On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 04:35:44 -0800 (PST), Antonio Huerta
wrote:


I was thinking about an inexpensive camera. I did a search on
dpreview, and found Ricoh G600, which was watreproofed according to
JIS grade 7. This means that the camera can stand 30 minutes at a
depth of 1 m, http://www.opticsplanet.net/water-proof.html . Perhaps,
it could withstand larger depth ? It probably could do it, at a
stretch. Or not ?

There is no appreciable difference of effect of immersing a camera in
water that is 1 meter deep compared to the maximum depth that a
snorkler will use it. The seals will remain water-tight at the depths
a snorkler reaches if the seals remain water-tight at all. That's the
normal snorkler, not a free-diver.

All the tests reveal is that the camera remained water-tight at given
depths and times in the testing protocol.

My dive camera is film, but if I was purchasing a digital I would
purchase a standard digital and a separate underwater housing. The
long-term effects of using a camera in water is in the corrosion that
results from inadequate rinsing and drying. The underwater housings
are easier to rinse and dry, and are less affected by corrosion. A
good underwater housing will out-last the camera.



--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida