FZ20 and kayaking - advice please

[ejm]

Greetings!



My wife and I just took up kayaking and the photo ops are driving me crazy. I am leary of taking out my FZ20 without protection and am hoping to get suggestions for the proper safeguards. (dry case or actual waterproof case) I would think even a good waterproof bag that I could keep the camera handy in may be an idea for calm days.



Thanks for any and all suggestions. I did try a search of the Panasonic forum without success.



Regards & thanks

EJM

[Gopher]

Have you considered the new waterproof Pentax? It's under $300, might not be that much more than trying to get a waterproof solution for the Panasonic.

Waterproof casings tend to be over $100, and as high as $300.

Hey, congrads on the great new sport! Sea or river kayaking? I have 2 sea kiaks, what a great workout! I'm too cautious for river kayaking, too many drownings, albiet a blast! Only tried that once, river currents are just too demanding and river bottoms just a little too close. You'de need a very compact camera to be securely strapped in to keep from loosing it, forget about just getting wet!

[John_Reed]

Greetings!



My wife and I just took up kayaking and the photo ops are driving me crazy. I am leary of taking out my FZ20 without protection and am hoping to get suggestions for the proper safeguards. (dry case or actual waterproof case) I would think even a good waterproof bag that I could keep the camera handy in may be an idea for calm days.



Thanks for any and all suggestions. I did try a search of the Panasonic forum without success.



Regards & thanks

EJM
Smaller camera, probably even with the case around it. That'd be a good rig for your wet antics, I'd think.

[JLV]

I have used an inflatable pouch called Sports Pouch. You inflate it so that it floats. It has a zip lock seal and velcro so it is water tight. The one I have has the brand name of SIMO (it might be SIMA). Try googling sports pouch.

[JLV]

Just a followup with a photo of the pouch.

[Vich]

So this is for storage correct? You actually have to take it out to use?

While that would be useful in most situations, you should consider a river kayaker always soaking wet with nothing to dry dripping fingers on.

Considering the water forces, something like this would be recommended even with a "waterproof up to 5 feet" camera (like the new Pentax). Sea Kayaking is far less "wet" and pulling something from a "dry bag" is pretty common.

I took a "waterproof up to 2 feet" Pentax camera snorkeling once, but stayed on the surface. Also river rafting with it tucked behind my life vest for 6 days - oh yes, another time for 5 days, class 3 - 4 rapids, I didn't fall in but got bucket-splashed plenty. Never had a leak. It was very handy for those quick photo-ops.

Check out this thread (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21363) for references to camera waterproofing solutions.

A bright yellow floating case has it's obvious advantage too. It's not just a zip-lock baggie!

[calee]

I have an old Nikon Action Touch 35mm that I use for snorkling and I've been using it 20 years. I can't say enough about how rugged it is and it takes great pictures, it also has a built in flash, it's rated for a depth of 15 feet but I've taken it to 20 feet with no problems. If you are interested there are a few listed on ebay under Nikon Action Touch.