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Waterproof case or disposable camera?

Jedi5

Jedi5

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 16, 2009
575
34
North Burbs, IL
Will be going on vacation later on the year to Bahamas.

Should I buy a waterproof case for my 5s/6 or just go with a disposable waterproof camera?

which takes better pics or the better option here?

thanks
 
iPhone will take better pics.. but it's a risk.

If you're just snorkeling I'm sure a case will do. SCUBA, no way.
 
not sure exactly what i'm going to do.
i do want to snorkel and hit some water slides.

i sorta wanted to use the phone for video also.
 
According to me Camera takes a better photograph than iPhone, so i think you should go with a disposable waterproof camera.
 
A disposable camera will float if dropped or became untethered. Will an iPhone float in a Lifeproof case? I doubt it. It would be a shame to lose it in deep water.
 
makerleone said:
According to me Camera takes a better photograph than iPhone, so i think you should go with a disposable waterproof camera.
Click to expand...

Life proof cases are far from perfect as a friend's LP case not only leaked but kept the water inside for a long time before they realised that there was a leak.

Even a cheap disposable camera would be better and safer trhan using your phone. Images will be better, too!
 
Jedi5 said:
Will be going on vacation later on the year to Bahamas.

Should I buy a waterproof case for my 5s/6 or just go with a disposable waterproof camera?

which takes better pics or the better option here?

thanks
Click to expand...

I looked at Lifeproof and Otterbox's waterproof cases, but decided it wasn't worth the risk, so I went with one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006UABFEO/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MUCH better idea, I even got a little 'float' that attaches to the camera, so that in the event I dropped the camera in the sea, I wouldn't lose it! :D
 
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Newtons Apple said:
Even a cheap disposable camera would be better and safer trhan using your phone. Images will be better, too!
Click to expand...
Not with the disposable ones. There's a reason why they're cheap. That said, I'd go with the camera. I certainly wouldn't want to risk replacing a $650 phone.
 
It really depends on what you're looking for. Disposable cameras don't take great pictures at all, unless you like that aesthetic. The whole washed-out, instagrammy thing is en vogue right now so there's that. The iPhone will take "superior" pictures from a modern standpoint. High resolution, mobility, easy editing, etc - but with the risk of damaging your phone. All depends on you and how confident you are with a waterproof case.
 
An older generation GoPro (960 hd) coupled with a waterproof case can be had for around $75. I would go down that route before subjecting my lifeline to the net to possible catastrophe or taking sub par pictures.
 
Depending on how much money you want to spend I would either go with the disposable camera or get an actual waterproof camera. I have this one and it is great. I've used it down to about 20-25 feet underwater with no issues and it takes great pictures. Go Pros are also good especially if you were wanting video.

But I wouldn't risk an iPhone even with a water resistant case.
 
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Just used Lifeproof for two big trips with lots of snorkeling and it worked great!

Pictures and videos were excellent, far better than disposable camera but yes there is more risk. They include an iPhone mockup for testing the case. Had no problems.
 

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thanks all for the great suggestions.

i'm just looking to take pics of my kids in the water, nothing fancy.
maybe a few pics underwater of us snorkeling, again, just simple pics.

sounds like a disposable camera is the route i should be taking.
i really don't want to spend a lot of $$ on this because this will be a once a year thing... if that.

how bout video, how do you guys take video on the cheap side?
 
Jedi5 said:
sounds like a disposable camera is the route i should be taking.
i really don't want to spend a lot of $$ on this because this will be a once a year thing... if that.

how bout video, how do you guys take video on the cheap side?
Click to expand...
You can find non-disposable waterproof point and shoot cameras for $100 or so. That's just a few bucks more than a Lifeproof case so if I were you, I'd just buy one of those.
 
I had the same question and I ended up borrowing a friend's GoPro.
 
If you can't risk ruining your phone while on your trip, get a Gopro. The $199 version takes great pics and videos. You will be happy. Disposable cameras take bad pictures and you will pay to develope the crappy pics.
 
Try Optrix

I got an Optrix case to protect my iPhone 5 during watersport and also using it as a helmet mount.

It does the job. You get different lens options too. And the case starts from around $100. You can also find a wrist float for it.

But if you are worried about your phone, then better go with the disposable camera.
 
rui no onna said:
That's showing up as $248 new and $169.95 used for me.
Click to expand...

Wow :eek:

It's showing as £103 for me ($160 or so), but that's on the UK Amazon.

What about something like this?

$89.00, 18MP camera, 720p video recording.
 
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