Last week was Thanksgiving here in Canada, a great time to spend time with family and break our diets. In the upcoming weeks, we are going to start hearing about American Thanksgiving, which means Black Friday! Deals, Deals, Deals! I’m looking for one particular sale. This year I’ll be shopping for a camera. I’ve tried to narrow it down to a few models, and I need a little advice from anyone with experience using these cameras.

Before I get into the different camera models, I’d like to explain my reasoning to have a camera at all. Many people have already said to me, “Joe, just use your phone.” After the stunning look I get explaining that I don’t have a personal cell phone (yes Charo does have one), I still argue that might not be the best device for us. I want to be able to take the device into the water and possibly submerge it for underwater photos. After all, we are going to be near a lot of water. Thanks to researching IP the other day, I learned that so far, there are no phones meant for underwater use. I also want to put this device into the hands of the kids and Charo to take photos. I’m pretty sure one of them would try using the device underwater.

As I’ve explained in a previous post, the kids will be learning on the road. What better way than to have them make a photo journal and write a little about each photo! I’d love to be able to put a camera in their hand and say go ahead, instead of being reluctant because of how much damage they’ll do to a cell phone. Therefore, one of the factors I’ll be looking for is how rugged the camera is. I know this camera will fall – several times – while attached to one of my kids, or two, or all three depending on who wants to use it. 

Cost is an essential factor, as well. It’s funny how everything seems to add up even before the trip has started. Charo is still in desperate need of a cell phone. I’m also looking to purchase a cell phone for this journey. I know I know I’m living the dream right now, but I must enter the 21st century and get my first cell phone. It will be an end to an era. If we can keep the tech costs down, it will help. 

The final factor is we have enough to carry, let alone a bulky DSLR camera. Although they take magnificent photos, I don’t want the burden of lugging it around. I think a point and shoot camera is the way to go for this trip, something that I can slip into my pocket wherever we go.

Two cameras seem to be jumping out at me right now, the Olympus Tough 5G and the Nikon Coolpix 300. Both are waterproof. The Olympus looks like it can survive my family; both cameras are about the same size and weight. The Nikon comes in a lower price point than the Olympus. 

Are there any different cameras you would recommend? Have you had any experience with either of these cameras? What else should I be considering? Any help would be appreciated with this. 

Thanks for reading and Happy Adventuring!