Waterproof Still Cameras

GENERAL INFO: Several companies make waterproof throwaway (recyclable) cameras loaded with 27 frames of 35mm film at 800 ASA. Expect to often pay 2 - 3 times as much for these waterproof cameras in some Caribbean locations, though buying it down there is one way to avoid the camera going through an airport X-ray machine. Because of the high speed film (usually 800 ASA), don't let the camera pass through carry on security X-ray machines if possible, as this can fog the high speed film, instead ask for security to hand check the carry on camera. Definitely don't pack this camera in your checked luggage when flying, because checked luggage X-ray machines are far more powerful than carry on X-ray machines & will definitely fog this film in one pass. If you finish the film while on vacation, get it processed while on vacation to avoid X-rays on the return trip home. Keep in mind that only one of these underwater cameras come equipped with a flash, so they will not take pictures in dark underwater places (like a cave 20 meters or 65 feet down) & you always get better underwater pictures if it's a sunny day (few clouds), or you're close to the surface. Murky stirred up water makes for flat looking pictures. Most cameras recommend being a minimum of 1.5 meters (almost 5 feet) away from subject material. These waterproof cameras are also great even if you aren't taking it underwater, such as a trip to the beach, or when you are hiking (durable cases).

KODAK MAX: Kodak Max also makes a waterproof camera that is cyan blue in color & was originally rated to be good down to 20 meters (about 66 feet) on some of the older stock which should be good enough for a shallow scuba dive. Then Kodak changed it to only 10 meters (about 33 feet). More recent (mid 2003) stock of Kodak Max waterproof cameras at Wal-Mart ($15.16 CDN) are now rated for 15 meters (almost 50 feet). June 2003 I tried one Kodak Max waterproof camera in only 2 meters (6 feet) of water & it did not leak & took pretty good pictures. In Jan. 2004 I tried 4 more of the Kodak Max rated for 15 meters (almost 50 feet) & actually took one of them down to 20 meters (65 feet) & none leaked. Upon examination of the waterproof housing case, there are only two possible points of water entry (backing & winder), both seem to be protected by a quality seal. I would recommend the Kodak Max waterproof camera as is appears to be well made & meets it's advertised claims.

FUJI: The Fuji version is turquoise in colour & sells for about $13. CDN. at Wal-Mart or $18. at Black's Photography. Unfortunately the original Canadian Fuji version doesn't say anywhere on the outside packaging how deep in water you can go before it will leak, but on the inside packaging it says 10 meters (about 33 feet). I bought two of these cameras for a recent vacation in Mexico (January 2003) & they take good pictures (above or below the water), BUT one of the FUJI cameras leaked water in less than 2 meters (6 feet) of water while snorkelling, which ruined all the pictures I took after the unit started leaking. Upon examination of the waterproof plastic casing after the film was removed for developing, I noticed that there are 3 separate points of entry for water (backing, winder & shutter button) which each have a flimsy "O" ring that apparently fails sometimes, especially if it was assembled incorrectly. At least two photo processors told me that they have received other Fuji waterproof cameras that were flooded with water. I would not recommend the Fuji waterproof camera if you plan on taking it in the water.

SHARK: Zellers department store in Canada sells this brand for $19.99. One unique thing is that it's the only waterproof throw away camera I've seen that comes with a built in flash. While I haven't used it yet, I can assume that the flash may help brighten up scenes within 3 meters (about 10 feet) & may provide enough light for scuba divers who take pictures deeper where it is darker. Instructions do say that quality pictures happen in water at 7.5 meters (25 feet) or less deep, so lighting may not be sufficient if you are deeper, even with the flash. It actually says "All-Weather flash camera" & claims to be waterproof down to 15 meters (about 49 feet). The only disappointing thing was that it's loaded with 400 ASA film instead of 800 ASA, so it requires more light than the other cameras listed here, but hopefully on close-up shots the flash will make up for that. It has 27 exposures of standard 35mm film. There is a handy flip up viewfinder for underwater, as standard viewing windows can't be used when you have a mask on. The other unique thing is that the camera was designed to be reusable. You can remove the back to replace film & to replace the single AA battery for the flash. When I reload I will put 800 ASA film in if I'm using it for underwater pictures.

KONICA: Konica also makes a waterproof camera, but I'm told that it is only good down to 5 meters (16 feet) deep. 

By Doug Hembruff.
January 2003, last updated March 21/2005