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I was reading about both snorkel gear and underwater cameras, and there are so many choose from. I was hoping for some real people advice.While your here... any advice on trips to Maui would be great too! Thanks (I WILL choose the best answer!)
Answer
You can buy a decent snorkel set from Sam's Club or Costco. Yes, we have both wholesale retailers on the island of Oahu. You can get snorkels, goggles and fins for around $50-$60 (as a set). There are also a lot of places that rent snorkels, but I wouldn't trust them. If you plan to buy snorkels, etc. here, I would suggest either wholesale retailer. We also have Sports Authority (overpriced) and a shop called McCully Bike & Sporting Good. Whatever you do ... avoid buying sporting goods in Waikiki. Waikiki is one large tourist trap. Venture a little further and you'll save a lot.
Also, if you are on the island of Oahu, try snorkeling at Hanauma Bay on the east side of the island. I don't know too much about digital cameras, but Kodak just came out with the Kodak Playsport Digital Camcorder and it has some pretty rave reviews. The other plus, it's only $150 + or - a few bucks, and it is waterproof up to 10 feet deep.
I don't know too much about Maui. It's sad, but we islanders don't always travel far. I heard they have a rope course where you can jet down the valley. Another touristy options...visiting Haleakala. Sorry I can't help much in this department.
You can buy a decent snorkel set from Sam's Club or Costco. Yes, we have both wholesale retailers on the island of Oahu. You can get snorkels, goggles and fins for around $50-$60 (as a set). There are also a lot of places that rent snorkels, but I wouldn't trust them. If you plan to buy snorkels, etc. here, I would suggest either wholesale retailer. We also have Sports Authority (overpriced) and a shop called McCully Bike & Sporting Good. Whatever you do ... avoid buying sporting goods in Waikiki. Waikiki is one large tourist trap. Venture a little further and you'll save a lot.
Also, if you are on the island of Oahu, try snorkeling at Hanauma Bay on the east side of the island. I don't know too much about digital cameras, but Kodak just came out with the Kodak Playsport Digital Camcorder and it has some pretty rave reviews. The other plus, it's only $150 + or - a few bucks, and it is waterproof up to 10 feet deep.
I don't know too much about Maui. It's sad, but we islanders don't always travel far. I heard they have a rope course where you can jet down the valley. Another touristy options...visiting Haleakala. Sorry I can't help much in this department.
What is the best (yet still relatively affordable) underwater camera for snorkeling?
Alysia
I am going on a trip to the Galapagos Islands over the summer and we will be doing a lot of snorkeling, so I'm trying to find a good camera, but I don't know much about this stuff. I'd like to keep my budget around $200 or so, but I have some wiggle room.
What do you guys think is the best underwater camera?
I've looked into the Panasonic Lumix TS4, but it is around $280.00 and even though it's waterproof, I'm hearing that I'll still need an underwater housing, which is just as much as the camera itself. Is the underwater housing necessary? Is there a good camera out there that doesn't require housing?
And finally, are GoPro cameras any good for stills? I won't be taking much video, so photography is going to be my main thing.
Any and all help is very much appreciated. I'm sorry for being so daft about this stuff, but it certainly helps to get advice from people with experience! Thank you!
Answer
The biggest challenge will be finding one with a sufficient depth rating - especially given your budget. Historically, waterproof cameras have either a 3M (9ft) or 10M (33ft) depth rating. However, some of the newer waterproof cameras have pushed that depth rating a bit. For example, the new Nikon AW110 has a 18M (59ft) depth rating.
Realize though that these depth ratings are in "static" (or still) water. If you find yourself in a raging river, surf, or underwater current, or even sloshing the camera around in the water, you will have to reduce the depth rating accordingly. The simple reason is that moving water exerts more pressure than static water.
But any of the 10M or greater depth cameras should work for snorkeling. I would not use a 3M rated camera for snorkeling, due to the depth reduction when you are not in static water. Also realize though that most manufacturers specify the depth rating for one hour immersion. If you are underwater longer than that, who knows?
And of course, a housing is going to be superior to any underwater camera. Some select compact cameras do have optional underwater housings; Nikon J series, some Canon series, etc. As well, some third party housings exist, such as those by FantaSea, Ikelite, and even Polaroid.
GoPro cameras are designed primarily for sports/close action video, and they are best for that use. They are not as good for photos. However, since by definition, underwater photos will typically be closeup (you have limited range underwater), the GoPro will work better for underwater photos than above water. And you really need to buy an underwater housing for the GoPro if you are going to use one.
Finally, make sure the camera has an "underwater" (scene) mode. When underwater, photos take on a color shift to the blue spectrum, and you will either need to correct the color balance (which is what the underwater mode does) or use an underwater red filter. Some housings can accept such a filter (FantaSea for instance) if your camera does not have such a color correction mode.
The biggest challenge will be finding one with a sufficient depth rating - especially given your budget. Historically, waterproof cameras have either a 3M (9ft) or 10M (33ft) depth rating. However, some of the newer waterproof cameras have pushed that depth rating a bit. For example, the new Nikon AW110 has a 18M (59ft) depth rating.
Realize though that these depth ratings are in "static" (or still) water. If you find yourself in a raging river, surf, or underwater current, or even sloshing the camera around in the water, you will have to reduce the depth rating accordingly. The simple reason is that moving water exerts more pressure than static water.
But any of the 10M or greater depth cameras should work for snorkeling. I would not use a 3M rated camera for snorkeling, due to the depth reduction when you are not in static water. Also realize though that most manufacturers specify the depth rating for one hour immersion. If you are underwater longer than that, who knows?
And of course, a housing is going to be superior to any underwater camera. Some select compact cameras do have optional underwater housings; Nikon J series, some Canon series, etc. As well, some third party housings exist, such as those by FantaSea, Ikelite, and even Polaroid.
GoPro cameras are designed primarily for sports/close action video, and they are best for that use. They are not as good for photos. However, since by definition, underwater photos will typically be closeup (you have limited range underwater), the GoPro will work better for underwater photos than above water. And you really need to buy an underwater housing for the GoPro if you are going to use one.
Finally, make sure the camera has an "underwater" (scene) mode. When underwater, photos take on a color shift to the blue spectrum, and you will either need to correct the color balance (which is what the underwater mode does) or use an underwater red filter. Some housings can accept such a filter (FantaSea for instance) if your camera does not have such a color correction mode.
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