A dive buddy had one of these on my boat the other day and took a few pics of giant black sea bass. It doesn't require a case, and they say it is good to 33 feet and you can drop it from 5 feet. It sounds pretty appealing, but my underwater photography years were spent using a Nikonos I and Nikonos II, so I'm not up to date.

If anyone has any experience, or even an opinion, I'd appreciate hearing it.

Bill,
Thats a good camera from a good company. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

I've heard only good things from this camera. If used with the dedicated housing its a very good option to attach to the speargun.

I've heard only good things from this camera. If used with the dedicated housing its a very good option to attach to the speargun.

But I have another camera that could go in a housing. The whole point of using this one is that it wouldn't need a housing.

And just for clarification, I'm a freediver, so the depth limitation of 33 feet would be no problem. The huge majority of fish photos that I would want to take are at less than 33 feet.

For example, the fish in my avatar was at about 25 feet.

I have the 720 SW. The model before the 770SW. I think the only difference between the two is the depth it can go. It is a solid camera. I am looking to upgrade to the 770 shortly. I hear the camera will record the depth the pic was taken. I think that is a cool feature!

Right now, I don't think you can beat Amazon's price and they offer free shipping.

I hear the camera will record the depth the pic was taken. I think that is a cool feature!



Yeah, that's what a review said.

One thing that concerned me was that the reviewer said the controls were hard to operate with gloves. We have to wear thick gloves most of the time out here.

Yeah, that's what a review said.

One thing that concerned me was that the reviewer said the controls were hard to operate with gloves. We have to wear thick gloves most of the time out here.

I would have to agree on that part. Although I would turn it on and get it all set before jumping in the water. The less buttons that get pushed underwater, the better. IMO
The buttons are a bit small though.

The camera is really nice above water too. Small enough for your shirt or jeans pocket and no worries about dropping it or getting it wet.

Bill,
I wouldnt recommend you take this or any other camera not speciffically designed for underwater use, underwater.
The seals are very rudimentary and even at less than one atmosphere there is a good chance of a leak.
If you do decide to submerge it in saltwater, I would immediately submerge it in freshwater and soak for a minute once your back in the boat. The unit may actually survive multiple submersions but what happens is that the salt will dry and the crystals will work there way through the minimal sealing... eventually.

Richt,

I looked at buying one and it is rated for 33 feet, but I figured it can't be good for it more than a couple of times.

I figured it would be a good idea to get the camera and then put it in a housing, that way if the housing flooded, the camera should survive.

What kind of camera and housing do you use?

Bret,
Im still using an Olympus 5060 with Olympus housing. It has a bad shutter lag but it just wont die so I cant bring myself to upgrade.

Bill,
I wouldnt recommend you take this or any other camera not speciffically designed for underwater use, underwater.
The seals are very rudimentary and even at less than one atmosphere there is a good chance of a leak.
If you do decide to submerge it in saltwater, I would immediately submerge it in freshwater and soak for a minute once your back in the boat. The unit may actually survive multiple submersions but what happens is that the salt will dry and the crystals will work there way through the minimal sealing... eventually.
Well I have had my 770sw for 8 months or so and have literally taken it 35 feet under ocean-water dragging behind my kayak as i crash into the beach and roll the whole boat loaded with gear, iv also done some diving with it. Its been 10000+ feet up a glacier on over 150 miles of backpacking trips and hikes jumping off cliffs into waterfalls and river beds, taken pics under water in a hot spring not once but on three separate occasions in two different regions. and the shock resistance is pretty nice also, not to mention the psi water rating, depth and altitude reading, underwater flash and macro led. I did upgrade to the sticky clear plastic screen cover so i would not scratch the screen also I put a key ring on the strap hole with an optional lanyard for safety.

wow that sounds pretty tuff

But I have another camera that could go in a housing. The whole point of using this one is that it wouldn't need a housing.

And just for clarification, I'm a freediver, so the depth limitation of 33 feet would be no problem. The huge majority of fish photos that I would want to take are at less than 33 feet.

For example, the fish in my avatar was at about 25 feet.

Yeah, but it would be a nice option if you are intending to use this camera to take underwater videos attached to your speargun. I've heared of many (too many, sadly) people that the housing leaked due to the shot vibration (and the camera died!). If the camera is waterproof itself, you don't have to worry about that and can dive up to, let's say, 70 feet to shoot a fish and record a video of it :awink:

BTW: I'm a freediver too.

