Watershot for iPhone

I have always had a fascination with photography. Combined with my previous career as a SCUBA instructor, there was always a need to take underwater pictures. But I didn't have a fortune to spend on U/W cameras so I would buy the inexpensive point and shoot cameras and push them to their limits. After doing this since high school, I have ended up with a small collection of toys as seen above.

Yes there is a Minolta Weathermatic A 110 in that group. It was only rated to 15' but I took it down to 30'-45' on a regular basis and got good pictures for that era.

Then came the Canon AS-1 (Aqua Snappy) It was a great camera rated for 30', so of course when I went to Cozumel, It went with me on Palancar Wall to a depth of 85' several times. And survived.

The white camera was a Canon SureShot A1. I dont remember off the top of my head what it was rated to but it went to 60' on more than one occasion.

 

There was a long pause before my next ventur into U/W cameras. It brought me to the digital photography age. I purchased an Olympus D-360L with a whopping 1.3 megapixels of clarity, pretty high end for 1999. Paid nearly $300 dollars for that first digital camera to record my new born son growing up. 18 months later I found the exact same camera with an underwater housing on ebay for $100. I bought it for beach stuff and kayaking but never got around to taking it diving despite its 165' rating. It was just cool to have.

As I was preparing to go on a family vacation in 2012 I decided to buy a nice little Fujifilm XP50 with a 15' rating. It has been to the beach, kayaking and in the pool but so far thats all.

Then came the Watershot For iPhone http://www.watershot.com/ This neet little housing is made by the same company that makes underwater housings for motion picture cameras. It was reasonably priced and came with its own app. Not to mention its rated to 165'.

 

So far I have taken it in the pool while my son is taking SCUBA lessons and while snorkling at the beach. Take a look below.

 

 

 

Now we are ready for our open water scuba dives. Come back again to see the pictures from the http://www.watershot.com/underwater-camera-housing-iphone

 

I had been looking for a different hike when I rememberd a recent trip to Griffith Observatory a few months back. I remebered seeing almost as many people headed for the trailhead at one end of the parking lot as there was headed to the obaservatory. I said to myself that I wanted to see what was at the top of that hill. I set out on a friday morning, arriving at about 9:30 in the morning. The parking lot had a few dozen cars but I was able to get a parking space not more than 50 feet from the trailhead.

The temprature was a warm 78 degrees as I threw my camelbak on and headed up the trail. A very leisurely walk up the trail and you realize how diverse the users are. I passed walkers and runner of all ages and sizes. I passed people with dogs and saw evidence of horses having been on the trail. I even saw a guy in his mid 50's wearing slacks, a golf shirt and a pair of dress shoes that cost more than my camera; all enjoying the mid morning weather a n a beautifully maintained trail. As you will see in the picture the air quality was not the best.

I Cant wait to come back in the fall when there is just enough wind to blow the valley clear. I am willing to bet this would make a nice sunset hike also. This guide is for the Mt. Hollywood loop and a side trip over to Dante's View,

just cause it looked like a cool trail to a small peak. As always bring plenty of water, and a hat to protect you from the sun as there is very little shade after the first 1/4 mile or so. The trail does have a couple of spots that will make your calves say "hello" but it is mostly a flat uphill walk (edit) Tips: Check for other events and attractions within the park at http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/index.htm or events and hours of operation for the Obsevatory at http://www.griffithobs.org/ and remeber that if there is an event at the Greek Theater http://www.greektheatrela.com/ there could be a long line of cars to deal with. (edit) Tags: Mt. Hollywood, griffith park (edit)

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My Review of Skullcandy Ink'd Earbuds - Rasta - 2009 Closeout

Originally submitted at REI

The Skullcandy Ink'd earbuds features great colors and great sounds to keep you jammin'.

Skullcandy Ink'd Earbuds - Rasta - 2009 Closeout

Cool Product, Great closeout Price

By RiptydRick from Inland Empire, CA on 4/23/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Comfortable, Lightweight, Easy to Use, Good Design

Best Uses: Travel, Day Trips, Backyard, Backcountry

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

Was this a gift?: No

Bought these on REI.com clearance. Bought them cause it looked like a good deal on an extra set of ear buds. They are more comfortable and have just as good a sound as my sony buds. BONUS. they also have a built in mic and can be used with my iPhone4.

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