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Question

Looking for an inexpensive waterproof digital camera.

Sep 4, 2011 6:37AM PDT

Want a camera that can withstand moisture while on a boat, not for underwater pictures that sells for less than $100.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Cheap camera...
Sep 4, 2011 7:32AM PDT

...placed in a zip lock bag.

All cameras can probably withstand a bit of rain or splashing, but there are no "waterproof" cameras under $100. If you get a camera wet enough to where water (especially salt water) penetrates the electronics and what not, there is no guarantee it will continue to function.

Of the cameras that are rated for water resistance, the least expensive is the Olympus Stylus Tough 3000, about $150.

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Looking for an inexpensive water resistant camera.
Sep 5, 2011 1:30AM PDT

Should I be using different technology - like water resistant or moisture resistant?

When on a boat or the beach we put the camera in a zip lock bag until we need to use it, but I'm concerned that moisture or some beach sand will kill the camera. Found out that drying with rice works sometimes, but a piece of sand in the wrong place can be deadly.

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Tough Cameras
Sep 5, 2011 2:55AM PDT

That is what cameras like the Olympus Tough camera is designed for. The environmental sealing that keeps out water also keeps out dirt and dust as well. It is also shock and freeze resistant.

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Answer
Looking for an inexpensive waterproof digital camera.
Sep 6, 2011 10:00PM PDT

Here is what I ended up doing. The cover for the camera looked like a good idea, but I felt having a second camera also served as a backup if camera #1 failed while traveling. So I bought an inexpensive second camera - a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W530. This way I have a second camera in case the first one fails for whatever reason - water, sand, old age, electronics, etc. For both my Panasonic and the new Sony cameras I have a second battery so one can be charging while using the first, and extra SDHC discs.

Interestingly, Best Buy wanted $130 (rounded) in the store, but on-line it was $100 which they gave me. I also got another $20 off for getting their credit card so the camera only cost me $80 + tax.