What camera?
My current camera, Canon Powershot A540, has been a bit dodgy for at least the last 6 months so I have not taken very many photos with it. I’m planning to buy a new one before going away and I am determined to learn how to use it properly for a change rather than just using auto mode for absolutely everything!
My requirements for a new camera are as follows:
- Decent optical zoom for safari
- Able to cope with dust/sand in the desert
- Able to cope with sub zero temperatures
- Able to cope with the humidity of the jungle
- Waterproof
After a lot of research I have narrowed my search down to a couple of options. I would like to get the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 for its zoom and picture quality, it does not however fit the bill for several of the other requirements. There is a marine housing available for it which would make it waterproof but it is pretty pricey, in fact its almost the same price as the Pentax Optio W60 which is waterproof and freezeproof. My options therefore are either the TZ5 and the marine housing or the TZ5 and the W60. The price is pretty much the same for both options so thankfully it isn’t the deciding factor. I think it would be useful to have two cameras with me just in case one of them breaks whilst I’m in the middle of nowhere and the space taken in my rucksack would probably be less than that of the marine housing as those things are quite bulky.
I’ve been phoning around camera shops in Glasgow today as I would like to see both before I buy them but unfortunately nowhere stocks either. In the case of the TZ5, most stores have got rid of them in favour of the TZ6 and TZ7 which are to be released at the end of the month. Both of these cameras are improvements on the TZ5 but not enough to justify the spending an extra £100 just to get the latest model.
Unless I find an even better option in the next few days, I plan to order both sometime next week.
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Hi Dan,
I’ve been looking at camera’s with similar needs, have a look at the Sanyo CA9 it fits most of what you’re after
It’s only 9mp but waterproof to 1.5m and takes HD video too.
Saying that, I think i’m going to spend a bit more and go for a combination of the CA9′s brother the WH1 (only problem the WH1 is the stills quality) and either the TZ7 or the Canon SX200! Then i’ve got a great compact zoom stills camera and a hardcore waterproof video camera!
Luke
Happy
Hello you!!!
Don’t bother with the marine housing, they are very expensive and it is very likely you will get bored of the camera before you use it enough.
Buy a disposable underwater, 4 £.
http://www.disposablecamerashop.co.uk/products.asp?cid=161&gclid=CNje35rOwZkCFYETzAodLSnmtg
I’ve pretty much decided to buy both cameras. Having a backup would be useful.
thats exactly the camera ive been looking at for my trip to kenya &rwanda, as its still way cheaper that the tz7. are u happy with it?
Its performed well, but it doesn't like low light situations.