Advice on D20

[nuttytoe]

Any owners of D20 out there that can comment on the underwater performance of this camera? Is it easy to find lenses that can fit into a underwater case? I'm thinking of buying this camera but i have been torn b/w this and the Nikon D70s.

 

[Ryan]

Any owners of D20 out there that can comment on the underwater performance of this camera? Is it easy to find lenses that can fit into a underwater case? I'm thinking of buying this camera but i have been torn b/w this and the Nikon D70s.

Both cameras will serve you well. They do have some slight inherent differences in image "look", especially in jpeg. The 20d will render a bit more vibrant reds & oranges, and has in camera processing to smooth out sensor noise at higher iso (at the expense of plasticky backgrounds). Both cameras will handle the sun well underwater, and both have a great selection of underwater housings.

You can use the midrange zooms bundled with the cameras underwater, but I find them to be a pretty boring focal length range that is only suited for fish id shots. I have a lot more fun with macro & wa shooting. I'd look at:

for Nikon, the 60 & 12-24 (expensive) or sigma 15 fe (less expensive, and I actually prefer it) starting out, then add the 105 & 10.5 when you've mastered the other lenses.

for Canon, the new 60 Macro USM & 10-22 (expensive) or sigma 15 fe (less expensive), then add the 100 USM, then pester Canon w/ emails asking for a full frame 1.6x crop fisheye.