Cameras

[razorbackdiver]

A few months ago, I posed a question about disposable film cameras. I was considering a disposable because I am not that great with a camera above the water and did not want to make a significant investment because of this fact. I also stated that the reason I wanted the camera was to show some photos to folks back home as I was booked for my first blue waterdive at the Flower Gardens. I was advised since it was my first blue waterdive, I should not worry about taking a camera for safety reasons, because I would be experiencing new things like currents, surface currents, swells, and so forth. I was one of six newbies to blue water diving on this trip and though I had no problems, my fellow newbie divers had plenty. So then as now I consider that advice to be sound. Now I know one trip doesn't make me an expert but I sure wish I had a camera that trip. At one point, there was a hammerhead about 30 feet above me and 50 feet away from me laterally. I ascended to his level and he moved to within about 20 ft. of me at which point I could have gotten some really great shots even being bad with a camera.

I have another trip planned for the first of June on a Blackbeard’s live aboard and was wondering if I could get some suggestions on an economical camera that is relatively idiot proof. I'm not looking to take professional quality photos. Just need some photos that I can share with family and friends back home without them having to try to hard to figure what’s in the photo. Before anyone suggests it I am already looking for an above water photography class.

 

[DM_cappie]

I don’t consider myself a camera expert by any means, however I have seen people use the Snapsights SS01 and get some pretty good photos out of them. It’s a old fashioned film camera so it’s worth the $10-$15 investment. If you’re looking for a digital camera Intova has the CP-9 for about $60, it shoots 9 MP shots and since its digital you can save the money on having the film developed. of course there are always more expensive options but i get the feeling you don’t want to invests too much right now. hope this helps!

 

[Paladin]

I have one each of these and they're a decent little cameras for the price.

35mm

Snap Sight Underwater Camera 100 Ft With Flash @ Divers-Supply.com

digital (does video, too)

Intova Compact 9MP Camera CP9 @ Divers-Supply.com

 

[FoxHound]

First off, nice job on not bringing it on your first dives, def a very smart call on your part! There will always be more dives and more pics to take!

That being said, there are all sorts of options in the point and shoot range, could even look for a housing for a camera that you already have, or look at a setup used that someone on here is selling.....I've had great luck with Sealife underwater cameras/housings, nice and simple point and shoot cameras specifically designed for underwater pics.

What type of price range are you looking at?

 

[g1138]

I have yet to see an underwater disposable camera (film or digital) that's rated past 30ft.

Go pro makes a head mounted strap for their cameras. If you decide to invest in that, you have video, can take picture stills during post editing, and with the head mounted strap your audience will see everything you see.

The only thing you have to worry about is how the strap would affect your mask skills.
Whether you want to invest in a Go Pro is a personal debate. What do you intend to do with it in the future? Actively share your experiences? Create/edit videos montages?

If it's just to show during an every so often family gathering then I say stick with a cheap camera.

 

[fjpatrum]

I have yet to see an underwater disposable camera (film or digital) that's rated past 30ft.

Here's just one of many: Snap Sights Disposable Underwater Camera with Flash - CrazyScuba.com

Go pro makes a head mounted strap for their cameras. If you decide to invest in that, you have video, can take picture stills during post editing, and with the head mounted strap your audience will see everything you see.

The only thing you have to worry about is how the strap would affect your mask skills.
Whether you want to invest in a Go Pro is a personal debate. What do you intend to do with it in the future? Actively share your experiences? Create/edit videos montages?

If it's just to show during an every so often family gathering then I say stick with a cheap camera.

I will dissent from the opinion that not having a camera is good. I always carry something and always have. I'm no photographer but I have some great pics of the things I've seen including "giant" lobsters (to my eye), rays, unusual looking fish, pretty fish, amazing reefs, and some plain old sand.

Having a cheap point and shoot camera is easy, inexpensive, and lets you remember and share the memories very well without drastically affecting your dive. If you're as comfortable as you seem a camera won't be any real extra work. I bought a cheap underwater P&S about 5 years ago for $160. It was a Sealife DC600, rebranded. I recently bought the DC1200 for ~$400. The pictures are about the same as what you can get from some cheaper models but I like the buttons on the housing so that's what I got. I use it as a P&S, or take video.

I am considering a gopro but when you add the flat lens housing/port (whatever is the appropriate term) and various mounting options it gets expensive very quickly. I'd buy something else first, personally, despite the quality of the images/video you get.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Back in the days of film, I swore by my simple little Sea and Sea MX 10, and took some prize winning photos with it. Some shops still keep them around as rentals. Most shops will rent you a digital camera as well, and some are quite simple. If you want to make it simpler still, I suggest a SeaLife, have the shop set the settings to automatic, and then just point and shoot. I am sure others will know of other simple cameras to use. I recomend renting a decent camera rather than the ones you referr to. The quality of your images, even "point and shoot" images, will be infinitely better. When you are ready to buy your own, there are decent digitals and housings you can acquire (some new, some slightly used) for a few hundred dollars.
DivemasterDennis

 

[TracysaCADiver]

What about a Sony Camera. I have the DSC-W560 and unfortunately Ikelite isn't going to make a housing for it, but Sony does. Ikelite does make one for the 530, and the only real difference (other than physical dimensions) is that the 560 does HD video (which also eats up the battery, btw). If all you're going to do is stills, then the DSC-W530 might be a better deal.

Taken from someone who has a 560 and has looked for a housing for it and has only found the Sony housing.

 

[Crush]

Ask and ye shall receive: Underwater Camera Articles: Best Point and Shoots of 2011

 

[haumana ronin]

Ask and ye shall receive: Underwater Camera Articles: Best Point and Shoots of 2011

Hmmm... Article says there are no good CHEAP cameras. Too bad...

:zen: