[Kai]

Originally Posted by OregonStreams

I know my Olympus is supposed to be waterproof, but I don't have the heart to try it purposely underwater. I have fallen in the water and it still works though I just like the peace of mind of taking it wading, kayaking and rafting without worrying about the darn camera getting wet. I do know some other folks who just stick their water resistant camera in a zip lock bag. I do stick my so called water resistant marine radio inside a waterproof pouch when I am kayaking on the ocean however. Occasionally I can rescue a wet camera, computer keyboard or cell phone by drying it out with a hair dryer and then magically they come to life latter.

I use my Olympus 725SW underwater all the time. I've taken underwater shots in the swimming pool, taken pictures of fish underwater, etc. No issues with it not being waterproof.

[BlueDun]

Originally Posted by ezamora

want something water resistant (proof-ish) BUT with decent macro capabilities AND a wide angle lens. [snip] anybody know of any recent offerings which might have these three features? i don't want to bag a camera. and i know i'm spoliled with near zero shutter delay in my pro cameras...
eric
fresno, ca.

Check the Olympus 1030 SW (upgraded version of the 770 SW) - just released. It has better waterproofing than the Pentax (important to me b/c my husband ruined my supposedly waterproof GPS while we were kayaking - the force of the spray from a small 1 foot waterfall pushed water through a seal). The 1030SW has 3 different macro modes - improved over the 770. It does not have a separate wide angle lens but there is a new feature for taking wider than normal photos. I'm not a camera junkie so can't be more specific. Here is a link to the specs and other info about the camera:

Stylus 1030 SW Specs

Also, you are right - don't go the camera bag option. I purchased a bag that was manufactured for a specific camera. First time I tried to take a picture with it while kayaking, the camera shifted just enough in the bag that the lens was a tad out of line with the "lens" part of the bag. When the lens popped open, it jammed on the bag and ruined the camera.

[zerolimit]

That jog wheel on the 1030 is a nice change from the 770. I really hate having to toggle linearly through picture modes. Looks like some good updates. Now if they fixed the weak color/light balance and focusing it could move from good to great. The other thing is you have to force it in to low ASA settings if you want good pictures. Under some conditions, it will select 1600 or something like that and give you the crappiest, grainiest picture you've ever seen and make you wonder if it wasn't taken from a first gen cell phone camera.

[Fly2Fish]

Originally Posted by zerolimit

. . . Now if they fixed the weak color/light balance and focusing it could move from good to great. The other thing is you have to force it in to low ASA settings if you want good pictures. Under some conditions, it will select 1600 or something like that and give you the crappiest, grainiest picture you've ever seen and make you wonder if it wasn't taken from a first gen cell phone camera.

Mike, do you know if these shortcomings in the 770 are also shortcomings in the new 1030, or are you hoping that they've been rectified in the 1030? From comparing the specs, it looks like the 1030 is sized slightly larger (comparable to the 790 & new 850) but heavier - 6.3 oz v. the 770's 5.5 oz (& 4.8 oz.for the 790 & 850). Hard for me to tell whether this extra weight & slight size increase would be noticeable on the stream without seeing these cameras side by side, however.

Neil

[zerolimit]

Fly2Fish, just wishful thinking. I don't know whether or not it has the same vision engine. I didn't know it was out until this thread. I do like the changes to the interface and having near SLR megapixels in that package is pretty cool.

[Fly2Fish]

Here's an interesting anecdote I picked up from an Olympus Stylus 1030 SW blog on the life-saving capabilities of Olympus Stylus cameras:

"An Olympus Stylus saved my life - literally. When I was in Maui my too-expensive Rosignol hiking boots slipped out from under me (they have less traction than greased teflon), I found myself sliding down an escarpment towards the edge of a cliff and certain death or at least grave discomfort. I dug the metal casing of my Stylus into the smooth rock until I stopped. To this day I keep that camera in a place of honour - and even though I've got a kick-ass Nikon I still find myself taking along the Stylus when I go hiking."

I've been looking for an excuse to buy an Olympus Stylus SW, and now I think I've found it.