Why Olympus Digital Waterproof Cameras Lead The Pack
May 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
What is it you’re likely to be doing when snapping photos? How about on holiday, at the beach, up in the mountains, or anywhere in-between. Could be a sporting event, kids soccer game, mountain biking, snow skiing, sailing, or or a hundred different pursuits. Point is they’re mostly all outdoors where the weather can range from hot and sunny to cold and wet.
Up until recent years, taking a camera along to capture all the “about to be made” memories was nearly more trouble than it was worth. If nothing else we either took extra steps and care to keep it safe and dry or kissed it goodbye – and all bets were off if the camera ever got into the hands of a four-year-old.
But today there’s a “waterproof – shockproof – freezeproof” slot in the compact digital camera world and despite the fact there are now several companies trying to compete here, it was Olympus that was the trailblazer giving us the concept of an indestructible camera. Of course these wonders of technology aren’t completely indestructible, but then again, neither is a tank.
Years before most of their competitors, Olympus offered underwater cameras that could handle considerable abuse. They began with their Stylus SW Series, and since that time have introduced the super Tough Series which provide even more resolution and HD video, while continuing to raise the bar for rugged “go anywhere” cameras.
Depending on which particular model, the Olympus SW and Tough Series underwater cameras are waterproof down to 10’ or 33’, and shockproof even when dropped from 5’ or 6.6’. In addition, all models are freezeproof to 14°F (which is -10°C), and the crushproof 8000 models can withstand 220 pounds of pressure. They achieve this level of protection through the suspension of internal components in a crushproof metal case.
Being freezeproof in addition to an ability to survive the wet, means these cameras are great for wintertime as well. Whether skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow, you know there’s no reason to miss a photo op. And because they’re shockproof too, means an accidental whack against the chairlift won’t stop these cameras either.
Of course shockproof for me means even more during other seasons where thinner clothing rarely helps protect a camera hiding within a pants pocket that smacks into a rock face while climbing. When you think on it, there is hardly a sport or recreational endeavor that doesn’t provide a considerable chance of destroying a regular camera.
That’s true in particular when on the water where mine has had to survive things like banging into a mast or boom, being crushed behind a scuba tank, or even the time a dive weight fell on it accidently. And even on land the small size of most waterproof cameras, while making them convenient to keep in a pocket, also escalates the chances they’ll slip out of our hands and crash on the concrete below.
Like I said, there are now several more competitors in this space selling waterproof cameras that make similar claims, but a lot of them aren’t all that suited for rough use and you have to take a close look. I’ve noticed some with nice polished cases just begging to be beat up, and others that have a cover that slides, which is certain to jam and scratch once any sand gets in them. Bear in mind that less moving parts is better.
And you’ll find models that are more waterproof than others. Check for good seals and little if any case penetration which could let water get to the interior. You’ll find those that can barely survive the rain, more that will work fine in the shallow and/or deep end of the pool, and a few that claim operability just below 30 feet of depth, which would make them appropriate for serious snorkeling.
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How To Choose The Best Digital Underwater Camera
May 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It’s always interesting to consider how far technology has advanced , but when comparing today’s cameras to those of not even ten years ago, the progress has been astounding. Going digital has brought significant advancement of course, but the most significant changes have been in taking digital cameras and making them nearly indestructible.
No they aren’t yet completely indestructible, but we’re moving closer. It wasn’t so far back that much care was recommended when handling any camera, and certainly we couldn’t get them wet. While this still holds for most models, there are today a significant number of manufacturers offering a waterproof camera that can also take some abuse.
However, certain ones are more waterproof than others, so you’ll need to check the specs. You’ll find those that can barely survive the rain, others that are good for a few feet, and only a handful that can be taken down around 30 feet. Below that depth, you’re really talking about a dive camera, although there are some of these that have housings available that will make them appropriate for scuba diving.
There are now several companies competing in this “compact, digital, waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof” space, including most of the more well-known brands. And despite the similarity of their claims, there are noteworthy differences, especially regarding just how much rough handling they can take.
For me, shockproof means I can drop it on concrete, unintentionally let a scuba tank fall on it, accidently bang it up against a sail boom or mast, or smack it into the side of a rock face because I forgot it was in my pocket. And yes I’ve put cameras through these abuses and they continued to work as expected.
The thing about being outdoors is, well – you’re outside and things happen. In fact outside is most likely the place where the most things happen that you want a picture of. And outside, it’s not always sunny and clear. Whether you’re enjoying the beach, up a mountain, hiking, sailing, surfing, skiing, or watching the kids soccer game, you need a camera tough enough to keep up and one you don’t have to be concerned about about.
The things to look for are a rugged case and few if any external moving parts. Cases can be metal or polycarbonate, but keep in mind that the nice polished metal ones will get roughed up pretty quick. Also if there is a cover that slides over the camera, it can get bound up by sand and grit thus causing scratches.
However, a little good sense goes a long way. For example a lens cover that automatically opens and closes when the camera is turned on or off is useful since it guards the lens, but does offer the chance for fouling. So if you drop it in the sand while at the beach, simply swish it off in the water before trying to operate and circumvent potential problems.
Note that water integrity will be compromised by any direct penetrations through the case as those type seals will wear out and dry out the fastest. When checking out a compact digital underwater camera, consider those that keep case penetrations to a minimum by having implemented features like a membrane sheath between control buttons and the cameras insides. For battery, media card and connector compartments look for a good seal that compresses all the way around when shutting the access door.
I also prefer a compact size that will slide easily into a pocket. That way it never gets left behind. In so far as controls, some cameras make them large and spaced spread out making for easy operation even with gloves, while others have them bunched together which is easy for one-hand operation. Like many things, the final decision will be a compromise. The best way to come at it is to consider how you’re likely to utilize this camera most often and choose appropriately.
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