Sea & Sea's 860G underwater camera

As you may be able to guess, we're not exactly the underwater photography types around here (that would involve swimming... and wetsuits), but we're more than happy to keep the Jacques Cousteau wannabes among you abreast of the newest developments so you can keep your aquatic adventures well documented. The latest camera to come across our radar sonar is this six megapixel compact from Japan's Sea & Sea, packing a 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD in a 3.7 x 0.9 x 2.2-inch package weighing just over four ounces, with 32MB of built-in memory and an SD slot for expansion. The most important bit of kit however, is the removable underwater housing, which will protect the cam's innards while you're shooting fish and can be easily tossed for some more discreet land-based photography. No word on a release over here, but Japan should be seeing this by the end of the month for 54,800 Yen ($462), with a black version to follow in December.

[Via Far East Gizmos]

[hemant_gaya1 @ Nov 7th 2006 7:49AM]

This is my comment

[jpxdude @ Nov 7th 2006 7:50AM]

That'd be pretty good for some underwater hardcore picture taking sessions :-/

[hemant_gaya1 @ Nov 7th 2006 8:38AM]

Wow its really brings under sea life live on earth. SO CLEAR

[jeff @ Nov 7th 2006 8:41AM]

This camera appears to be 6 Megapixels and housing built to go 45 meters underwater. Assuming this is a decent camera, it's a pretty good deal. I use an old Canon Digital Elph and a Canon water housing for surf photography and snorkeling, and it works great. I also tried the Hero Wrist Camera, and it basically sucks ass (in so many words). Engadget, I'll be your wetsuit-wearing correspondent, if you need one.

[Jason Tilley @ Nov 7th 2006 11:36AM]

I just picked up a Canon A640 - which has the option for an underwater housing - rated for 40 meters (130 feet) - I took my previous one deeper than what it was rated (cannon A40 w/ housing - rated to 100ft- took it to 130 with no leakage).
Canon A640 - 10 megapixel.

[MSH @ Nov 7th 2006 1:17PM]

For those wanting to get into quality underwater photography at a good price, look into the Fujifilm F30 and its underwater case (made by Fujifilm). Price for the two right now runs about 350 after rebate. The high ISO sensitivity of the F30 makes it a great underwater camera. An alternative is the Canon SD700IS, which does not have as good an ISO sensitivity, but adds image stabilization, which is a nice feature to have when shooting underwater with surge and wave action. As mentioned above, Canon makes good cases that are reasonably priced for their compact cameras. About the same price as the the Fuji. Either of these options would likely blow this Sea & Sea out of the water (no pun intended) and make for a better surface point and shoot as well. Both cases are rated for up to 130 feet or so, about as deep as most would ever want to go.