Well I have had my 770sw for 8 months or so and have literally taken it 35 feet under ocean-water dragging behind my kayak as i crash into the beach and roll the whole boat loaded with gear, iv also done some diving with it. Its been 10000+ feet up a glacier on over 150 miles of backpacking trips and hikes jumping off cliffs into waterfalls and river beds, taken pics under water in a hot spring not once but on three separate occasions in two different regions. and the shock resistance is pretty nice also, not to mention the psi water rating, depth and altitude reading, underwater flash and macro led. I did upgrade to the sticky clear plastic screen cover so i would not scratch the screen also I put a key ring on the strap hole with an optional lanyard for safety.

Fin,
Some cars will also go 1 million miles. Consider yourself lucky that you havent flooded or damaged your camera.
In my business, we have a saying. People can choose to take good advice or they can choose to not take good advice.
If they choose not, Its their own damn fault.;)

I read an article on this a few weeks ago where the writer said he took one to 77 fsw & it didn't leak. He did say that the presure caused the buttons to not work though. In the article he tried another 770 later on & had zero problems with it at 77 fsw.

This will be my next point & shoot.

Fin,
Some cars will also go 1 million miles. Consider yourself lucky that you havent flooded or damaged your camera.
In my business, we have a saying. People can choose to take good advice or they can choose to not take good advice.
If they choose not, Its their own damn fault.;)

Oh, did I mention its freeze proof. I did all of this with the intension of breaking it because I have a warranty I was not really that worried, and figured I would put it to the test, which I think I did a great job of. Also I was a professional photographer for many years so I am very familiar with your line of work what ever that may be, also with your kinda advise. I call it second hand advise, try testing it yourself then come back here and be an expert. Like me.

Also I was a professional photographer for many years so I am very familiar with your line of work what ever that may be, also with your kinda advise. I call it second hand advise, try testing it yourself then come back here and be an expert. Like me.

Rich manages a shop that repairs cameras, videocameras, etc...

I am very familiar with your line of work what ever that may be

:scratchhead:

obviously I meant in relation to this camera. I will put my testing of this camera up against any opinions I have heard. Just because some one sells cars doesnt mean they have driven all of them, or make them an expert on any particular model. The only way to do that is to drive it break it then fix it.
It just so happens in this case there is nothing broken or in need of repair, ie 770 sw.

If you talk the talk you better walk the walk.

Bill,
I wouldnt recommend you take this or any other camera not speciffically designed for underwater use, underwater.
The seals are very rudimentary and even at less than one atmosphere there is a good chance of a leak.
, I would immediately submerge it in freshwater and soak for a minute once your back in the boat. The unit may actually survive multiple submersions but what happens is that the salt will dry and the crystals will work there way through the minimal sealing... eventually.

This camera is specifically designed for underwater use. here is a quote from the olympus website

WATERPROOF (33FT).<<<<<<<my favorite part.
We've combined precision optics with innovative waterproof sealant technologies. Capture beautiful snapshots in the pool, at the waterpark or in the ocean — down to depths of 33 feet (10m) — and even record underwater movies with sound.

obviously I meant in relation to this camera. I will put my testing of this camera up against any opinions I have heard. Just because some one sells cars doesnt mean they have driven all of them, or make them an expert on any particular model. The only way to do that is to drive it break it then fix it. It just so happens in this case there is nothing broken or in need of repair, ie 770 sw.

If you talk the talk you better walk the walk.


Hmmm,
I just so happen to have 4 770's sitting about 20 feet away from me completely disassembled for repair and awaiting parts along with about 200 other cameras.
Still want to talk to me about how they are designed and built?

Damn.

When you guys get this all worked out, let me know whether I should buy one or not.:)

Bill
I highly recomend the camera. Its well built and feature packed. Its reasonably priced and built by a good company. I even bought one for my wife several months ago.
Its NOT bullet proof as fin seems to imply.

ok then. ill send you mine when i break it. till then ill be diving with it smiling. basically i paid for a camera that costs 300 dollars (very cheap) if it lasts another year of my abuse i will have gotten more then my moneys worth out of it. a normal digital camera would cost about 200 you drop it once and its done. mine is golden one of the best cameras i have ever had

Hmmm,
I just so happen to have 4 770's sitting about 20 feet away from me completely disassembled for repair and awaiting parts along with about 200 other cameras.
Still want to talk to me about how they are designed and built?

