Want an "Entry-Level" Underwater Camera...need help

[pipper]

Hello all,

Well Im getting a lot more involved with underwater photography and Im looking to get an good, what you would say, beginners camera. Ive been shopping around and found this particular one...what do you all think?
What would you guys go for?
Is this one a good one to start with?

http://www.sealife-cameras.com/cameras/dc800.html

Thanks so much!! Please help

 

[pipper]

I meant underwater...as in waterproof! For scuba and snorkling

 

[60Cubed]

I just bought this today:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1442300

I will post some pics tonight of my tank. It was $350 @ Wallyworld. The one I got is waterproof up to like 30ft.

 

[pipper]

will you please post some pics?

 

[Apercula]

I just posted this on 60Cubed's thread too, heres a big thread on the olympus from back in march. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1351451&highlight=olympus+stylus

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I use a Canon IXUS 960 IS in a underwater housing and was very impressed by the results my first time out. I have a thread on some pictures i took in the redsea. Its length but the later pictures are better. Give it a look see. Once again, I was very impressed by the image quality. I usually shoot with a Nikon D80

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1427678

 

[pipper]

ok...so do you guys prefer to use an "underwater housing" or just buy a camera that is already waterproof?

 

[tankdvr]

You're better off going with a compact digital and buying the underwater case for it. If you go with a canon or olympus, they both make a case for a majority of their cameras. If you go to http://www.digideep.com/ you can see which cases are available for the camera you're looking at. You can also check http://www.digifish.nl/en/equipment/ , sometimes they're more up to date than the other site.

If you are diving, do not get a case that's rated for less 120ft. If you get one that's only waterproof to 30 feet, you're going to flood it the first time you see something you want to shoot in 40 feet of water. The canon and olympus housings are generally much cheaper than other cases, but they generally don't have all the bells and whistles. Some can't take additional lenses, they aren't rated as deep as an ikelite or patima case.

 

[pipper]

hmm so canon or olympus brands correct? and its better to go with a underwater case alrighty!

what specific models?

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I'm very happy with the easy of use of the Canon IXUS 960 IS w/ underwater housing. Very easy white balance adjustment (very important) and the image quality is excellent.

If you interested in lens, INON makes a variety of high quality lens that can be switched out underwater via a bayonet fitting. They make adaptors for most underwater housings so no matter what you get it they will probably work. I have the adapter on my camera and the fisheye lens is AWESOME, as are the stackable macro lens. I think you can stack up to three to get some serious improvement on the normal camera macro.

Here is a picture of my kit if your interested. For most dives I only take down what's wet in the picture. The rest of the gear was out from the night before. The adapter is the piece right below the housing.

 

[pipper]

Oh wow! thirschmann you have been a great help to me! And the others! I thank you so much for this!

Where do you get your equipment for underwater cameras? Cuz the small bestbuy near me probably doesnt have anything
JB

 

[ReefingBuddha]

Well your in or near a big city so there probably is a underwater specialty store near you. I live near London and England's largest underwater camera retailer happens to have a large outlet in the same place I bought my scuba equipment.

Otherwise Inon has a great website and there customer service and sales team is pretty good. I'm sure there are a bunch of US websites that specialize.

BH has a decent selection online but its best to find a store that you can look at the options yourself and talk to someone who has actually used the equipment.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/12980/Cameras_Housings_Kits_Housing_Camera_Kits.html

 

[zachtos]

I thought the olympus SW series was a great camera for under $300, is that entry level? It is only good for like 30' or less or so though. Other then that it will be fairly pricey won't it?