Digital Cameras for Fishing

[VekolBass]

I received my monthly challenge via PM last night, and got my stuff ready to go fishing today. I checked my digital camera to make sure the batteries were OK, and the thing is dead. It won't power on. It was working last week when I took it to the beach. In the event that it is beyond repair, what recommendations do you guys have on digitial cameras for fishing? Since this is likely to be the second $300 camera that I've went through in the past four years, I think I need something durable.

[vincedia]

[ftp]http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Outdoor-Resistant-Digital-Camera/dp/B0007PEOMI/sr=8-13/qid=1157299480/ref=sr_1_13/104-4929917-4243923?ie=UTF8&s=electronics#moreAboutThisProduct[/ftp]

This is a decent outdoor camera. I would not make it my main, but it will not die due to wet conditions. I also don't think I would trust it to fall into the water.

The SD card is the least likeley of all the storage formats to be destroyed by water.

Bushnell also has decent optics, so the picture quality should be decent.

Just a suggestion.

Vince

[Guest bigtex]

I have a digital video camera that is used for video footage, camera, mp3 player, and micro. recorder. It was $99.00 at Wal-Mart and I love it. You can buy the memory cards in many different storage sizes. It is really simple to use. It also small enough to fit in your hand.

DXG Model 305V digital video camera.

[Fish Chris]

the choices nowadays are almost endless ! For a fish photo only camera, I would suggest something that was not too complicated (like one of the small rectangle box styles) of at least 6 mega pixels. I would stick with a Fuji, Canon, Nikon, or Olympus. You should be able to find something like this for $225 or $250

If you would like a link to a REALLY big, booming photography site, with basically ALL of the current digital cameras listed, and many with full reviews, buying links, etc, shoot me a PM.

My Fuji S7000 has been a great camera, but its about $475, and has more bells and whistles than one really needs, for just straight fish photography.

Peace,

Fish

PS, Even a 2 mp camera could take photos with more than enough digital info, for photos posted on the internet. The reason I said "of at least 6 mp's", is because should you catch that monster fish of a lifetime, and you would like to have a razor sharp, framed 8 x 10 printed photo, or maybe even larger, this would be perfectly workable. With a 2 or 3 mp though, blown up to 8 x 10 or bigger, it would get really grainy / blurry.

[Guest ouachitabassangler]

I received a $400 Kodak digital at Christmas a year ago and let it in the lake trying to photograph a nice striper, with camera set on timed flash, it sitting on the bow pedestal seat. The seat just turned while I struggled with the fish, and off it went, bounced once on the carpet, and over. It floated, but can't be repaired. I gave up trying, but my daughter is ordering a Ritz Dakota Digital ($11 plus shipping) that's a one-time 25 picture digital. I'll keep in in a Zip Lock bag, but will have to take pictures manually, no timer flash. If that doesn't work out she's figured out a couple models of standard type digitals for under $100 with timer. If I accept, I must supply her sunset and sunrise photos. I'd rather mess with the Ritz  :-?

Jim

[Lightninrod]

Here is a good source of camera reviews.

Here's review of a 'fishing' camera.

I use a Canon Powershot G6 for my pics.

Dan

[the ohh face]

i was thinking of buying the nokia n90 camera phone for my fishing pics.  i beleive its 2 megapixel which is pretty good for a cameraphone  I know this wont give me razorsharp clarity pictures but does anyone know if they are at least decent?

[burleytog]

Photos taken with a camera phone are only going to be marginally better than a cheap (<$50) digital.  Most people just consider the number of MP's a camera has and do not pay enough attention to the glass.

Like Fish Chris said, stick with Canon, Fuji, Nikon, and Olympus.  IMO, in that order.

My recommendations would include the Canon SD450, SD630, SD700, Powershot SD600, Nikon Coolpix S5, Olympus Stylus 700, Fuji FinePix A500, Finepix F30.  Those are all flat point & shoots.

If you want to step up to a SLR-similar digital without spending megabucks, the Fuji FinePix S5200 can't be beat.  Canon Powershot S3 or S2 are also good choices in this category.