*pursed lips* Ooooooo fin, http://fin.justgotowned.com/

:D

4 out 0f 200 ill take those odds and that owned shit is funny. kinda like how i own your mom.

Dude, he did NOT just break out a mom joke. Wow. Sooo ... original, and witty!!!

Bill, I have had a 720 for about a year. I usually use my Canon Elph in a hard case for underwater pics, but I use the 720 for pics on the boat and for work. My only complaint is that it is not very good for wide pics, you have to back up pretty far to get a good pic of a wideload like nsearch, oh wait he didn't shoot anything that day.

thats right kick it old school mom jokes, waterproof camera boxes. all the same outdated.

4 out 0f 200 ill take those odds and that owned shit is funny. kinda like how i own your mom.

Dude, have at it. She could use some porkin' from a young fresh stud like yourself. :rolleyes:

any pics?

any pics?


Why don't you take some with your 770?

thats a good idea what corner is she on. Ha Ha just kiddin, Ill pm you the address make sure she is here by 11.

any pics?

http://www.threemboergoats.com/images/MommaDolly2.jpg

Here you go, stud...be gentle.

They don't call me 'The Kid' for nothin'.

Dude, your mom is hot! Any relation to Bret's?

Well I am half irish, I thought it was the half my liver is in but maybe I was wrong, Ill take her. Like I said, have her here by 11.

I'd ask my Dad first. He might not like it too much and he's a crazy som' bitch. He has a safe slap full of all kinds of guns, particulary assault rifles. Wouldn't put it past him to put a bullet in ya for messin' with her. He posts here on the board...name's BGBill.

blah blah blah, I'm about tired of this "my camera is better than yo camera" and my "dad can beat up your dad crap". i have the world's worst peice of crap, cheapest camera known to man, made in china worthless hunk O junk. Let's see some pics already from all these different cameras and figure it out.
Rich know's his camera's, so take his word for it.
Otherwise post some pics or shut the hell up.
Yeah I'm drunk posting and buying the next round c'mon, peace:beer:

Yeah! let's see some pics from fin's Olympus!I'd ask my Dad first. He might not like it too much and he's a crazy som' bitch. He has a safe slap full of all kinds of guns, particulary assault rifles. Wouldn't put it past him to put a bullet in ya for messin' with her. He posts here on the board...name's BGBill.It's too late anyways Marcus, it's past 11pm :D

my girlfriend can beat up your dad,
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/iaon/P7100066.jpg

ha ha ha lmao you win that shit is funny. my girlfriend is singing the you got owned song. awsome.

me to but i figured you would like this one a little better.


You guys do realize that fin is just trolling this board, right? This last pic is of a dude showing you his pecker. I'd say that the mods should just ban him so that this turn into another SB fiasco.

You guys do realize that fin is just trolling this board, right? This last pic is of a dude showing you his pecker. I'd say that the mods should just ban him so that this turn into another SB fiasco.

I just saw that. WTF??

That was in response to some other pics of his girlfriend that I posted and then deleted. Give the guy a chance, he gave his honest opinion about that camera..

hey sorry if i offended anyone just havin a little fun. Although it was the most popular thread on the board yesterday,and you know that sh** was funny.

So, getting back to business.... What's the maximum video lenght (duration) that this camera can take? I've heard that it is limited to the internal memory. Is this possible??

Any expert?

Fin? :)

I think it's limited to memory card size, not internal memory.

its the memory card. i have a two gig and 1 gig and very rarely run out of space. last week i recorded an entire concert and almost ran out of memory on my 2 gig.

Bill, is this the camera Sandy shot that bsb with? If so, I suspect you're going to get frustrated with that camera pretty quickly. I can't comment on it's video capabilities, but compared to what others have posted with a variety of point & shoot cameras, the image quality of the stills was substandard.

Some kid just posted some really good stuff he shot in Baja. He posted the name of the camera. Have you looked at that one?

Here it is, although I guess you were hoping to avoid the whole housing thing, no?

Olympus Stylus 710 w/underwater housing PT-032.

