Well i have read posts on it all before, but anyone using better equipment out there they feel they could share. Go pro is cool but is limited what it can be used for. pentax w80 still have a following , video not great compared with hd pro , photos good but, help me . need a good all rounder. thanks
I have the Panasonic FT-1: Waterproof to 3m, HD (lite) video, takes nice photos and is easy to use. The video playback and sound is really good when you play back the video on a PC.
I hear that the FT-2 is coming out soon which will be waterproof to a greater depth.
I'm also in the market for a waterproof camera fit kite boarding. I want one that can take continuous photos so I can attach it to the kite and let it snap away through the session. The pentax w90 And Fuji look good.
Any feed back would be useful. Also a while back someone was making pouches to attach a camera to a kite strut. Anyone have a link to that?
no need to buy a dedicated waterproof camera, as many good cameras these days have optional waterproof housings that are good to 40M
Try looking at the Canon, Pentax, and Olympus ranges
I use the olimpus M tough...its 12 mpg. I've taken it diving and surfing and its done alright. Its water proof to 10m depth and 2mt shock proof.
Ive attached a cut up noodle to the bottom of mine in the hope if i do drop it in the surf it'll float.
but yeah good alround camera
I've got the panasonic lumix dmc-ft1. and i would say DONT buy it
The video is good, but the pictures are lousy compared to any of the canon compacts i have owned.
With any of the auto modes it ramps the sensitivity (iso) setting up too high and a lot of noise gets into the pics.
I manually set the ISO to 80. Its much better, but still the pictures arent as clear as the canon. Especially when at full zoom. It looks like the image has too much JPEG compression, even though the image size and quality are set to maximum
Also, this is the second one i have had. the first one i took out on the water with me kiteboarding. Just in my pocket. No serious spills or anything. The battery compartment leaked destroying the camera. This was on the first outing to the beach so there was no sand or anything on the seal. which is what the warranty people lectured us on prior to replacing it.
If i were to spend my money again, i would definately get a waterproof housing for my fav compact camera. A bit bulkier and a bit more costly but far better results.
I had the model olympus M before this one.
Pics aren't the clearest and it doesn't work now after lending it to my mate to go kitesurfing with so may not be as tough as I thought.
Think the new one is heaps improved
ive got the Pentax w20. had it for about 3 years now. is a great all rounder camera. wife keeps it the bag to capture and candid pics.
water proof to a couple of meters. but if you are kiting no problem. I hve used it a couple of times attached to my kite with the kite cam from seabreeze. Also used it standing in the surf capturing other kiters come right pass me. Or floating in the water while my brother sails his boat over my head capturing video.
Worst thing is the shutter lag. takes a bit of getting used to, guessing where people WILL be by the time photo has taken.
When i upgrade will def stick to pentax as there customer support / warranty is great.
Me... I like to take pictures and also do things too not just sit there taking photos.
JOKE = Olympus Meu 10m tough
No1: battery leaked - after 4 months bit less
No2; Warranty replacement - not in synch with self so focus poor auto settings poor picture quality after first one would rate at 65% or less - just could nt use many photos.
Lasted 7 months now dead == gradually got more errors refused to turn on focus stopped etc - assume water leaked in but after the first one this one was not getting much use as quality was naff...
Sad as used first one alot for taking pic's when doing water safety or boards coaching with nippers at surf club. lived inside wetsuit until needed. Shape of this style of camera very convenient - could slide in wettie and carry on hands free...
Tried to get silcon cover 4 extra protection - Olympus OZ recommended AMAZON offshoot who refused to post to oz.. Pathetic marketing by Olympus...
Bottom line my experience equivalent of 2x$530.00 for under 12 months use. 
If buy this style of camera paying extra 4 bigger muscles = load of BS better saving money and buy cheaper and replace when dies...
one of my kids bought a 3m w/proof for $180 6 months still working
Next move 4 me is w/p housing probably a HD GOPRO.. no focus but good quality lense.
Love to find a slim-line W/P reasonable focus camera....
with ones I have tried v.average lense and Hi MPixel sensor gives reasonable piki to handle on PC.
The Sea is a tough enviironment 4 unprotected camera to operate in.
Do not expect a camera not in a w/p housing to last well if getting actively used.
I was totally anal about keeping it washed afer use and brushing seals with fine haired paint brush to r3move sand grains etc..
just get a go pro
or i just got a new olympus tough 12mp with hd movies for 300 from clive anthonies. seems pretty good so far
