Backpacking Philippines: Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling, Kayaking, Water Sports and Adventure Travel

Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling, Kayaking, Water Sports and Adventure Travel

When Tutubi first came to Donsol on Good Friday of 2003 to commune with butanding or whale sharks, it was an unplanned trip that he had no snorkels, vests and, worst of all, an underwater camera. The nearest one he can get that time was a Kodak disposable film camera with 27 shots and was also waterproof, problem with it was picture taken under water was poor, according to various reviews.

UPDATE February 2014:

Tutubi now has the Olympus Tough TG-2 since last year and its high aperture 2.0 waterproof and shockproof is probably the best in its class.

Last Christmas, even if he didn't win any major prize at several raffles as expected, a friend gave him a rather expensive gift, even if it was bought with a big discount, in appreciation for his help during the time when his company was initially wooing conservative clients, something hard for a start up,"dark horse" yet highly capable company. It was Tutubi who opened the floodgates for his company more than a year ago and credits him for his company's long list of clients signing up for his company's services. (Some people still know how to remember the past, called utang na loob which is intrinsic to Filipinos and pinoy culture, an indebtedness that doesn't really require repayment)

So what did he get? An Olympus Stylus 850 SW Shock + Waterproof Camera. This makes Tutubi a member of Nikon, Canon and Olympus users circle with his Nikon D80 DSLR + Nikkor 18-200 VR lens where most crappy pictures on this blog were taken with, his old trusty Canon Ixus 30 point and shoot camera he bought on Hidalgo, Quiapo and now the Olympus waterproof camera.

How would Tutubi rate and review the Olympus waterproof camera? In simple terms, the image quality is not that well compared to his trusty Canon Ixus 30, but it can go to places where his Canon and Nikon cameras can't.

With his new waterproof camera, he can now take photos of whale sharks in Donsol, during snorkeling, kayaking (where he needs a kayak-mount tripod), shoot a video of the rapids of Pagsanjan Falls or have fun with water in Paete's Salibanda.

The gadget he'll acquire next, the only remaining one on his wishlist, is a GPS unit :P

Tutubi got a Garmin Nuvi in January 2011 but rarely used now (February 2014) due to apps in iOS and Android though Garmin is still tops

Related Post:
Waterproof Camera: Olympus, Pentax, Canon, Nikon and Dicapac

Labels: Travel Gear

posted by GingGoy @ 9:07 PM,

23 Comments:

At Jan 30, 2009, 4:30:00 AM, Nina said...: Cool! What would you recommend? Buy a water proof camera like this or just buy a waterproof case? Problem with waterproof case is it's very expensive and camera specific. If you change your camera, you won't have use for it. Unless you are a diver or spends a lot of time in water activities, a water proof case seems not a good option. Actually, I've seen some plastic (wallet-like) case used for water-proofing point and shoot cameras but I'm not sure if it's good and you will risk wetting your camera in case the plastic case leaks.
At Jan 30, 2009, 8:32:00 AM, mgaputonimimi said...: akala ko mga cam for underwater kelangan my case... hindi pala.. ^_^
At Jan 30, 2009, 8:46:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hhmmm.. that's a dandy 8MP camera ! Waterproof pa :) For my Panasonic Lumix F35 I still have to buy the waterproof case so I can use it underwater.. darn :)
At Jan 31, 2009, 3:31:00 AM, Photo Cache said...: good we'll wait for your intitial shots to be posted here.
At Jan 31, 2009, 10:43:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi!i really love your blog =)im thinking of having a quiet get away to siquijor or maybe palawan..which do you think would be better..i've been missing philippines for quite some time now since i migrated here in the US..do you have any tips so that i can have a perfect vacay (hopefully) =) thanks and hoping for your quick reply.
At Jan 31, 2009, 11:06:00 AM, Sidney said...: That would definitely solve my problems during the Salibanda ! :-)

Look forward to see your Donsol pictures !
At Jan 31, 2009, 9:14:00 PM, GingGoy said...: nina, suggest you just buy the case, probably a dicapac or click the link above for your other choices.

mimi, it's dominated by Olympus and Pentax but the image quality usually gives way to the underwater capability :(

bw, 8 megapixle but I'm using 4 MP most of the time as I don't need the extra storage space :P

Photo Cache, will do though I rarely use it...still prefer the canon ixus...when i find time to swim again, will post sample images

Zar, between palawan and siquijor? It's a hard choice but you get to more choices with palawan...if you're interested in "mystic" stuff, go for siquijor. I kave a draft post on backpacking palawan but i've yet to finish it :(

