Equipment for Underwater Photography?

[Dyepes]

I was just wondering if anyone could suggest any high-quality cameras for taking photography underwater? I live only 30 minutes or so from Tarpon springs, and the sea-grass beds in the area are just spectacular. I would love to take some high-res pictures and have them printed out for nice posters to hang around the house, but have no idea what equipment to use or where to buy from?

Hoping anyone here that has experience with this hobby could reccommend something nice?

 

[jwedehase]

Are you thinking about a DSLR? Have you seen the price of decent underwater housings?

Here's where I'd start. Camera:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/354004-REG/Canon_9443A002_EOS_1DS_Mark_II_Digital.html

Housing:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/420828-REG/Seacam_12033162001_UW_Housing_for_Canon.html

Lighting:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/422878-REG/Sea_Sea_70007_YS_90_AUTO_Underwater_Dual.html

Or were you thinking of making some compromises on "high-end?"

I've used a Digital Rebel with the Ikelite housing for some swimming pool shots, and had pretty good success. I would think this type of setup would be sufficient, and MUCH MORE affordable. Figure in about $1500 for the camera and accessories, the same for the housing, and a few hundred more for lighting, as a start point.

 

[Dyepes]

Yea I was definetly thinking more affordable. Those look great, but I dont make that kind of money.

 

[flibidib02]

I got that with a relatively cheap Fuji F30 w/underwater housing etc. Also got loads of amazing pictures, some of which are in numberous LFS's around the UK, so no need for more ££ or $$

 

[bwest]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10351591#post10351591 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by flibidib02

I got that with a relatively cheap Fuji F30 w/underwater housing etc. Also got loads of amazing pictures, some of which are in numberous LFS's around the UK, so no need for more ££ or $$

Show us some pictures

 

[Dyepes]

Are there any cameras under $1000 that can take a clear photo that can be blown up to about 15 X 15?

 

[Jutta]

As my first underwater camera, I used a 35mm (i know, very old fashion...) SEA & SEA MX10 with add lenses for macros and an add on strobe. Made great shots!
(and not digitally altered)

here are the images as thumbnails (click onit to see better pic)

 

[Jutta]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10355166#post10355166 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jutta
As my first underwater camera, I used a 35mm (i know, very old fashion...) SEA & SEA MX10 with add lenses for macros and an add on strobe. Made great shots!
(and not digitally altered)

here are the images as thumbnails (click onit to see better pic)

whoops, just saw the bit about high-res requirement. sorry, just ignore my previous post.


I just bought a Canon IXUS 70 for which i can get an underwater housing - hope this will do the trick for future underwater adventures.

 

[bignick]

I was in the same boat when i picked out my camera to take underwater pictures.

I went with the CANON G7 its a 10 megapixel digital camera with excellent zoom.

I bough the camera on Amazon for 488.00 (prices vary weekly)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1184674703&sr=8-1

Then i bought an underwater case for for 165.00(price varies)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC11...4659930-1060868?ie=UTF8&qid=1184674703&sr=8-1

The camera not only takes great pictures but great video too! I took it to Mexico on my honeymoon and filmed waves smashing into me, then i took it snorkeling, and then i went scuba diving with it. I took pics and videos during all of this and was extremely impressed.

I highly reccomend this camera set up to you.

PM me your email address if want to see the kind of pictures it takes underwater.

good luck!

Nick

 

[ahuxman58]

You can shop around at dive shops and rent equipment, lots cheaper than buying . Ive done it numerous times have used OLYS, SEA and SEA,Reefmaster.

 

[Dyepes]

Wow bignick that sounds like a highly reasonable price IMO. I would love to see the quality of pics

 

[bignick]

Trust me you will like the camera. It may not be as good as a $7k camera but for people who are on budgets it fits the bill nicely.

 

[bignick]

Dyepes,

Did you get my email?

 

[Dyepes]

Yes I did, and I thought those pics were great. Thanks for the help, you got me sold on this thing. I already started a seperate budget for this specifically and weill hope to own it and the case within a month.