Anyone shooting a Nikon D100 with advice?

[CUunderH2O]

Hi all,

I'm shooting a non-SLR digicam right now for all my photos, both underwater & above water. I'm getting good results and now I'm thinking of getting a strobe to help with the backscatter issue.

This weekend I found out that a guy in my vicinity is selling his Nikon D100, complete with lens (can't remember which), Ikelite housing & dome port, for a really good price. He just upgraded to the D200. Now, I wanted to jump on this deal, even though I know it will be a learning curve to learn how to use the Nikon (never owned one), plus how to put together the housing and how to actually get decent photos out of it.

My question is, does anyone use this camera, and would it be advisable to get a newer (ie. in-production model), or go with this deal? It's almost out of my price range, but it's still half the cost of a new system (I was thinking D70). I'm just thinking of whether support would still be available from Nikon, and parts issues, or issues with the camera itself.

One thing I have noticed that the MP count is the same as the D70, but the D100 is larger & heavier. Any other comments on this camera and/or advice? Please, I need your help!

Thanks in advance!

 

[dbh]

The D100 is still a very capable camera underwater.

Nikon should still service it for several more years (maybe longer). But really, how much service is needed unless you have problems.

Learning curve for digital is alot easier than the old days with the instant feedback. Shoot 1000's of times topside until you are comfortable with aperture & shutter speed and knowing how they will affect your picture.

HTH,
Dave

 

[CUunderH2O]

Thanks for the info, dbh. I have since spoken to other UW photogs in my area, and they say that this particular deal isn't all that great a deal.

 

[mjh]

The D100 is a great camera. Like you I went from a point and shoot to the D100, buying a used system. All the shots at my sight were taken with it. Main thing is to take the time to sit with it in shallow water and play with all the knobs and practice adjusting settings. It takes time to get the hang of making adjustments without taking your eye out of the viewfinder.

 

[Warren_L]

Thanks for the info, dbh. I have since spoken to other UW photogs in my area, and they say that this particular deal isn't all that great a deal.

It's still a nice sysem if perhaps you can get a more reasonable price on it. Quality wise I don't think you'd be able to tell the difference in the shots you get. Just got to make sure you get a decent lens.

 

[mjh]

FYI 3yrs ago I paid US$3200 for Aquatica Housing, Dome Port, Flat Port, Nikon D100 Body, 2xSea&Sea 90DX Strobes, and all misc parts. At the time that was a great deal, used.