Digital Camera For Christmas?

[loo10]

I've been asked to make a Christmas list

and I want a new digital camera for taking fish pictures.

Which one should I ask for?

Currently, my wife and I are sharing one.

But since I have a new grandaughter....Im not getting it much.

Here's my criteria:

1.) Takes good night photos. I fish at night alot.

2.) Small size to fit in a vest

3.) Takes quickly without a delay so movement doesnt matter so much

(those pesky flopping fish)

4.) Cost. Interested in most bang for buck!!

5.) Any other goodies I need?

Thanks. Your input WILL be used.

loo10

[JobyKSU]

First a disclaimer: I am a geek, and I am also abnormally loyal to Sony.

That being said, I have had the original cybershot for 4 years now. It takes fabulous pictures, is really easy to use, and does pretty well at night. Two reasons why I suggest this camera:

1) It is approximately the size of a deck of cards. Because it fits in my pocket so easily, I get much more use out of it because its almost always with me. Also, the viewscreen on the back is huge.

2) The optional underwater kit. This is a hard plastic waterproof camera housing that was designed for taking pictures/video while diving. Because the camera has a microphone, you get some amazing underwater sounds. The first time I used it was in the Sea of Cortez and you can hear Humpbacks singing in the background.

The camera and underwater kit does get a bit spendy. It looks like Best buy has the camera on sale for 299 (8 mp). The solid underwater kit costs another 200 from Sony, but they are quite often found brand new on ebay for about half that. The amount of damage that the camera can take within that case is amazing. I would be on my fourth or fifth camera just from fishing accidents without it. There are, however a number of soft-sided ziplock-bag type water kits if you preferred to go that route.

Hope it helps

[Micheal Kyle]

Rich,

Pentax Optio it's water proof and and shock resistance up to 10 feet. All the pics that I put on here are from it and I also think phil and leonard have one. they are 250-300 dollars. Lawrence Photo Talk to Jerry.

[Phil Lilley]

ditto that. I'm very happy with mine.

[duckydoty]

I likes mine too

[Rusty]

Pentax Optio W30: 10 points for outdoor shots. 3 points for indoor shots. Don't plan on using this camera for indoor shots, you will be disappointed.

[jjtroutbum]

I have the Sony 7.2meg cyber. and its a great camera with awesome macro shots and seemingly infinite adjustments for a point and shoot, but I do wish I would have thought more about a WP before I bought mine. I currently have a waterproof bag on my "to buy" list just hope that they hold up well ie. are fairly scratch resident. Figure for the price of a specialized camera WP case I would just purchase the other camera.

[loo10]

Which Pentax Optio do you guys have? The W30?

[Micheal Kyle]

Yes the w30 it takes good photos inside, outside,and underwater not sure what Rusty is talking about as far as the inside. When you take different shots you have to adjust the camera for what you want it to do. Way over my head I just read the book and do as it directs me. Some of my photos have been published in magazines and in local papers. So I say if it is good enough for them it is good enough for me.

[ecce38]

Pentax Optio W30: 10 points for outdoor shots. 3 points for indoor shots. Don't plan on using this camera for indoor shots, you will be disappointed.

I own the latest digital SRL camera by Pentax (K10). Wonderful outdoor photos but does tend to underexpose indoors. But with a better flash it does just fine.