Came across this photo. Don’t know them. But, thought it so typifies the beginning stages of introducing people, particularly kids to the sport. It is a time of transitions. Gear, technique, observing, mentoring, patience….lots of patience. It is a time, if you are the mentor, to set aside your needs and totally investing in someone else. Either it takes or it doesn’t. It may take years to see if it did.
I have used a Pentax Optio W60 and my son has had success with the W30. There are several other waterproof digital cameras out there that are, I am sure, comparable. They are small and easily tucked in out of the way. I have not experimented with the underwater capacity that much….the most hyped feature. I am equally sold on the camera’s capacity to endure in wet, winter days and heavy rains. Take the time to experiment during down, slow times with the video components, the macro capabilities, the zoom quality. The cameras are not full proof so a little experimenting will better prepare you to cruise through the settings to the necessary setting for that special moment. Several of these cameras (Optio W80, Olympus, Fuji WP) are owned by friends and they are all reasonably satisfied. Not that I need it, but I like the looks of the new Pentax W90.