RichT, what's your take on this?

thats not completely untrue. Its a little grainy, but all the other features make up for it. there is no other point and shoot that can compare to it check out the difference between the pics on my website, iaonpohlit.com see if you can tell the difference but if you are underwater they seem to clear up. also there is available light settings. Just buy it already, if you dont like it return it and buy two cheap ones or one cheap one and a cheap housing, i feel like were beating a dead horse here. try slipping a waterproof camera housing into your wet suit for storage while diving.

Tomol,
The 710 is also good camera as is most of what Olympus makes.

Unfortunately, one of the inherent weaknesses with all of these very small cameras, especially for underwater use, are the lenses they ALL have.
Small lenses simply cant let much light in and that results in sometimes grainy and out of focus pictures because the camera has to use a slower shutter speed in automatic modes.
Larger lens cameras will almost always result in better pictures.
Cameras are a lot like boats. You gennerally have to sacrifice something in order to gain something else and vice-versa.

I will also repeat this one last time for others. You should never use one of these cameras underwater witout a protective housing, especially in saltwater. The system they all use to keep water out is merely a very thin, sharp edged, rubber type gasket. Its NOT an o-ring and doesnt afford the same type of protection as an o-ring seal.

Anybody who knows how saltwater works with seals knows that whan saltwater dries it leaves very sharp edged crystals.
These sharp edged crystals will work there way under even the best seals... eventually.

Fin is under the mistaken belief that the seals for these cameras are much more than they really are.
IMO, he has been extremely lucky his camera has not flooded yet. Its only a matter of time before it does and it will most likely occur one day past his warranty expiration date.


As far as video goes? If you want to get video, use a camcorder. A digital camera is designed to take still pictures and the video they produce is very poor quality only suitable for the internet.

The same goes for a camcorder. If you want to take still pictures with a camcorder, you will only get pictures in the 1-3 megapixel range which are really only suitable for the internet.

As a rule, use a still camera for taking pictures and a camcorder for taking video unless you just plan on using the finished product to post on the internet.

The pictures posted above are not a good indication of the quality of the camera because they were taken inches away from the subject. The true test is how the camera performs from a distance. Like this pic taken with a Canon SD1000 inside its housing.. The pic is so clear from 10 feet away that it doesn't even look like it's underwater!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/da4095/20070921-Haulover.jpg

The pictures posted above are not a good indication of the quality of the camera because they were taken inches away from the subject. The true test is how the camera performs from a distance. Like this pic taken with a Canon SD1000 inside its housing.. The pic is so clear from 10 feet away that it doesn't even look like it's underwater!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/da4095/20070921-Haulover.jpg

HAHAHAHAHA
You got me with that one.

I regularly clean the seals on the camera as suggested on the instruction manual, still no problems.

What about silicon, will that help the seals? I use it on my other plastics and rubber stuff, the bands not as much it makes them greasy, will it effect the water resistance or the psi rating anyone..............

As far as video goes? If you want to get video, use a camcorder. A digital camera is designed to take still pictures and the video they produce is very poor quality only suitable for the internet.

The same goes for a camcorder. If you want to take still pictures with a camcorder, you will only get pictures in the 1-3 megapixel range which are really only suitable for the internet.

As a rule, use a still camera for taking pictures and a camcorder for taking video unless you just plan on using the finished product to post on the internet.

You're right, but I'm looking for a camera to take some videos of my captures. And IMO it won't be feasible to attach a camcorder to a speargun. At least, not comfortable.

So, the conclusion is that this camera, together with its dedicate housing will be ok to be used to take some videos at depts ranging 70-80 feet?

Thanks.

The camera is not the greatest camera in the world... it's not supposed to be. It's supposed to be your mom's camera (not an insult or joke). It's there for a cheap camera someomne with little technical know how can use for casual photography. It would cost less to buy a couple of these than it would to buy just one stinkin' housing that will make a pocket sized camera the size of a microwave...lol.

I have this camera too and it roxxers. It goes everywhere with me and my 2 and 4 year old daughters are allowed to play with it whenever they want UNSUPERVISED! I am that confident in it. Mine has been to 40-50 feetish many many many times and has never leaked or been rinsed in fresh water other than when my girls cover it in food and soda.

As far as so many in dude's shop.... seriously? I would kick some chode in the bean bag if they brought me something like that to be fixed. I bet it would cost 50+% to have it repaired... why bother? I wouldn't waste my time repairing it.