Camera plunges unexpectedly into Icelandic waters; events that follow leave everyone astonished
In the heart of Iceland, often referred to as the "land of Fire and Ice," a photography trip with friends Richard and Mark was about to unfold. The journey began with driving down Route One towards Vik, stopping at waterfalls and black beaches.
Armed with a Canon camera for photography, the writer found it too heavy for the trip. To lighten the load, they decided to take along an Olympus E-M5, a compact camera known for its weather-sealing features.
The first hurdle came at Skogafoss waterfall, where the Olympus E-M5 fell into a stream due to an unbalanced tripod. After retrieving the camera, the writer noticed that its sensor was covered in gunk, a result of the water damage. No amount of repeated cleaning with sensor swabs and cleaning fluid removed the gunk.
Despite the setback, the writer gave the camera another try with new cleaner and swabs. The camera worked again, and the writer continued to use it, taking photos at Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
However, the water damage had taken its toll, and the camera's sensor was never the same. The writer believed that dirty water had leaked under the sensor's protective glass. With Olympus sending the camera back untouched, stating that it was not worth repairing a water-damaged camera, the writer decided to sell it to a friend who used it for commercial and editorial photography.
The writer's experience with the Olympus E-M5 led them to seek a more reliable travel camera. With a focus on water-resistant models that excel in focus capabilities and weather-sealing features, the writer found three options worthy of consideration:
- OM System Tough TG-7: This camera is highly recommended for travel and outdoors, offering an IPX8 waterproof rating for underwater use up to 50 feet, freezeproof down to 14°F, shockproof from 7-foot drops, and crushproof to 220 lbs. It supports RAW shooting and manual controls, and features a bright wide-angle aperture of f/2.0, making it excellent for high-quality stills and 4K video at 30/24 fps.
- Ricoh WG-80: This camera is tough and versatile, waterproof up to 14m (46 ft), and also shockproof, dust-proof, and freeze-proof. It has a 5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) with close-focusing and six LED macro lights for well-lit underwater or macro shots.
- Insta360 X5: While primarily a 360° action camera, it stands out for travel content creators seeking ultra-high-definition video with weather sealing, waterproof to 49 feet without housing (extendable to 197 feet with optional case). It offers dual 1/1.28” CMOS sensors and advanced stabilization (FlowState).
For travel photography in wet environments, the OM System Tough TG-7 is the top recommended choice due to its blend of strong weather sealing, manual photo controls, RAW capability, and a bright lens. The Ricoh WG-80 offers a more affordable waterproof camera option but with some compromises in image quality. The Insta360 X5 is best for specialized 360° video but less focused on traditional photography.
In the end, the writer learned a valuable lesson about the importance of a reliable travel camera in harsh environments. Armed with this knowledge, they are now ready for their next adventure, with a camera they can trust.
- The photographer, marooned in Iceland's wilderness with friends Richard and Mark, initially carried a heavy Canon camera for photography, but later opted to carry a more manageable Olympus E-M5 due to its weather-sealing features.
- The Olympus E-M5's first challenge arrived at Skogafoss waterfall, where an unstable tripod caused it to fall into a stream, damaging its sensor.
- After an unsuccessful attempt to clean the sensor, the writer decided to use the camera again, capturing images at Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
- The water damage proved to be irreversible, affecting the camera's sensor, and Olympic sent it back without repairs, deeming it not worth fixing a water-damaged camera.
- On the hunt for a more reliable travel camera, the writer considered the OM System Tough TG-7, praised for its strong weather sealing, manual photo controls, RAW capability, and a bright lens.
- The writer also looked at the Ricoh WG-80 as an affordable waterproof camera option, but with potential compromises in image quality.
- As a 360° action camera, the Insta360 X5 was an intriguing choice for travel content creators seeking ultra-high-definition video with weather sealing, but it's less focused on traditional photography compared to the OM System Tough TG-7.
