what camera under $300

[ziggy_impy]

I am looking for the nicest camera that I can get for under $300.

I am going to Cancun in January doing alot of snorkeling and was thinking about getting some sort of waterproof housing for it. Also I just want a nice camera to take pictures of my tank and everyday photos.

 

[Apercula]

Theres a pretty long thread on the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW here.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1351451&highlight=olympus+stylus+1030

Its supposed to be waterproof to 33ft, and looks to be in the $250-300 range now.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Canon G-series gets my vote. You'll have to get an older used one though.

 

[bmwardo]

$300 including a housing?

 

[nickb]

Second the Olympus. For your price range, and underwater use, it's the best value.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

No that doesn't include a housing. A housing alone could run you $300.

 

[bmwardo]

Not if you go with a Canon P&S, and it does not sound as though he is super serious about a housing - you could even go with a waterproof case (not a housing) for less than $50 if he doesn't plan on going below 20'

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

It depends on the camera and the quality of housing you want.

 

[bmwardo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13951104#post13951104 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
It depends on the camera and the quality of housing you want.

That is EXACTLY why I asked originally.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I don't think your going to get a decant camera and a housing for $300. I would at the camera mentioned above or another similar camera specifically made for underwater use.

 

[ziggy_impy]

I am looking to spend around 300 on just the camera. I wasnt too serious about the housing/ casing. I was going to see if I could get a cheap one for the one time use while in Cancun. Otherwise I will be using the camera for tank shots and just every day use.

 

[crvz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13946471#post13946471 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickb
Second the Olympus. For your price range, and underwater use, it's the best value.

I'll third that recommendation, especially if you're going to be using it often for the tank. You could get some pretty great underwater shots.

 

[zachtos]

olympus sw 1050, got mine for $230 on newegg.com

 

[Rosseau]

Buy used.

Many credible sites have nice classified sections... My favourite www.fredmiranda.com

 

[Timanator]

How about the Canon SX10 IS. It's barely over the $300 range online.

http://www.zoommania.com/descript.asp?prodid=2665B001

 

[nickb]

The underwater housing for the SX10 is $800.

The choice will come down to the priority uses. If being able to take pictures underwater is a key requirement, then the Olympus SW line is likely the best price/performance (unless you can find a good second-hand deal). If above water photos are the key requirement, then the SX10 or similar might be a better choice.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I wish the underwater housing for my camera was $800. =( The camera is worth about $1,200 and a quality underwater housing is almost double that!