Canon 40D vs XSi Housing dilema

[bcgoose]

Well I thought I had made a good decision for a digital SLR. It wasn't easy but I decided to go with the 40D. Durability and sports action was some of the reasons... Anyways I have not bought the camera yet as I want to decide on an underwater housing for the 40D. It turns out that this housing is considerably more expensive than the XSi housing.
There is a mfgr out their called Nimar and I was hoping someone might have some experience with them or offer another housing that might be <$1500.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Ikelite | 6870.50 eTTL Housing f/ Canon 40D & 50D | 6870.50

$1430 including free shipping and a $100 gift card. This is comparable to the XSi housing (about $100 more). But it is less than the $1500.

 

[akscubainst]

I'd go with the 40D or now even a 50D but the Xsi is a nice camera as well. I don't shoot underwater but I have an XTI and am now looking at a 50D.

Honestly, if you're concerned over a few hundred $$ in underwater photography, you might want to rethink your DSLR plan all together. Once you have a camera and housing you still need strobes and a good lens (maybe more important than the camera body). A good WA lens alone is going to be $1000 or more, dual Strobes, arms and accessories are going to be at least that.

If you aren't prepared to throwdown the $$ you can still have a nice P&S system.

Dave

 

[dhaas]

bcgoose,

I try and be honest with folks and as akscubainst has mentioned a dSLR package will set you back a bit. Below are my HONEST price points for the 3 levels of underwater systems to get good photos.

These include a few spare parts considered critical when first purchasing your system. Like spare synch cords for when the guy on the dive boat yanks yours and it doesn't work while you're on your dream trip in Pago Pago

P&S Camera with a slave tripped accessory strobe and tray, a few spare NiMH batteries for the strobe with charger, decent sized memory cards, a spare camera battery and such - Approx. $900 - $1K

Mid-Sized "Bridge" camera (where you can attach hot shoe for REAL TTL strobe control.)

All of the above included based on a Canon G10 system with wider beam fast recycle strobe like an Ikelite DS160 - Approx. - $2,300 - $2400

Digital DLR package with Canon Rebel XSi, 18-55mm IS "kit" lens and port, spare camera battery and a couple DECENT sized SDHC cards (8GB?) plus housing, Extended Dome Port, DS160 strobe and spare parts - Approx. $3,500

The Rebel XSi is a HUGE bang for the buck. Durability for 99% of user is bunk. If you need 5-6 FPS (frames per second) for sports shooting then YES, a 40D or 50D might be what you NEED.

I'd rather have folks get realistic costs with everything they'll need to shoot underwater and parts to keep shooting then not know what they're signing up for........

YMMV !!

dhaas

www,haasimages.com

 

[bcgoose]

Thanks for everyones feedback! This is a great forum and tool to have at your disposal!!
I have a G9 and was thinking of going that direction. I've been using it for the last year or so and it always leaves me wanting for more....(greedy aren't I Anyways, I want the lens option, the fps option and I want the growth factor as well. That's why I'm leaning towards the 40D. Again, thanks for enlightening me with realistic costs.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Thanks for everyones feedback! This is a great forum and tool to have at your disposal!!
I have a G9 and was thinking of going that direction. I've been using it for the last year or so and it always leaves me wanting for more....(greedy aren't I Anyways, I want the lens option, the fps option and I want the growth factor as well. That's why I'm leaning towards the 40D. Again, thanks for enlightening me with realistic costs.

One thing to keep in mind. If you were to equip your G9 for underwater, then you are part way to shooting an SLR underwater in the future. The housing would run roughly $500+ for an Ike (lots of future growth potential for accessories etc.) or $170+ for a Canon housing (less seamless growth options). You can keep and re-use the strobes etc. which can be a huge savings. PLUS, while my shots do not show it, other people get some incredible (SLR like) pictures with a good P&S.

I currently sheet a Nikon Coolpix P5000 underwater in an Ike housing with a DS-125 strobe. Camera, housing, strobe, spares & Macro lens.....I am at about $2,600. Last I looked, to add a second strobe was going to run me about another $1000. I have recently bought an XSi for topside use only. When I eventually get around to investing in the XSi for underwater, I am at least a strobe and spare parts ahead.

 

[dhaas]

bcgoose,

As scubasteve001 says (and I preach all day long) anything you buy Ikelite strobes, arms, cords, etc. even if you initially go with housing your Canon G9 will be usable if you eventually house a dSLR.

Steve, the Rebel XSi is fantastic for underwater at a bargain price I have two bodies (as they are cheaper) and spent more on lenses, travel, that second strobe for better lighting, etc.

Heck the RAW files are 14 - 17 MB!

People love to debate specs but the proof is in the images. Plus it's still a light camera for traveling........I know people with original Digital Rebels having 75K clicks or more.....So the durability issue is hogwash to me.

Either way buying into an integrated SYSTEM as you state will keep any underwater shutterbug happy through several generations of gear.

dhaas

 

[bcgoose]

As far as durability goes I was more concerned with environmental factors. I hike and I'm in harsh environments like sands, salt water, mist, rain... and from what I've read the 40D has a much tougher exterior shell.

 

[akscubainst]

As far as durability goes I was more concerned with environmental factors. I hike and I'm in harsh environments like sands, salt water, mist, rain... and from what I've read the 40D has a much tougher exterior shell.

It does, It's also a bigger body than the Rebel Series and heavier. My Rebel is holding up fine but it's not as well built as the 40D.

The biggest issue I have with the Rebel is it's size. I added the extended grip because the camera is small and doesn't fit my hands. With the grip, it's much better.

Hey, If you're into surface photography, check out the NSOP link in my signature. It's a fun place to hang out and learn from others just getting into photography!

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I agree that the larger bodies (x0D and xD) are much friendlier to those with large hands. Though this is only a concern topside.