirements with Pentax shots there.
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I ride bikes a lot and don't always need waterproofing ...
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Well, here is a tough decision. Waterproof cameras like Pentax Optio W or Olympus Stylus SW are results of some compromises. You can find more options, more interesting features, better zoom lenses, higher image quality in regular point-and-shoot cameras.
Pentax Optio WP has made a revolution in my kayak photography. I am shooting much more pictures than in the case of film cameras or Canon PowerShot which traveled in a waterproof housing or waterproof Otter box. The camera is always ready. I can shoot any time in any paddling conditions. I have discovered some new approaches including video and time lapse pictures from a camera mounted on a kayak deck or helmet, shots from a partially submerged camera, etc. I will continue to experiment.
Related posts:
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Wed - February 27, 2008
see it at Amazon
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see it at Amazon
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Olympus introduces two new models in their line of waterproof and shockproof point-and-shoot camera line just in time a paddling season opening:
Stylus SW 850 and Stylus SW 1030. Both models are available in different colors and already shipping from amazon for SW 850 for $270 and SW 1030 for $377.
You can find a review of both new cameras in
dpreview.com:
Olympus µ [mju:] 1030 SW
There’s no other camera like it. The Olympus µ [mju:] 1030 SW is waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof against falls to 2m, freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10°C and crushproof to weights of up to 100kg. And now, its stylish metal exterior – which is available in a choice of three colours (Platinum Silver, Midnight Black and British Green) – is also scratchproof. But this model isn’t only tough and good-looking; its great image results also make it a delight to have with you at all times. The incorporation of a 3.6x wide zoom (28-102mm on a 35mm camera) provides plenty of flexibility when it comes to framing: get more of the family into a group photo, or zoom in close from afar for candid shots. A 10.1 Megapixel sensor provides plenty of image detail, giving users the flexibility to crop shots later on a computer and still retain high quality. Meanwhile, an extra-large 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD boasts a wider viewing angle as well as improved views – even in bright sunlight. In addition, Digital Image Stabilisation reduces blur caused by shakes. A new battery (LI-50B) provides more power so shooting can go on for longer.
Olympus µ [mju:] 850 SW
Sporting a sleek metal body in a choice of Starry Silver, Midnight Black or Metal Pink, the Olympus µ [mju:] 850 SW brings the durability of the shockproof, waterproof line-up to everyone. Waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, and freezeproof to -10°C, this camera is ready for the bumps and bangs of everyday life. In conjunction with its tough exterior, the µ [mju:] 850 SW boasts a hearty 8.0 Megapixels to guarantee the flawless capture of every detail. Digital Image Stabilisation is also on board to reduce blur. For framing flexibility, a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) gets you in close, and the large 2.5”/6.4cm LCD makes it easy to quickly preview and review shots. In addition, an LED Macro Illuminator is available for enhancing shots of close-up subjects during macro photography.
I like to shoot still pictures as well as video when paddling. It seems that video features in the Olympus Stylus SW models are still disappointing.
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SW 850
640 x 480 / 15 fps Recording time: 10 sec
320 x 240 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min
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SW 1030
640 x 480 / 30 fps Recording time: 10 sec
320 x 240 / 30 fps Recording time: 29 min
In Pentax Optio W models I am limited only by the size of memory card when shooting movie clips.
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Sun - February 17, 2008
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Another gadget for video shooting paddlers? Panasonic is releasing a waterproof pocket size flash memory camcorder SDR-SW20. The camcorder will be available in March 2008 for $399.95 at amazon.com.
see it at Amazon
Manufacturer Description
The new SDR-SW20 combines a rugged, compact body with waterproofing that allows use in water, including seawater, to a depth of five feet, shock-proofing that protects against drops from up to 4 feet, and a dust-proofing design that shuts out airborne dust particles that can lead to malfunction. With a design that protects it from water, dust, and impact, the SW20 is a versatile camcorder that can meet varying weather conditions and shooting environments.
For ease of shooting, the SW20 features 10x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and a new design for easy and comfortable shooting. It also has a grip designed so the user can stabilize the unit by bracing the elbow against the body as with conventional camcorders. In addition, a Sub Rec button on the front of the camera, makes it possible to shoot with a pistol-grip style.
The SW20 records to SD or SDHC memory cards, which further contributes to its compact design and also provides extended recording capability. A 16GB SDHC memory card allows up to approximately 13 hours, 20 minutes of recording.
You can read a very detailed first impression review by Michael Perlman at
camcorderinfo.com. Here are his conclusions:
Over the years, the tide has washed many camcorders ashore. Many of them deserve to be tossed back into the water due to poor imaging, limited manual controls, or inadequate design. The SDR-SW20 would be one of the many to walk the plank, but we have to cut it some slack. This is Panasonic’s first attempt at underwater video. The company has hit home on a couple of crucial traits that make the SDR-SW20 worthwhile for those who are going to take advantage of its unique features. It’s rugged, shock and dust-proof body and waterproof to five feet. Is this the all-in-one camcorder for ballgames and birthday parties? No. Is this the camcorder for people who travel to the islands twice a year for snorkeling? Yes, perhaps.
So what if the video quality will most likely be subpar? So what if the controls are stuffed within the LCD cavity? We gripe throughout this review because we know Panasonic can do better, but for a first attempt at under $400, the SDR-SW20 should be able to find a home in the niche market.
The Panasonic camcorder is directly comparable to Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1. They are both designed to IPX8 international standard for waterproof: five feet underwater for up to 30 minutes (the same standard as Pentax Optio W30 or Olympus Stylus SW790 digital waterproof cameras).
I am primary a photographer, so I pay attention to still picture capability.
The SDR-SW20 can only capture stills at 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution. This camcorder is by no means an alternative to a digital camera.
Related post on Sanyo Xacti waterproof camcorder:
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Published on:
May 10, 2008 05:33 AM
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