Waterproof digital camera recommendations wanted

[ohioboater]

All of the digital cameras I have ever used include the ability to pre-focus/pre-meter. Push the shutter button halfway and hold it. The camera will focus, set exposure, etc. and remain locked in until you either let go or press the button all the way. When you do press the button all the way, the shutter response is instantaneous.

Of course, this only works when you have time to plan ahead, but most of my picture taking happens from an eddy or sitting on a rock. I pre-focus on the spot where I expect the subject to end up, keep the button half-pressed, and then pan the camera along with him/her until they reach the right spot.

This method works with burst mode, too.

[philcanoe]

i have the new Pentax Optio W60 and am pleased... if really a photographer it would not be that great, but it points and shoots well... (knew that before buying)... i keep it in a old neoprene beer huggie, just slide up into and pull nylon strap out little hole on end and carabiner to PFD..that way it slips in between me and the PFD, and is instantly ready... it's 10 megapixels, lens equivilent of 28-140mm, 5x optical zoom , takes SD (not micro-sd) card, waterproof of course, and a new screen which can be seen better in sunlight

a few assorted pics...

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb30 ... GP0081.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb30 ... GP0212.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb30 ... GP0213.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb30 ... GP0365.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb30 ... GP0460.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb30 ... GP0483.jpg

((untouched originals direct from camera))

[Big Al]

Thanks for all the good input.

I ordered the Pentax w60 via Amazon @ $229.

Soon I'll be able to take awsome photos of my paddlin' buds like PAC, all the Canadians who don't come to see us often enuf (like Pricesss Leah and Martin), Mark P, Lil Jeff, J "Not Elvis", Bruce & JW, Gary R. and all of you to whom I wish you and your family enjoyable holidays together, and success and happiness in the New Year, and, of course.....lots of great paddlin'!!

[squeakyknee]

Best part of good camera, lot's of great photos of rivers and people.
Drawback, very few good pics of you on those rivers lol..

Enjoy the new camera, I just picked up an Olympus Stylus 850SW and it has been working out great!

[bambam]

... I ordered the Pentax w60 via Amazon @ $229. ...

Congrats on the new toy! (And farewell to having spare time at home as you learn to edit, organize, and share photos.)

One battery charge will get you scads of pictures but for extended trips I bought a spare. Manufacturer originals are expensive. I bought an el-cheapo off eBay and can't see any performance difference from the original.

I'm pretty sure shutter lag won't be an issue for the camera you picked. There are some out there which are terrible for that even if you pre-focus and pick faster settings.

Ken