Fishing Cameras

[Cammy]

Hey guys,

I think this is the right place to make the thread since its vital to have a camera every fishing trip, just after some advice on what is the best and cheapest Underwater Camera incase you drop it in the drink. I really want one to improve my shots of fish and fishtanks, as im using a crappy Kodak Easyshare C300 and its just not doing the job.
Im wanting somethin that doesnt have blurryness or you can see the Flash on Fishtanks and is sharp. Is there anything you can recommend something less than $300?, i have a mate that got an awsome underwater cam that cost $180, but i want somthing a bit better.

Thnx in Advance

Cam

[Cammy]

Im an idiot, put it in the wrong forum. Can you please move it mods?

Cam

[Blackened]

G'day

The olympus MJU series, I have a MJU 720sw, the original from olympus, and they're simply spectacular little pieces of kit once you worth them out.

Dave

[FISHAWN]

G'day

The olympus MJU series, I have a MJU 720sw, the original from olympus, and they're simply spectacular little pieces of kit once you worth them out.

Dave


I got the same camera and highly reccomend it. These camera's can take an absolute flogging, taken my snowboarding and had a few heavy stacks and it didnt worry it.
It takes Quality pics underwater and through glass.
I have another good camera which is also of similar calibre which im thinking of selling as i thought it was lost for good, so bought the new one then old mate rings up 10 months later saying he's found it.
Let me know if your interested cammy.

[Stuie]

I have a Pentax optio wp and it does the job out on the boat. Haven't been game enough to actually poke it under the water for any photos though. I think a newer version of that camera is out now for around your budget.

[Stuie]

Check out these online shops for comparing cameras and prices. I got mine from one of these - can't remember which one.
http://www.digitalfunstuff.com.au/
http://www.digital-camera.com.au/index.htm

[HIGH and DRY]

i would also highly reccomend the olympus. not sure exactly what model it is, but i am led to believe it is the second incarnation. 7.1 megapixal, 10m water proof, 1.5m shock proof, and has been absolutly punished. we have been wakeboarding/thundercatting while holding the camera and come off/out and was still recording!!

great bit of gear, one of the best things i have bought in a long time!

pete

[Barraboss]

I have also been using the Olympus for the past 12 months. Pictures seem OK for the money spent. Obviously there are better out there, but I have taken this in the boat for all my barra shots...rain, hail or shine...had a seal replaced under warranty once at 11 months old. That may have been to missuse though (not washing)


Matt

[Poodroo]

I agree with Blackened. The MJU series of Olympus is a great camera. I have the MJU750 and have been very impressed with it.It has manual settings including a "Behind Glass" setting which may come in handy for aquarium photography. It does have an underwater setting as well indicating that there must be a waterproof case available for it. If you have seen the photos I have been posting up in any of my threads or even in the Photo Gallery section you will see that they are pretty darn good shots for a cheap camera.

Poodroo

[Cammy]

Hmm ok guys, im definatly gonna take a look at the Olympus range, i might go out tmro or in the week to have a look around the shops at Chermy, or would JB hi fi or good guys have them? or anyother shop you can think of? Also how much did the cameras cost you?

Cam

[aussiebasser]

I agree with Blackened. The MJU series of Olympus is a great camera. I have the MJU750 and have been very impressed with it.It has manual settings including a "Behind Glass" setting which may come in handy for aquarium photography. It does have an underwater setting as well indicating that there must be a waterproof case available for it. If you have seen the photos I have been posting up in any of my threads or even in the Photo Gallery section you will see that they are pretty darn good shots for a cheap camera.

Poodroo


You don't need a waterproof case. The camera is waterproof. Great for the boat, no need to worry about rain or spray.

Paul Dolan took this pic beside the boat as we released a Trevally in Hervey Bay.

[Poodroo]

You don't need a waterproof case. The camera is waterproof. Great for the boat, no need to worry about rain or spray.

Paul Dolan took this pic beside the boat as we released a Trevally in Hervey Bay.

Pretty amazing. I have looked up as much info as I could about the MJU750 that I have and even in the instrustions that came with the camera it only says the camera is "splash proof" not water proof so I have avoided submersing mine in water. Would be an expensive way to find out it leaks. ::) I will keep searching for more information in the meantime.

Poodroo

P.S. Here is an extract from a website listing all of the MJu 750 camera specifications.

Number Of Storable Frames(Approx 19.1MB Internal memory)Still Picture Mode

640 x 480 SQ2: 116
3,072 x 2,304 SHQ: 2, HQ: 11
2,560 x 1,920 SQ1: 16
2,048 x 1,536 SQ1: 24
2,048 x 1,536 SQ1: 19
1,600 x 1,200 SQ2: 30
1,280 x 960 SQ2: 46
1,024 x 768 SQ2: 71Motion Picture ModeUp to memory card capacity. With internal memory: In SHQ (640 x 480 pixels at 15 frames/sec): 17 sec. In HQ (320 x 240 pixels at 15 frames/sec): 50 sec. In SQ (160 x 120 pixels at 15 frames/sec): 2 min. 9 sec.Rechargeable BatteryRechargeable lithium-ion battery LI-42B.Single Use Only BatteriesN/AAC AdapterOptional AC adapter: D-7ACInterfaceDC input terminal, USB 2.0 Full Speed Auto Connect interface (storage class), combined with Audio/Video output terminal.DPOF SettingSingle-frame print reservation, all print reservation, number of prints, date/time display.Direct PrintingPictBridge support allows direct printing with compatible printersMultilingual MenuEnglish/Korean/Traditional Chinese. Additional languages can be downloaded through OLYMPUS master software from the Internet.Weatherproof BodyCamera is not damaged by water spray in any directionSelf TimerElectronic selftimer with 12-sec delayDate, Time, Calendar SystemUp to year 2099Dimensions96 x 54 x 24.3mmWeight114g

More info can be found here : http://www.digitalfunstuff.com.au/prod1951.htm

[ronnien]

agree with the olympus boys, great cameras. i have the u790sw 1.5m shock proof, 3m water proof, have takin some very good under water shoots. its currently in the shop under warranty it seems that the waterproof camera is getting water into it & wont focus anymore.

ron.