[Valascus]

I have a Fuji FinePix A340 that is 4.1 Megapixels paired with a 512 MB XD Card. The camera can store 250ish pics at it's peak resolution, which can produce a photo quality 8 x 10. Easy to use, can use 2 Duracell Rechargable NiMH AA Batteries (so when one sets in use the other set is charging so I never get caught without batteries), compact, and the best part is got it on clearance for $110 bucks.

[bass-o-matic]

Try the Canon A620

reviewed http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona620/.

Canon does make a 5MP version of this camera....the a610, which is what i have, and love. you can get it for around 200 250 now. it's fairly compact and is very well built. the photos it takes are excellent. the auto mode is idiot proof and consistently provides for nearly perfectly exposed shots in all kinds of lighting conditions.

My bigger camera (olympus 8080 wide zoom) takes remarkable pix, but it's BIG. I am cautious with the canon on the water and keep it in 2 ziplocks with as much air in them as i can get (just in case )

Here's what i like:

quick power up, multiple "scene" modes including "Beach" mode which is great for the water and "Portrait" which is great for the closeup of the monster you just caught. another great feature is a really quick auto focus and great low light capability.

about the only thing i don't like is the use of sd cards only. i'd like to have the option of using other media, but the sd is quite capable. my 1GB card holds over 300 very high quality photos.

when we were shopping for our "purse" camera, we searched the internet for weeks reading reviews and comparisons, i honestly don't think the canon can be beat for the money.

just $0.02 from me.

EDIT:   the battery life is also very good. 4 AA rechargables. i just plug it in when i plug in my trolling motor battery. i've never had the batteries on the camera go dead

[MadGator]

I'm pretty sure Olympus makes a semi waterproof 3MP camera for around $300. My friend has one, it's not too fancy, but may help.

[joes]

i was thinking of buying the nokia n90 camera phone for my fishing pics.  i beleive its 2 megapixel which is pretty good for a cameraphone  I know this wont give me razorsharp clarity pictures but does anyone know if they are at least decent?

From Experience I would suggest not using your Camera Phone near water. After taking a picture of a fish I was putting the phone back in its holster and dropped it in a small amount of water in the bottom of the boat. Fortunately after about 2 weeks it finally dried out and started working again. If the phone is under warranty, exposure to moisture will void it. Inside my phone (Motorola) there is a small round sticker that changes to red if it gets wet, thereby allowing your phone company to know it got wet. If you do use your camera phone make sure you have the extra damage policy offered by the phone company.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I'm pretty sure Olympus makes a semi waterproof 3MP camera for around $300. My friend has one, it's not too fancy, but may help.

I have a olympus 400 that is weather resistant.  Works great.  

[VekolBass]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'll opt for a inexpensive disposable camera for the boat, and perhaps an Olympus for non-fishing/hunting activities. I've had too many bad experiences with electronics around water to want to risk another $300. Did I mention the cell phone that wound up in the bottom of a Porta-Jon

[Matt Jungblut]

i have a kodak cd 33

i bought at walmart was around 100 bucks

takes pretty good pics

i have to get out the book and read up on it

just threw some battiers in it and away i go i shot everything on auto

im sure it has some great features and it wont break the bank

3x optical zoom

5 x digtal zoom

4 mega pixels

only up grade i got was 256 mb card

oh yeah some rechargeable battiers

but the 1s that came with the camera are still good and have had the camera about 4 weeks

[Rebbasser]

I got a Pentax Optio W10 just for this purpose. Tough, durable, waterproof to 5 feet and takes great pictures. Easy to use, too. Here's a review:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06021503pentaxw10.asp

[Pa Angler]

I use a Nikon 8800 CoolPix with 8meg and I use all 8meg makes excellent blow ups on letter 8.5" x 11" sized glossy photo paper. Nikon optics are one of the best if not the best. Expect to spend around $600 to $700 new and you won't have to buy three of them in four years like some other cameras. Uses compact flash I & II cards I use the 1GB and 2GB cards myself. I use it on my boat like any thing that works with electric care should be taken.