When your photo gear costs more than your shuttle rig, whitewater photography can become risky. Here are four great options for taking great photos on the river while staying dry.
PANASONIC
DMC-TS4
Because a Pelicase won’t fit in the chest pocket of your PFD. Waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof, this little point-and-shoot is a rugged alternative to a bulkier set-up. 12.1 megapixels and the ability to take full 1,080p HD video, a wide angle lens and extensive manual options mean it’s more than enough camera for most recreational photographers.
High Sign: Built-in GPS tagging stores each photo’s location in the file info.
Low Sign: It’s power hungry— carry spare batteries.
www.panasonic.com $400
GERBER
STEADY MULTI-TOOL
The foldout feet of Gerber’s new Steady add a whole new dimension to the term multi-tool. It’s tricky to keep a smartphone still enough to get razor sharp images, but the suction cup mount on this pocket-sized knife-cum-tripod allows you to steady your phone before shooting. The standard screw mount also works with compact digital cameras up to 12 ounces.
High Sign: More reasons to go Steady include two knives, pliers, screwdrivers, a bottle opener, wire cutters…
Low Sign: The suction cup doesn’t stick to textured surfaces so most smart-phone cases have to come off.
JOBY
GORILLAPOD
More flexible than an 11-year-old Russian gymnast, this tripod has two-dozen leg joints that contort for a stable shot, no matter the terrain. We had the SLR-Zoom version wrapped around tree branches, rocks, paddle shafts and thwarts, and the rubberized rings and foot grips kept our camera and heavy zoom set-up rock solid. High Sign: The SLR-Zoom model we tested was an easy-to-stow 9.5 inches tall. Low Sign: The ballhead lock doesn’t allow
for panning when shooting video. www.joby. com. $80 (SLR-Zoom and Ballhead Combo)
AQUAPAC
SLR CAMERA CASE
Essentially a drybag for your camera, Aquapac’s SLR Camera Case lets you shoot on or in the water worry-free. Operate your camera through the supple material
of the case while capturing crystal clear images through the acrylic lens.
High Sign: We had fun getting shots from in the river and other taboo perspectives.
Low Sign: Depending on the layout of your SLR, adjusting some functions through the case is fiddly.
www.aquapac.net $140
