Weatherproof / waterproof digital camera

[GBPackerNut]

Well here is the deal, I am looking for a digital to take out in the boat fishing, and on canoe / kayak trips. My Nikon DSLR's are too valuable to me, and cant risk them being damaged by water.

Looking for a half way decent digital camera, something waterproof (and hopefully slimeproof ) that wont break the bank either.

Any good ideas?

[dockothebay]

Olympus has a few point and shoots that are weatherproof and/or waterproof. We used one snorkeling in Cancun last winter and got decent pictures underwater in addition to very good regular shots.

It was an Olympus Stylus, but I'm not sure of the model # or current prices, under $300 I think.

That's the one I have used, I'm sure there are others out there.

[yoppdk]

Pentax also offers a few waterproof Optio models. I have an Optio W10 from a couple years back, waterproof up to 10 feet (or meters?). It's quite compact and seems rugged enough. I purchased it for the very same reasons as you are looking. I suspect the latest models may have some improvements. I see ZDNet has a review of both the Pentax vs Olympus models ...

Though I would not expect near the results of your DSLR. The lenses on these point and shoot models are quite inferior to virtualy any interchangeable lens ... but a lot more waterproof!

[MARINERMAGNUM]

Do a search for the new Canon D10. Waterproof to 33 feet,freeze proof,able to withstand a 4 foot drop. 12 megapixels,image stabilizer,etc.

I ordered the blue one. Everything I need in a point and shoot-except RAW.