Sidney, will be there in Paete on Salibanda. I won't be afraid to take pictures there as well as get wet :P
At Jan 31, 2009, 11:08:00 PM, tin-tin said...: super dati ko pa gusto ng underwater camera, pero di pa din ako bumibili. hehehe ;p
At Feb 1, 2009, 2:19:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi!thanks for the quick reply..yeah i think palawan's really cool but it's just so pricey!i saw some websites of the resorts in el nido and the price is crazy! but i hope it's well worth it..for the Siq..what do you mean mystic stuff =)are u talking about aswang? hehee well i wanna go there and search for mystic stuff but i really don't know how..=)
At Feb 2, 2009, 7:22:00 PM, Unknown said...: i love underwater cameras! aliw magpose under the water. hehehe
At Feb 3, 2009, 8:16:00 PM, GingGoy said...: tin-tin, mahal kasi...ako rin di bumili may nagbigay :P

zariya, if you want to go to siquijor, you need to get to dumaguete then ride a ferry to siquijor. It's a nice place shrouded in "mystic" stuff even if locals will deny it. I love the place and want the place to stay thayt way

mitz, i'll be able to take pics now in my outings :P
At Jul 11, 2009, 12:00:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Try leaving in an island south of Palawan . . . no script to follow, no one to cook for you and no one to entertain you . . . a not touristy place but if you are looking for adventure ala-survivor ang dating, then try Punta Sebaring. It is located in Bugsuk Island. . .
At Jul 11, 2009, 5:31:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, thabks for the tip on punta sebaring. i prefer places like that
At Oct 31, 2009, 9:25:00 PM, Anonymous said...: you are just two steps away from paradise. . . go south backpackers . . . visit me at my facebook to see some photos of PUNTA SEBARING(it is in Bugsuk Island, Palawan). . . rene principe
At Jan 26, 2010, 1:35:00 AM, itchie said...: Tutubi, do you care to accept Rene Principe's challenge on going to Punta Sebaring? If you will, I'll go with you; just say when. Itchie
At Jan 26, 2010, 9:46:00 AM, GingGoy said...: itchie, as much as i want to, yes, but priorities wont' allow me at this time. i want to explore unspoiled places and not just touristy areas
At Jan 26, 2010, 5:44:00 PM, itchie said...: Tutubi, here's one unspoiled place for you; Town of Quezon, Quezon in the southern most part of Alabat Island, an hour boat ride from Gumaca. Will be going there mid part of February. You're welcome to explore it with me. I'll be your facilitator. My wife is from there.
Click here for Alabat Island > http://www.alabatisland.com/www.alabatisland.com/Homepage.html
At Jan 26, 2010, 5:50:00 PM, GingGoy said...: itchie, i have an officemate from that island plus our president is also from Alabat town. I still have to ask wifey about it but I know I will be turned down. gusto nya kasi kami family kasama e baby's too young to travel (he's just turning 9 months on Feb 1)...in the future I (or we) can join you...did you notice my dream GPS on my post? it's been a year and it's only now that it'll materialize. thanks to you
At Jan 26, 2010, 6:00:00 PM, itchie said...: Tutubi, will send you some (amateurish) picture of Quezon, Quezon if our plan to go there February will materialize. Need to take Photography lesson from you and Sydney. Cannot join you in Tarantang bcoz I'll be staying with a cousin. Nakakahiyang umuwi ng madaling araw. But I plan to have breakfast at Kape Kesada on Sunday. Maybe meet you there for breakfast before Salibanda start?
At Jan 26, 2010, 6:36:00 PM, GingGoy said...: itchie, so you're going to paete by yourself? HM transport is just a few steps from Victory Liner (the one with buses going to baguio) on EDSA southbound. Will text you when i'm coming...do let me know of your cellphone number
At Jun 23, 2010, 8:51:00 AM, Jonha @ Happiness said...: I've always wanted to buy an underwater camera but my friend discouraged me for some reasons. Now I am planning to buy a Sony TX7 or TX1 and buy a Dicapac but just like everyone else, I am afraid of the possible leaks. What do you suggest? I've actually a genius DIY by using condom, looks neat and well, if you have the guts. haha
At Nov 17, 2010, 7:55:00 PM, jaye said...: i have this exact camera.. i don't know what but it evenutally gave up on me.. after a year.. I'm beach fanatic.. but i guess the camera's not up for the challenge of ALWAYS being on water hahaha.
At Aug 13, 2012, 5:48:00 PM, Unknown said...: Use GoPro HD Camera you can submerge the unit upto 60m.. you can have it for 15,500 only.

Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling, Kayaking, Water Sports and Adventure Travel

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