Camera decisions, decisions. What would you buy ...

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luckydays

Contributor
Messages
1,392
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Location
San Pedro CA
# of dives
200 - 499
I am looking for a new camera to dive with. I have a point and shoot Canon camera that I use now and think it is fine for now but I would like to look for something else. I would like to have a camera with at least one strobe, preferably 2, can take video, takes decent land shots as well as great underwater pics and relatively uncomplicated to work.

As for my diving conditions, I live in the midwest so I dive green water lakes and quarry's most often but do travel at least twice a year to warm blue water beach places.

I do not currently shoot in RAW (nor do I know why I would want to), HD video, or any other upgrade fancy operations. I use photoshop to bring the color back into my pics but I only have a basic understanding of the software.

So my question to you guys is what camera would you buy if you had:

$1000 to spend and why?
$2000 to spend and why?
$3000 to spend and why?
 
I like RAW because it allows me the ability to color correct much easier. I just use the Canon Digital Pro (free) software.

Since you're interested in "relatively uncomplicated to work" I'd say stay with the point and shoot. While dSLRs are pretty easy now too they cost more and can be more complex. I guess that's up to you though as nowadays anyone can use a dSLR (just not to it's full capability) and learn as they go. Another possibility would be to keep your current camera and just add a strobe.

You've given some price ranges but are those for camera only or are you looking to get an entire underwater system?
 
My thoughts regarding prices was a total package setup. I am not opposed to spending a good bit to get some nice pics but I would hate to spend more for a camera than what I need.

I know that most great pics are taken by great photogs, but I would like to have a good tool to use to become a better photog.
 
I have the ISS-2000 flash attached to my Canon SD1200 point&shoot. It worked great in cozumel and took some really nice pictures. Granted I am not a professional, but it definatly served its purpose.
 
My thoughts regarding prices was a total package setup. I am not opposed to spending a good bit to get some nice pics but I would hate to spend more for a camera than what I need.

I know that most great pics are taken by great photogs, but I would like to have a good tool to use to become a better photog.

IMO, one of the keys to "great pics" is having some pretty good subjects....I looked @ some of your UW pics in your profile, some are pretty good, I think.....Maybe you just need more (overseas) trips to get what YOU think are these 'great pics'....ie---is Fl the only saltwater destination so far you've made for UW photography??....If so, there are many other(better) places to try for them(ie 'nice pics')....

just a thought....good luck & let us know what you decide---& go for....
 
Canon S9 or G11 in a Canon Housing, with Inon or S&S strobes for $1K (more or less).
For 3K, Canon T2i or T1i in S&S RDX housing, 60 mm macro and Tokina 10-17 wide angle lens, 2 strobes, flat port and dome port.

Bill
 
IMO, one of the keys to "great pics" is having some pretty good subjects....I looked @ some of your UW pics in your profile, some are pretty good, I think.....Maybe you just need more (overseas) trips to get what YOU think are these 'great pics'....ie---is Fl the only saltwater destination so far you've made for UW photography??....If so, there are many other(better) places to try for them(ie 'nice pics')....

just a thought....good luck & let us know what you decide---& go for....

Thank you. I have been to Florida a few times last year and am going to Southern California and Bonaire in June as well as NC in Sept. The rest of this years diving will be local (not nearly as much money in the bank for as many travel dreams that I have). I have many, many other places that I want to dive and as I get closer to those places, I would like to have a good camera with me.

My intent in posting this thread was to see what kind of camera system the board's photog's would suggest for someone with my diving needs.

I have looked at the Sealife, Sea and Sea, Canon, Nikon Camera's but I am more confused than ever. There are just to many options out there and I was looking to get an idea of a good system for the type of diving that I do.

My current set up is a Canon SD100 that at this point was practically free. I think I have less than $75 invested in the entire camera, case, 5 batteries, and two chargers. I am ready to upgrade to something else but am so lost and confused in the options that I dont know what to buy. Since each LDS seems to have a specific brand they carry, its hard to comparison shop since they can carry all of the camera's available.

I truly appreciate the advise, suggestions and info given here.
 
For 3K, Canon T2i or T1i in S&S RDX housing, 60 mm macro and Tokina 10-17 wide angle lens, 2 strobes, flat port and dome port.

Can you really manage that for that price? I just checked, and BH Photo is selling the T2i for $800, and the Ikelite Housing for $1330. That only seems to leave about $800 for two lenses, two ports, and two strobes.

Tom
 

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