What are you shooting (cameras this time)

Nemo Brauch

 We have a Canon Powershot that bought a few years ago which we love.  It uses AA batteries so it's a whole lot easier to deal with when traveling and it's reasonably small too- good for backpacking.  We basically sacrificed weatherproof models for the convenience of the AA battery at the time.  

Fast forward to today, where both Joe and I are using the camera a lot, and there's a bunch of "can I take the camera with me this weekend" kinda discussions.  Top that off with the fact that I'd really like something even smaller (think sub-compact) so it fits in my cycling jersey without taking up much room and you got a desire for a second camera.

I was thinking of getting a waterproof/weatherproof model so I didn't need to worry about it getting wet.  But those seem to run in the $300 range, and, well, I could buy a $150 camera and let it get trashed in the rain just once and replace it for that price.  So I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the extra $$ for the waterproof variety.  Either way, to go subcompact I think we'll be stuck dealing with the proprietary battery of whatever we get.

Sooooo- looking for input from the haus.  What do you guys have?  What do you like?  What would you have done different if you could do it over again?

Kitboo

When I went to the Galapagos last year, one of my travel pals had an Olympus Stylus 550WP. It's waterproof and small. I think it's about $160. She was the only one with a waterproof camera so was the only person that got shots of sharks and sea lions while we were snorkelling. Not National Geographic worthy photos, but good enough for vacation pics. Her land pics were decent; and she took some short videos of dolphins too.

I'm going to bring just my small camera I think. I really, really want to bring the whole sha-bang of my camera equipment but it's all so heavy so I won't be riding with it. I think we'll be able to stalk our ProTour boyfriends better without schlepping around big cameras.

GregSVan

Ive had the Olympus waterproof one before, and it did work quite well and handy. The only reason I dont use it is that it walked off on my somewhere. Right now, Im using a Canon SD 780. Cheap, great quality, and HD video in a tiny camera. Cant be beat. All the pics I have from Coeur d'Alene last year are from that.

Norton

Although a larger format than the ones that have been discussed already, my Nikon D40 has been remarkable. Paired with an 18-200 VR lens and a dedicated flash, this rig has produced fantastic results.

Beth_S

Nothing but love for my Nikon D-50. And all my old school Nikon lenses work with it, which is extra nice.

Al Truscott

 My brother-in-law sells cameras (and telescopes) for a living, and my wife is a prof. photographer. When my daughter, the jock, wanted a "waterproof" camera to use during her career as a sprint (flatwater) kayak racer, they told her to get the Pentax model. They both prefer Canon for "point-and-shoot" work, and Nikon for professional quality work. I'm sure the model number has changed by now, but the camera stood up to several dunks in lakes and a fair amount of spray, and kept on ticking.

Nemo Brauch

Thanks folks, keep those recommendations rolling! So far my research seems to indicate that if I want waterproof/durable I'm pretty much dealing with Pentax, Panasonic Lumix, or Olympus. Canon has a waterproof model but it's way too bulky for what I want.

And your right AL, the model numbers change pretty much every year. So if you had the Pentax W70 or W80, well now it's a W90. Pretty much that way accross all the models.

mancona

I also have a Olympus Stylus Tough and it was the close to $300 model, but they do have a less expensive model as well. The picture quality is not the best but more than good enough and the fact that is is the size of most compact cameras and water/shock/freeze proof is great. I can leave it in a jersey pocket and get rained on and sweat on it and don't have to worry, plus I've used it for underwater video of my swim stroke.

marianne

Nikon D 80 = my big camera, olympus Stylus 850 SW, my small camera, y'all have seen both. on the road, that small one I put in snack ziploc bag or the case and it takes video and pics. I love it as you know. The NIKON, yes it fits my lens from my older non digital version. I would think Nemo that you would want a small camera for all of your training and races. Bedford Camera, online here locally is where I get it. Yep I buy from camera stores as I want that personal service to include the yearly cleaning. they know me and I know them! Anyways, I love the Olympus and can't imagine life without it! fits in my run shorts with pockets (those Desoto) and also my singlet pockets for riding.

Nemo Brauch

 Great input folks!  Thanks!  

FYI, I ordered the Pentax W90 tonight.  It will be here in time for TOC, and you can all review the pics for yourself.  It's one of the waterproof, dropproof, dustproof, whatever models.  I was waffling forever between the Pentax, Olympus, and Panasonic Luminix which all have pretty similar features until I read this one for the Pentax:

Upgraded face detection detects dogs and cats

The Optio W90 features a new-generation Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects up to 32 faces in the image field and captures each in sharp focus and optimum exposure in just 0.03 seconds. This upgraded version is programmed to detect not only human faces, but also the faces of dogs and cats. When the user selects pre-registered dog or cat faces (up to 3 choices), the camera automatically detects them and optimizes focus and exposure. Users may program the camera to automatically release the shutter the moment the subject's face turns straight toward the camera, which is helpful for pet photography. 

 

OK, even if it doesn't work, I just had to buy it to find out!!!!!