[Blackened]

G'day

The options for the cameras are JB, good guys, clive peeters, clive anthonys, teds, camera house, photo continental, harveys, all of the above.

It DOES pay to shop around.

That's interesting Poo, I garuntee you they're all waterproof. Look on the casing, my 720 says shock.waterproof

Dave

[Outsider1]

If you want to get a handle on "street" pricing for a particular item before you head out to the stores try these sites;

http://www.shopbot.com.au/

http://www.shopferret.com.au/

Cheers

Dave

[dodgyone]

Im using a Pentax Optio WP and very happy with it. Picked mine up cheap as an ex display model out of the UK off ebay. Very happy with it. Takes a hammering and still going strong.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/dodgyone/1092.jpg

[Poodroo]

Here's just some of the sunrise photos I have captured with the Olympus MJu750. Easy to see why I am happy with it.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t315/Poodroo/P8130001.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t315/Poodroo/P8130003.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t315/Poodroo/P6060008.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t315/Poodroo/MudIslandSunrise.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t315/Poodroo/P7290016.jpg


Poodroo

[Poodroo]

Im using a Pentax Optio WP and very happy with it. Picked mine up cheap as an ex display model out of the UK off ebay. Very happy with it. Takes a hammering and still going strong.



Great photo dodgyone. How many megapixels is that camera? Pentax have always made a good camera. My next camera is going to be a digital slr but have not decided on a brand yet. I have always been a fan of Sony cameras and have had a look at their range of late and think they represent great value however my camera for on the boat will always be the Olympus MJu750 because it is weather proof and more suitable for using in the boat. The Sony when and if I get one will be for taking on 4wd outings, airshows etc.


Poodroo

[Cammy]

Some awsome shots there Poodroo, still making my mind up atm on which camera to buy, i might go to the camera shop and ask the guys opinion on which will suit me.

Cam

[honda900]

Make sure you test it properly like this bloke.

;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFzZjSsXIyI&feature=related

Regards
Honda

[Cammy]

i have one more thing to add, the olumpus 750 how long does the video last on it? how long does it play for?

Cam

[Blackened]

i have one more thing to add, the olumpus 750 how long does the video last on it? how long does it play for?

Cam

G'day

That is totally dependent on the size of your SD card.

With the 720, I can get close to 45mins on a 1gb card.

Dave

[Poodroo]

G'day

That is totally dependent on the size of your SD card.

With the 720, I can get close to 45mins on a 1gb card.

Dave

My 750 is the same Dave. I have around 45mins of record time on mine as well.

Poodroo

[Cammy]

Gee thats awsome! way better than my 30sec recorder on my current camera lol

Cam

[jez and suze]

this one should work well.
[/URL]
[URL]http://www.flickr.com/photos/cadiver/590558581 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cadiver/590558605/)

[dodgyone]

My Pentax is only a 5mp Camera. Cost me $55 or so. Some good bargains out there.

Some video of last weekend. Only went out because it was a comp weekend.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/dodgyone/th_comp035.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v79/dodgyone/?action=view&current=comp035.flv)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/dodgyone/comp005.jpg

[Tetsuo]

Anyone who is looking at a digital SLR needs to look at the lens range that is compatible with it. There are a lot of brands coming out with a lot of new functions but if the lenses are crap there is no point. I am a die hard canon man and would only recomend canon or nikon in slr's. In compacts you have to love the olympus for out in the boat.

The Canon 450D is a great starting point. It will do more than most people could want. SLR's dont do video though

[Cammy]

Ok one more thing guys i forgot to ask before, does the video have sound cause that would be great if it does!

Cam

[Blackened]

Ok one more thing guys i forgot to ask before, does the video have sound cause that would be great if it does!

Cam

G'day

Yes. On the 720 It's quite ok, but not too crash hot. On the later models, there's meant to be a massive improvement (790 and 1030)

Dave

[Cammy]

OK guys, i got my camera today but i got the MJU 850sw, cause no where had the 750. It cost me a bit more but hey,,,,, i also got a 2G memory card and im happy with the camera so far, lol i only had it for not even 5 hrs. Thnx for all your input guys with helping me choose the right camera and brand, look forward to my awsome new and improved photo's !

Cam

[loophole]

TIME to go fishing :P

[ronnien]

agree with the olympus boys, great cameras. i have the u790sw 1.5m shock proof, 3m water proof, have takin some very good under water shoots. its currently in the shop under warranty it seems that the waterproof camera is getting water into it & wont focus anymore.

ron.

well it's been awhile without my camera, but they rang today to tell me that i can pick up my camera but....... not mine, they replaced it with a brand new u850sw (sweet). the u790sw had 7.1 mega pixels, the 850 has 8.0 mega pixels & a few other things as well so now i am very happy.

ron.