My Panasonic LZ8 survived a dunk in the ocean

[996GT2]

So I was jet-skiing the other day, and my friend happened to lean over at the same time as me, tipping the jetski over to the right. Long story short, we both fell in the ocean and were in there for a good 20 seconds as we climbed back onto the jetski. During this whole time, my Panasonic LZ8 was in my pant pocket and was completely submerged in saltwater. Even after we got back up on the jetski, it was soaked in water and we had no way to wipe the water off (all of our clothes were drenched). So we just left it damp for about 20 more minutes as we went back to shore. Miraculously, neither the battery nor SD compartment had water inside, and the camera still functions perfectly despite having no advertised weatherproofing features whatsoever.

Long story short: Panasonic makes some very rugged point and shoots.

Besides the durability, I don't think I've seen any other camera in this price range that matches the LZ8's features in the two years since the LZ8's release. Great image quality, 32-160mm image stabilized lens, 2.5 FPS, P/A/S/M manual modes, full control over ISO/WB/AF/Metering modes, 2.5" 230k dot screen, etc. Plus it gets 400 shots from a set of Eneloop rechargeable AAs. All for $100. I like to call it the poor man's LX3.

Are there any cameras today that are like the LZ8 in price and features?

 

[Wag]

Leave it in your bathtub overnight then see what happens.

 

[speedy2]

Uhh. You turned it back on that soon after being submerged? That thing is running on borrowed time...just wait.

 

[mvbighead]

Had something similar happen in the ocean as well, unfortunately, a waiter "came to the rescue" for my wife and hit the power button to check to see if it worked. I tried but failed to stop him.

Not only that, but the wife also had my phone (Envy touch) as a just in case measure, and that was powered on and running as it dipped into the ocean. Both dead, both no warranty. Had I known the wife was bringing any of the stuff, I'd have pulled the batteries at the minimum, if not found a plastic bag to store them in. Instead, bought her a new cam for Christmas and am using my 4-5 year old POS phone as I don't exactly want to spend $500 for a non-contract phone.

Long story short, if you need to use electronics while in a boat or jet ski, pack them properly. You lucked out big time OP.

 

[996GT2]

It's been 3 days an so far everything works great. This little LZ8 makes a great backup for those times when I can't carry my 40D

 

[FeuerFrei]

Got my mother one of those LZ8s last July. Flash seems a little puny. Maybe that's a trend nowadays.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Good info, I'll need a small P&S now that my first DSLR is on the way.

 

[996GT2]

Update:

6 months after its dunk in the ocean, my little LZ8 is still working perfectly I'm surprised at how well it's held up to everything. Since I use a 5D for serious photography, this little camera is the one I take when I just want to get a snapshot...e.g. to parties, on trips, etc. Needless to say, it has not lived a pampered life by any means.

I just got an Oly E-PL1 though, so my LZ8 is finally going into retirement.

 

[Gooberlx2]

I like the idea of the rugged cameras for reasons like that. I wouldn't mind having something like a Pentax Optio W90, strap it to my jacket while skiing and just take off. Or use it snorkeling without needing a housing.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Dang that's one durable P&S!!! My friend's Canon P&S completely drowned when the last of 3 waves came over us and it made her fall down. her bag was a puddle of water. I fished the camera out within 10-15 seconds as soon as I could get to her...

My 7D? Clicking happily away watching the whole thing. Hahaha. It captured the whole wave too. The salt water on my filter was not fun though. I had to scrub it with some water but whatever.