Question:
I’m looking for a water resistasnt SLR camera. Is there such a thing? If not what has everyone been using? I checked out the Pentax IQ WR 90. I want something more basic with more zoom and in a SLR. Does anyone know of anything like that?
Three choices: go all-manual with the Nikonos V, overpay 2x for film and processing and stoop to APS with the Vectis S-1, or pony up $6000 (?) for a Nikon RS. By the way, many SLR bodies are water-resistant, but lenses generally are not. focal length aperture shutter speed weight price Minolta Vectis S-1 APS 22-80mm f4.0-f5.6 AP 1/2000-30 366g $365 Nikonos-V (MFW) UW 35mm+80mm f2.8-f22 AP 1/1000-1/30 700g $655+360
Response:
I bought a IQ90wr and found it works as well if not better than any other SLR. The only problem is if there are water droplets on the lens. Any kind of cloth will wipe these away. As far as basic is concearned, the IQ 90 can’t be any more basic. Just point and shoot. It has all the zoom you’ll need. Unless you want a 500MM lens. Water tight cases are fine, but you have to stop get out of the boat unpack and the repack. The IQ90 fits on my Bulkhead and just pop the sprayskirt and shoot away.
Response:
If you want a true SLR, then the Nikon Nikonos is the one most pros use. In fact, it may be the only one that’s an SLR (SEA&SEA maybe, also?). It’s pricey, though. Look around for a used one.
Unless something has changed recently the Nikonos is not an SLR. To the best of my knowlege, there is no waterproof SLR on the market. There are housings available for many of the non-waterproof SLR’s. Kinda big and clunky in many cases though. You can also get the bag type housings. Pete
Response:
I bought a IQ90wr and found it works as well if not better than any other SLR.
You seem to imply that it is an SLR. It isn’t. I just thought some one should clarify that. It does take good pictures though, and is probably a pretty good kayaking camera. The rating of weater resistant rather than water proof would make me a little nervous though. Pete
Response:
The standard Nikonos (current model V) is not a SLR…it is a rangefinder type camera, with interchangable lenses. Most are corrected for UW use, and dont work above water. The 35mm and 80mm are the two lenses that work above water. The Nikonos RS (I think that is the designation) is in fact a SLR, based on the 8008 body. It is fairly bulky, heavy and very expensive. I don’t really think that it is that practical for anything other than UW work. There is a a whole series of lenses for the camera, and a zoom too. It is a camera that is optimized for divers-big controls etc. The suggestions regarding boxes and the EWA type bag housings seems right on target. (No affiliation with Nikon, opinions are my own, blah blah blah) If you want a true SLR, then the Nikon Nikonos is the one most pros use. In fact, it may be the only one that’s an SLR (SEA&SEA maybe, also?). It’s pricey, though. Look around for a used one. Unless something has changed recently the Nikonos is not an SLR. To the best of my knowlege, there is no waterproof SLR on the market. There are housings available for many of the non-waterproof SLR’s. Kinda big and clunky in many cases though. You can also get the bag type housings. Pete
Fall City, WA USA
Response:
If you want a true SLR, then the Nikon Nikonos is the one most pros use. In fact, it may be the only one that’s an SLR (SEA&SEA maybe, also?). It’s pricey, though. Look around for a used one.
Response:
I’m looking for a water resistasnt SLR camera. Is there such a thing? If not what has everyone been using? I checked out the Pentax IQ WR 90. I want something more basic with more zoom and in a SLR. Does anyone know of anything like that? later, Matt Young
Response:
I’m looking for a water resistasnt SLR camera. Is there such a thing? If not what has everyone been using? I checked out the Pentax IQ WR 90. I want something more basic with more zoom and in a SLR. Does anyone know of anything like that? later, Matt Young
Matt, Consider this ; I’m sure there are some water resistant offerings out there and also water proof offerings for such useage as under water photography. However, my wife and I do some photographing on the water and have opted to use our standard equipment . We keep our array of medium format and 35mm. equipment to some what of a minimum and put all pieces of equipment in plastic baggies , for longer traveling we keep one complete set up of 35mm. gear in a waterproof – floatable case and are careful about keeping it in the case. For the purpose of getting the shots we set out to get we try to have some plan of attack and work anchored in eddies or flat sections of rivers and backwaters, lakes have never been a problem . We try to keep the gear in baggies when adjusting position .Naturally some water gets splashed into the canoe when switching paddle sides and the baggies cover in this instance quite well. In 15 or so years of on the water shooting we havn’t lost a piece of equipment yet, nor have we ruined any.. The case I use is non photographic but chemical storage by nature. It’s made by Pedro mfg . there are several cases offered that are air tight thus water tight , they are all hard cased photo equipment or cameara cases . Call B+H Photo in NY. ( 1-800-947-7785 ) for a good mail order supplier or visit a good pro photo shop near you , they should be able to help you with either the case or water resistant gear. Regards, David Grabowski
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.