anyone tried waterproof cases for digital?

[carine61]

Has anyone had any experiances with waterproof cases for digital cameras?
I am looking at a case for my Canon Powershot S50, but the best price so far is $164.00. I hate to jump into anything over $100.00 without getting some feedback if available. Thought it would be nice to take pictures on my husband's new boat (read <midlife crisis>LOL!!).
Thanks for any help,
Carine :D

[Margie]

oh man i'm glad you asked!! no, experience here tho. :( dh wants me to get a case for mine so we can get better underwater shots than the disposable cameras that sometimes work and sometimes don't. we found some manatees and a few pics barely turned out. :( but i'm way too scared to submerge my digital! anyone?????

[taitanojt0]

I have the same exact question, but theres no cases out there for my camera yet. I have the Canon Powershot S2IS and I wanted to take some pitcures for a new book Im making, its about summer, and our pool. Does anyone know how far you can submerge the camera with these cases, or if there are any way to make a home made case?

[Judyy]

I've used a waterproof case for my Canon Powershot S30--pretty much a digital point-and-shoot. My DH got it for me as a gift--not sure how much it cost.

Anyway, I haven't ever used it for diving, but have used it for a little snorkeling and mostly for kayaking. Everything works very well, but be aware that with some waterproof cases, you can't operate the on/off function while the camera is closed. You can turn the display on and off, though.

Pros:
The case makes the camera body effectively larger, so more manageable with wet/gloved hands.
I'm not sure, but suspect that all that plastic around the camera cushions it somewhat from bumps and blows.
All the controls are pretty easy to use.
Oh yeah, it's waterproof. LOL

Cons:
See above about operating on/off function--this will be different depending on the camera and case, though.
The case does nothing to resolve the problem with seeing the digital display in bright sunlight--that's still an issue.
Not cheap.

I've also tried a soft plastic case made by Aquapac that allows me to use all the camera's functions, but it's harder to use with gloved hands. Aquapac doesn't make camera-specific cases, but does offer a range of sizes. They're also handy for other electronics and things like keys and other water-sensitive items. Not much protection from impact, though. On the up side, they're a fraction of the cost ($20-$30) of a camera-specific, hard plastic case, so you won't feel like you broke the bank if you try it and don't like it. I think REI.com sells Aquapac gear.

Anyway, good luck and have fun, and don't forget to share those waterproof photos with us. ;)

[Judyy]

By the way, I just got a Canon S2IS (yesterday!), but I haven't learned enough about it yet to be worrying about using it in watery environments yet. When/if I ever do, I'll definitely see if I can find an Aquapac for it.

I was in Guam 25 years ago--are you from there? Small world!

[taitanojt0]

Wow, that was a lot of good info! Thanks for the cheap case substitute I may very well look into that... Anyone think of using a ziplock bag, lol, jk. Anyways, I was in Guam about 3 years ago but I dont live there. My dad is origionally from Guam though.

[carine61]

I believe I'll try the aquapac and see how it works, it claims to be submersible up to 15 ft.
I wanted mostly pictures around water, not in so that would suit my needs perfectly, will update post after I try it out!
Carine

[Angie]

I scuba dive so I need protection to about 100feet under. I purchased an Olympus 400 styles digital camera several years ago and then bought the underwater housing for it from Olympus. I have had great luck with it. Only once did I get water in the case, but it was my fault, I opened up the case to change batteries between dives and a piece of sand got caught on the seal, this allowed a little water to get in. But the Olympus is a water resistant camera (not water proof) so it can handle a little exposure to water.

I have not bought an underwater housing from my big SLR digital camera. I am just a little nervous of taking such an expensive camera 80feet down, especially since my little olympus was so easily exposed to water. :eek:

[my4kidsma]

This is so cool! I never had thought about a waterproof case. I have a Kodak 7590 and have gotten in the pool with it to take pictures of the kids, all the while praying I didn't get it wet! I need to check into those aquapacs.

Thanks bunches,

[Happy2bhere]

I have one for my SD300 (small digital elph). I love it. I took it to Hawaii on vacation and it goes with me everyday when I go to the beach. It's nice that you don't have to worry about the salt air or sand not to mention the water.
Of course you can get better picture quality by not having it in the hard case while on land but I have found for the point and shoot type pictures I'm taking they turned out just fine.
It's nice that you can use all the controls (not like the disposable underwater cameras). I'm sure I would of got some great underwater pics but we were there during an usual storm and the waters were too merky close to shore.
I would love to get one for my 20D and take it scuba diving with me. However, that would take a few more $$ than I have to spend right now. I heard they just came out with a case for the 20D too.
Wendy

[premier]

I wouldn't use one for just taking photos on a boat or on the beach. I have used camera for years in the rain shooting soccer games and other events without one. I haven't taken any photos under water. I thought they sold throw aways that could be used under water.

[taitanojt0]

I wouldn't use one for just taking photos on a boat or on the beach. I have used camera for years in the rain shooting soccer games and other events without one. I haven't taken any photos under water. I thought they sold throw aways that could be used under water.

Heh, throw aways... Maybe we should test out a ziplock. They are air and water tight, maybe it'll work for some calm pool shots (underwater of course).

[elizabethlmccoy]

okay this maybe a stupid question but do they even make cases like this for DSLRs? I have a digital rebel.

[taitanojt0]

okay this maybe a stupid question but do they even make cases like this for DSLRs? I have a digital rebel.

They should, well at least the bag kind because I have seen bags that have hard lense areas where you put your longer lenses in there, and then just use it like it was above water.