We went kayaking and snorkeling yesterday.
 
While snorkeling our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 camera started making a loud whirling sound and then just stopped working. This camera was the refurbished one that Panasonic had sent us at a discounted rate after I sent one in for a repair that couldn’t be repaired due to its lens cracking and water getting into the camera.
 
I suspect one of the camera seals may have leaked but don’t know for sure. It may have been a mechanical failure of one of its motors. I’m meticulous about making sure that the seals are clean so would be surprised if it was the battery cover seal that leaked. Plus, the camera is rated for forty feet and we were snorkeling in only ten feet of water.
 
Over the years I’ve had many cameras break, especially back when I did photography professionally. Because of this I’ve learned to always have at least two cameras when going on a shoot. With underwater photography the risk is compounded.
 
I’m not doing this professionally and the economy is terrible so there isn’t much of a budget for equipment. Despite this, I ordered another Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 camera but this time I have also ordered an underwater housingIkelite Underwater TTL Camera Housing for Panasonic Lumix for it. So now we will be using an underwater camera inside of an underwater housing for double protection.
 
I’ve looked at a bunch of other point and shoot underwater cameras including the GoProGoPro Camera cameras but none come close to the picture quality and features of the Panasonic Lumix cameras.
 
We are hoping to make it down to the Keys soon. We still one Panasonic camera but really need to have two cameras as both of us shoot and also as a backup camera in case something breaks. I’m hoping that everything arrives before then.