Need a GOOD underwater camera....

[Helfrichs Chic]

The Olympus I got isn't working out. It's OK but not the quality I want. I'm heading to St. Croix, Turks and Caicos and several other islands by the USVI on a 18 day trip in July and I want the camera for that trip. I would rather not spend 1,000.00 but willing to of its a fantastic camera, 4-500 would be in my price range. I want the red fitter options internally as well as a good flash for photos, maybe even have to do an external flash. Also something that's not too bulky. Any ideas??? Thanks!

 

[Sammibaz]

No ideas from me-- I have the Olympus and I'm with you...uhnnnh, it is just ok

 

[Helfrichs Chic]

I'm gonna post up in the photo forum.

 

[geemanaz]

Take look at the SeaLife DC1400 14MP Digital Underwater Camera
http://www.sealife-cameras.com/cameras/dc1400

 

[NakedClown]

Get a huge viewing box!!! lol jk cant wait to see all the pictures you take, i want ot go diving sooo bad

 

[Helfrichs Chic]

So I've spent my entire day reading and looking at cameras lol!. Originally I was gonna bite on the sea life until I read all the reviews! They have horrible reviews, especially the smaller more affordable mini. So I've looked and I THINK that I've found a pretty sweet camera: over the budget that I wanted to pay (naturally) but it looks pretty sweet and also has some AWESOME add ons. Here's a link: http://www.fantasea.com/s.nl/it.A/id.566/.f?sc=2&category=1980

And the video: the he vid was a big selling point.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SRcBSX0sD04" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I may just get the camera and housing and the find my own Extermal flash. Either way their red filter looks awesome and also looks super easy to install when diving.

To any of the photo gurus: I'm linking 2 different flashes, are there huge differences? I'm still a bit confused with the distance for each flash thing.
http://www.fantasea.com/s.nl/it.A/id.558/.f
http://www.fantasea.com/s.nl/it.A/id.503/.f?sc=2&category=504

I'm not sold 100% just yet, still poking around but this looks like a contender.

 

[jporter]

HC, I was just reading the Costco connection and they sell a fuji film H2O. It is a 14 megapixel underwater camera that is good to 16.4 feet. Won't work for deep dives but should be good for shallow reefs and tank photography. I might pick up one for in tank shots.

 

[kingevil]

So I've spent my entire day reading and looking at cameras lol!. Originally I was gonna bite on the sea life until I read all the reviews! They have horrible reviews, especially the smaller more affordable mini. So I've looked and I THINK that I've found a pretty sweet camera: over the budget that I wanted to pay (naturally) but it looks pretty sweet and also has some AWESOME add ons. Here's a link: http://www.fantasea.com/s.nl/it.A/id.566/.f?sc=2&category=1980

To any of the photo gurus: I'm linking 2 different flashes, are there huge differences? I'm still a bit confused with the distance for each flash thing.
http://www.fantasea.com/s.nl/it.A/id.558/.f
http://www.fantasea.com/s.nl/it.A/id.503/.f?sc=2&category=504

I'm not sold 100% just yet, still poking around but this looks like a contender.

The problem with point and shoots will be shutter lag. You wouldn't have that problem with an slr, but there is a greater learning curve and it would cost about 5 times the price as the one you just posted.

The first flash you posted is more powerful.

 

[Helfrichs Chic]

HC, I was just reading the Costco connection and they sell a fuji film H2O. It is a 14 megapixel underwater camera that is good to 16.4 feet. Won't work for deep dives but should be good for shallow reefs and tank photography. I might pick up one for in tank shots.

I have an Olympus that's like that. I need something with hd vid and I REALLY want to work with an external strobe. I really think that's what makes all the difference. If you want to get one of those get the Nikon AW100. Its a pretty sweet camera and I think its rated 33ft.

Here are some shots from trips with the olympus: Not THAT bad but I want more detail/clarity and more of the red filtered in than it will allow. These are ALSO PHOTOSHOPPED, not straight from the camera.

 

[Helfrichs Chic]

The problem with point and shoots will be shutter lag. You wouldn't have that problem with an slr, but there is a greater learning curve and it would cost about 5 times the price as the one you just posted.

The first flash you posted is more powerful.

I usually have the camera (my olympus 6020) set to do the multiple shots as you hold down the shutter. I fill up memory cards fast but I get better action shots that way. I cant afford an SLR and honestly I dont wanna get THAT crazy with the photos anyways. My sister is a photographer and has some 10k set up. Canon... Mark something lol. She take AMAZING photos on land thou.

I even thought about that go pro with the special red filtered underwater mod. But eh on the photos. There is SO much to try to fuigure out. I wanted to get something by the middle of next month and start shooting in the pool to get settings right. I am determined to get some GREAT shots in July when were in the USVI. I guess the one good thing is that I am a graphic designer and can fix colors in PS easily.

Its funny.... looking back at the photos I have they are actually pretty good for a point and shoot I guess lol.

 

[kingevil]

if you know how to edit in ps, then the nikon p7000 would be great for you because it shoots in raw file format. however, they now have the p7100 out. both record hd video.