Taking pictures at the beach with digital camera how close to water can I get?

We are going to Florida soon and I want to be able to take pictures with my digital camera but I don't want to ruin it. How close to the water can I get without messing it up? It is a Samsung point and shoot.

dont worry about the water it is seldom the water that causes the major problem with cameras at the beach it's the dadblamed SAND. You cant get away from it, it blows it gets into everything onto everything then gets into the worst possible place INSIDE YOUR CAMERA. Do yourself a favor and for the beach photos get a disposable camera. They are perfect for the beach if you want digital images just get a cd when you have the film developed.

yes I take photos on the beach but I go specifically to take photos my mind is aways on my equipment until I put it away and with a Hasselblad that'll make a body as nervous as a long tailed cat at a rocking chair convention but I love my 2.25 square negative

you can get a plastic water-proof case for as little as $20 and will let you go underwater

dont get it wet so inches but why chance it should be able to get a pictures while standing in water if that what you mean

I bought a camera and didn't like it (Fuji S9500) I then went on to SLR cameras. I also drive rescue boats. We have had some fun using this camera for very high risk photography such as hanging the camera over the side of the boat etc. Whilst I DO NOT recommend this for a camera you care about, this camera has not failed yet. Apart from treating it badly in use, I do look after it as far as cleaning it etc.

So don't be paranoid, go get the shot. Don't get it wet. Think about it anyway with the way technology is going you will most likely buy another camera in the nest few years before this one dies of exposure!

stay away
even the moisture will hurt the camera
look in the discover section
there are alot of sad people who went too close

I just had my Fuji f31 at the beach for a week. It was sticky and humid. Stood in the edge of the water and snapped many a photo. no damage.

I did need to clean the mist off of the lens a few times.

YMMV

The name and type of the camera makes no difference. Don't get any camera too close to water and just as devastating is sand. Get sand in it and you might as well start looking to buy another camera.

This camera is EXACTLY what you need!

You should get the PENTAX Optio W30. It has TONS of features, VERY good picture quality, its sleek & stylish. And to add to all that, its waterproof! You can see the camera here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/pr...
I have had the PENTAX Optio W10 (a slighty older version) for a few years now and I absoloutly LOVE it!