Film Speed for Snorkeling Shots (Newbie)

[mokujin22]

Hey all,

My girlfriend and I are going to the Bahamas this weekend and I'm tired of bringing home crappy pictures taken with the $20 disposable U/W cameras. We're going to try to rent a camera (with strobe) instead of buying one. I was thinking about buying film in the states and saving a ton.

Not sure what speed to purchase for shallow water shots. Anyone?

(I posted a simalar thread in the SCUBA/Snorkeling area), but it doesn't seem to get too much traffic.

Thanks a bunch in advance,
Tony

 

[gregr]

I think a good 400 speed film would be fine- any faster and the pics would be pretty grainy. Maybe bring some 200 in case the strobe is a stong one-- because if it's strong you could cut down on the grain and still have fast shutter speeds.

 

[jwedehase]

Wow! Film?! What's that?!

This is so refreshing! People still buy film! Give me a minute to get over that, and I can respond.

..

OK. I'd also agree with What'sHisFace up above. 400 should do OK, but if you can get away with 200 (strong light, shallow water) that would be sweet. For film, you may need to filter for correct white balance, but that's going to cut into your EV pretty bad, so that's a toughy.

I used a Nikon 4600 (digital) in Hawaii, and the on-board flash was worthless, as was the entire camera after about 4 feet deep. I have a shot at 15 feet that looks like nothing but dark murk. I can't wait to have the opportunity someday to use real strobes.

Wow, film in the water. What a challenge. Sounds fun!

 

[mokujin22]

yeah.. i know, archaic. but my (other) options are to either:

-buy an expensive housing for my digital point-and-shoot
-buy a nice digital camera (Nikon or Cannon) and a nice housing and strobe
-buy a crappy disposable camera for $20

options A and C both will be a waste of money because the pics won't come out at all. as for option B, i go snorkeling/dicing every 2-3 years (more i wish) and while i could justify buying a nice camera for $1500, the additional $1500 for a housing and strobe and frankly, not worth it for me.

plus, that $3000 is already spoken for... setting up a 300 gallon SPS system this summer.

renting a film camera allows me to use nice equipment while not spending an arm and a leg.

i'll post pics when i get back (if they come out).

thanks guys,
tony

 

[gregr]

Have you looked into renting a digital camera as opposed to film? Nowadays there's got to be more housings available for digital bodies than film I'd think.