Waterproof case or waterproof camera?

**den_lim** · 04-02-2010, 11:26 AM

Guys, what do you think is a better idea? Getting a waterproof case or getting a waterproof camera? I already have a s90 but the case for it is about half the price of a new camera. What do you think?

**Sponsor** · 04-02-2010 11:26 AM

**bottomsup624** · 04-02-2010, 11:49 AM

it depends on what do you need the water protection for...

if you just need the waterproof case to protect your S90 from splashes on the beach or snorkelling in shallow water, don't bother with the underwater casing and get a waterproof camera... its almost the same price as the underwater housing for your S90... but you now have a "dedicated" camera for your beach trips or even shooting in the rain...

but if you are into scuba diving, get a waterproof case for your S90 (WP-DC35, around 15k)... its a very capable camera underwater...

**den_lim** · 04-02-2010, 12:36 PM

As it is summer, there might be family trips to the beach or pool resorts. I want something I can bring to take around and not leave it behind on the side for the thieves to steal. If I choose to get a waterproof camera instead of a case, which would you recommend? As far as I know, there are not a lot of exceptional waterproof cameras.

**pepspeps** · 04-02-2010, 02:43 PM

My gf just bought a Canon PS D10. We tested shooting under water (bathroom lang hehe) and it just works flawlessly. Of course, it's your preference as the design of this camera is awkward.

I think the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 can be a good alternative.

For reviews and more info, click here.

**LeoCastillo** · 04-02-2010, 02:53 PM

I will always recommend a waterproof camera vs a waterproof case.

The credo with waterproof cases sis that it's not if you flood your camera, it's when.

Also, most of the time, waterproof cases are the same price of waterproof cameras. If you want to use your DSLR, don't. The case alone can take almost 100k. Just buy a high-end waterproof camera (around 60K).

Leo

**den_lim** · 04-02-2010, 04:45 PM

Thanks, I already checked out the page.

Originally Posted by pepspeps

My gf just bought a Canon PS D10. We tested shooting under water (bathroom lang hehe) and it just works flawlessly. Of course, it's your preference as the design of this camera is awkward.

I think the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 can be a good alternative.

For reviews and more info, click here.

**SR_Eyes** · 04-02-2010, 05:19 PM

If it is only for swimming purposes, you might consider getting a generic DiCAPac waterproof case. The cost is much cheaper and it serves very well for the purpose.

HTH.

**macjobber** · 04-02-2010, 09:27 PM

for underwater cams, here are the best options (highly recommended first):
Fujifilm Z33 WP-only P6.5K
Sony TX-5
Panasonic Lumix TS-1/2
Canon D10

But for me, the most practical thing to do is buying a Dicapac underwater cam for the reason that you seldom go to the beach and it works naman....

**lawrencebosox45** · 04-03-2010, 12:57 AM

i had an olympus stylus 1030sw for two years. its survived snorkeling up to 20ft deep. The thing is... the picture quality was horrendous. my avatar was taken with the camera, but it was almost not worth the effort of swimming with the camera because i would get 10 keeper shots out of 150.

if you have a friend in the states i'd recommend getting a past year model camera used and its respective case. I have an old Lumix TZ5 and found the brand new underwater cases available on ebay for only $150. You can pick up an used TZ5 for around $100. Then just have it shipped over.

so what i did was just sell off my olympus then used the money to buy the case. if i'm ever in a swimming situation then i'll just use the underwater case. at least with the lumix TZ5 i can get great quality shots on an off the beach.

Originally Posted by LeoCastillo

The credo with waterproof cases sis that it's not if you flood your camera, it's when.

if you go to photography forums even the waterproof camera's leak. my olympus stylus was great and never leaked, but there were numerous reports of it leaking even if its just dunked in water. this is true of the other brands as well.

**red** · 04-03-2010, 10:02 AM

When I was looking for a camera and an underwater/waterproof case 3 years ago for my snorkeling/scuba diving activities, I settled for an Olympus waterproof/shockproof camera and an Olympus underwater case. It's rated for 5m and 40m respectively.

So why the redundancy? If/when the case leaks, the camera/memory card itself is still protected (depending on depth). As an IT professional, a photographer and 12 years of scuba diving, I know that having a back-up is not a luxury but a necessity. Equipment failure will happen and they will happen on the most important/delicate situations. Waterproof cameras and waterproof cases will eventually leak. Proper maintenance will prolong the life of the seals and lessen the risk of leakage but they will eventually leak due to age.

I spent around P20K for both the Olympus camera and the case. Look for Ellen Chua at Diver's Point at 2nd floor Wilson Square Bldg., 199 Wilson St. Cor. P. Guevarra San Juan City for waterproof cameras and underwater/waterproof cases. It's a sister company of Aperture Trading.

HTH