Underwater camera longevity

Robaire wrote:

I've been using a Pentax WG-3 intermittently for a while in wet environments and snorkeling for several years. I've taken care to rinse the camera thoroughly with fresh water after salt water exposure. It's given acceptable results overall. Unfortunately, with this last snorkel, a leak developed and dead camera. From what I can tell, is it fair to say that all of these types of cameras will eventually leak? So, now I'll want to look for a replacement before our trip to the Galapagos in January. Are there any of this class of camera with better seals with better longevity? Any tips/tricks to help any of them last longer? Since this will be something for casual use, I would not consider expensive underwater housings. Here are some of the last images. RIP.

You can get some less expensive cameras with less expensive housings that are still dive-rated. For years I used a Nikon D7000 ($400 new at the time) with a Polaroid housing (also $400) that is rated to 60 meters. My shoots were mainly pool and swimsuit in-water shots, but they were crystal clear at the end of the day. Canon and Sony also makes some good point n shoot models that you can get a basic hard-case for (I would not recommend the soft-sided cases at all; the seams can split on you too easily IMO).

Either option gives you a bit more protection than the built-in seals of the "tough" cameras, and can also be used on-land without the housing.