Vivitar Underwater Digital Camera

- Does a Vivitar 8.1MP Underwater Digital Camera work out of water?
I was thinking of getting a Vivitar 8.1MP Underwater Digital Camera, but I was wondering does it work out of the water, since summer is coming to an end I won't be in my pool, or beach anymore. So i wanted to know if I could use it when I'm not going to be in the water, when I'm going to be inside or something. Is it a good camera? Thanks

A Yes, you can use it when you're not going to be in the water. It's an ok camera. Olympus has the best reputation. Here is a comparison of waterproof cameras: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_d10%2Cfuji_finepixz33wp%2Coly_stylustough8000%2Cpanasonic_dmcts1%2Cpentax_optiow60&show=all http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/ http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/new-waterproof-cameras_roundup.html

- Advice on fairly cheap underwater digital camera?
I am going on holiday soon and will probably doing a lot of snorkeling, maybe some diving as well, definitely going shark diving for a start. Any way, since I tend to take a lot of pictures and don't really want to come after a few minutes to change the film of my film camera (very simple reusable underwater one), I was thinking of maybe getting a cheap underwater digital one. Doesn't have to be fancy as long as it takes decent pictures in fairly good conditions, it doesn't even have to be waterproof beyond snorkeling depth as I will get a better camera once I have the opportunity to dive more often. This would only be a temporary solution so I don't want it to be overly expensive, preferably under £100. It would be nice if it had a video function and the batteries last relatively long ( I generally use Energizer ultimate lithium for small digi cams). I have looked at several cameras but would like to hear some more opinions or experiences: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivitar-ViviCam-Rugged-Digital-Waterproof/dp/B000QCI65I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220796506&sr=8-2 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Underwater-Digital-Camera-Electronics/dp/B000RGQU6U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys&qid=1220796673&sr=8-3 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivitar-Digital-Camera-8xDigital-Waterproof/dp/B000PIVNQM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220796506&sr=8-4 If anyone could give me some sample pictures or video clips taken with the camera of your recommendation, that would also be supremely helpful! Thanks! So in your experience, disposable film ones are better? Maybe I have just been unlucky but the ones I've had haven't been very good. I did find some pictures by the Vivitar ViviCam 6200W which look alright: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/customer-images/B000QCI65I/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_1/026-0334720-8107614?ie=UTF8&index=1#gallery Are there any specific brands of disposable you would recommend? I do have a reusable one but I'm probably going to take more than 36 pictures in one go so would need back up, lol... Where would you recommend for cheap casings? The ones I've seen are quite as expensive as some of these cheap cameras!!

A Those things are toys at best, and you would not be happy with the quality. Perhaps you should consider buying disposable waterproof film cameras - they would give you much better quality (and I am VERY much in favor of digital, but in this case.....). Underwater photography is expensive, and if you don't have much of a budget, you are VERY limited. Edited to add: I am not saying that disposable cameras are all that good, but compared to the results you would get from a very cheap digital one, they ARE better (and remember we're talking about waterproof stuff here). As you found out yourself - cases etc are expensive, and you are unwilling or unable to spend more money. So I'm afraid you're stuck with lower quality, no matter what you do. There is good gear out there, but wow....... it costs!