Waterproof digital camera - The Fine Print
I read a
webzine's user reviews of the Stylus 1030 and seeing 35%-40% negative reviews saying
Olympus Customer support declined to fix cameras under warranty that leaked when used according to the mfg's spec sheets. I realize from doing IT support surveys professionally that you can expect a larger % of negative survey/review responses so number of total responses are critical to interpret results. I shoot for <5% negative for >=50% response rate in my IT projects but 35% is alarming. I checked out the owner's manuals for these waterproof cameras
Canon D10
Scratches or cracks in the seals can cause damage or leaks
Fuji FinePix Z33WP
Do not use the camera in locations that are exposed to rain :rofl: , steam, or smoke, very humid or dusty
Olympus Stylus Tough 8000
The anti shock feature does not unconditionally warrant all defective operation
Replace seals annually
Never drop or the camera or subject it to severe shocks or vibrations (severe not defined)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1D
Do not strongly shake or bump the camera by dropping or hitting it. Do not subject to
strong pressure
• Take care so fluid, sand, or foreign objects do not fall into the gap of the buttons.
• The camera has cleared a drop test from a height of 1.5 m (5 feet) This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or
dropped etc.
The performance of the camera is not guaranteed in cold climates such as in ski
resorts. Operation at -10 oC is checked, but the zoom lever may get frozen and hard
to move or card/battery door and terminal cover may become hard to open when the
temperature drops rapidly
Pentax Optio W60
Seals must be changed annually to maintain waterproof performance, a fee will be charged
Substantial vibrations (from car, motorbike or ship are mentioned), shocks, pressure will cause loss of waterproof performance (substantial not defined)
Annual seal changes don't affect warranty because the warranty is expired. But it's interesting to note the life of the seals as a design spec.
I have one experience with Canon Customer Support. I bought a Canon camcorder to replace an aged Panasonic that the firewire port suddenly quit working. Within two weeks the Canon quit working too. Turns out I discovered that the HP Media Center PC I purchased Best Buy (never again on both counts; (non) service and support under both mfg and store extended service plan were a nightmare) had a defective firewire port that damaged both camcorders. I sent the camera into Canon for repair with a note detailing that the camera was damaged by my PC. Received a new camcorder at no charge!