What underwater strap keeps my equipment safe and usable?

Question

I have heard of a few options, such as a "float strap"(example), the rubber strap that comes with 35mm disposable cameras(example), and a wrist mount(example).

I have heard of these, but have no experience with any of them. I will be snorkeling not scuba diving, and want two things: not to lose my equipment, and to be able to take pictures of fish. What will best help me accomplish this? If it matters the camera will be a GoPro 960 and shooting in burst or time-lapse mode.

Asked by dpollitt

Answer

We have a Sony P&S that can be used underwater and what we're currently doing (as in today) in Hawaii is using a hair elastic around the wrist strap to tighten it against the wrist. It works great and this is while snorkelling in the Pacific.

In other words, I don't think you need to spend money on a solution here...

Answered by John Cavan

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Could I get decent underwater photos from a waterproof compact camera or is it worth buying a housing?

Question

I'm going travel next month and been told that it's going to be great snorkeling waters where I'm going. So I thought it would be fun to take some underwater photos, which I have never done before.

I was originally planing to buy a underwater housing for my Panasonic LX3 but the only one I can find is from 10Bar and it's rather expensive.

Could I get decent photos from a waterproof compact camera or is it worth buying the housing?

Any camera recommendations?

Answer

Your idea is great, I've done it too. These cameras are perfect for snorkeling and do not cost much. If you compare underwater cameras side-by-side, then you will notice they are all very similarly specified.

The major difference you have are the Pentax WGs are not stabilized and the Canon D10 does not have a wide-angle lens. There also only two that shoot full HD video and those are the Nikon AW100 and Panasonic TS3 which happens to go deeper than all other models.

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