Camera for Vacation - Nikonos

[Sirius Glass]

I will be going to the Galapagos Island in September and October and since I will have an opportunity to snorkeling and also be on Zodiacs I will take my Nikonos V and lenses in addition to other cameras.

 

[eli griggs]

New “O” rings?

Images I’ve seen show lots of sea spray on rocky coastline, so the Nikonos should be perfect.

I hope you have a lot of fun and get plenty of photograph.

 

[mshchem]

Does anyone make a decent reasonably priced amphibious digicam?

 

[eli griggs]

My Canon G10 has a nice acrylic dive case but what rating I can not say, having never taken it in the water.

 

[Sirius Glass]

New “O” rings?

Images I’ve seen show lots of sea spray on rocky coastline, so the Nikonos should be perfect.

I hope you have a lot of fun and get plenty of photograph.

Agreed. The O rings must be inspected and replaced as necessary.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Does anyone make a decent reasonably priced amphibious digicam?

From Google Gemini
Choosing an underwater camera depends on whether you are snorkeling, scuba diving, or looking for a rugged companion for extreme environments. In 2026, the market is dominated by "tough" compacts for macro photography and powerful action cameras for high-resolution video.
Here are the top ten underwater cameras of 2026:

1. OM System Tough TG-7​

Widely considered the best all-around compact camera. It is waterproof to 50 feet (15 m) without a housing and is famous for its "Microscope Mode," which allows for incredible macro shots of tiny marine life. It supports RAW shooting and 4K video.

2. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro​

Currently a top contender for scuba divers, this camera is waterproof to 66 feet (20 m) without extra housing. It features a large 1/1.3-inch sensor that excels in lower-light underwater conditions and provides superior underwater color correction.

3. GoPro HERO13 Black​

The gold standard for stabilization and ecosystem support. It offers 5.3K video at 60fps and works with a massive range of filters and lenses. It is waterproof to 33 feet (10 m) on its own, but a dive housing can take it much deeper.

4. SeaLife Micro 3.0​

A purpose-built "leak-proof" camera designed specifically for divers. It is permanently sealed (no O-rings to maintain) and rated for depths down to 200 feet (61 m). It features large, piano-key buttons that are easy to use even with thick diving gloves.

5. Insta360 X5​

The top pick for 360-degree filming. It can capture 8K spherical video, allowing you to record everything around you and "reframe" the shot later. It is waterproof to 49 feet (15 m) and is popular for its unique "invisible selfie stick" effect.

6. Sony RX100 VII (with housing)​

While not waterproof on its own, this is widely regarded as the best high-end compact for photography when paired with an underwater housing. It features a large 1-inch sensor and lightning-fast autofocus that outperforms most rugged cameras.

7. Insta360 Ace Pro 2​

A high-performance action camera developed with Leica. It is favored for professional-level 8K video and exceptional low-light performance, making it a strong rival to the GoPro and DJI series for serious videographers.

8. Pentax WG-1000​

A solid mid-range choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It is waterproof to 65 feet (20 m) and features a rugged, chemical-resistant body. It’s an ideal "workhorse" camera for construction sites or snorkeling trips where durability is the priority.

9. Ricoh G900SE II​

An industrial-grade rugged camera designed for manufacturing and disaster relief, but equally capable underwater. It is waterproof, dustproof, and chemical-resistant, making it one of the toughest cameras on the list.

10. SeaLife SportDiver (Smartphone Housing)​

Technically a housing rather than a camera, but it transforms modern smartphones (iPhone/Android) into high-end underwater systems. It includes vacuum pressure alarms and color-correction filters, allowing you to use your phone's powerful sensor at depths of 130 feet (40 m).

---

Quick Comparison Table​

Camera	Best For	Depth (No Case)	Key Feature
TG-7	Macro/All-Round	50 ft	Microscope mode
DJI Action 5 Pro	Video/Low Light	66 ft	1/1.3" sensor
GoPro HERO13	Action/Vlogging	33 ft	HyperSmooth 6.0
SeaLife Micro 3.0	Deep Diving	200 ft	Permanently sealed
Insta360 X5	360° Shots	49 ft	8K 360-degree video

Would you like me to help you find the best underwater housing for a specific camera you already own?

 

[mshchem]

No AI GENERATED ANSWERS PLEASE!!!!!!!!

 

[blee1996]

Does anyone make a decent reasonably priced amphibious digicam?

I used a small and cheap Fujifilm XP80 waterproof digicam, and it worked well during my two snorkeling trips.

 

[ic-racer]

I recently got this Nikon Action Touch for its 4-element 35mm/2.8 lens. Added bouns is that it is kind of like a little Nikonos with autofocus.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I recently got this Nikon Action Touch for its 4-element 35mm/2.8 lens. Added bouns is that it is kind of like a little Nikonos with autofocus.

View attachment 418712

Does the Nikonos V have a unique rectangularish "O" ring like the IV?

 

[ic-racer]

Does the Nikonos V have a unique rectangularish "O" ring like the IV?

Yes, two of them for the viewfinder.