Canon EOS550D (Rebel T2i) with Ikelite casing or Sony RX-100 with Nauticam casing

[Progen]

I have a Canon EOS550D which I got in 2010. Obviously the cheapest underwater housing for it is the Ikelite at close to USD1,400 (will be a hundred or two past that after factoring in shipping and the relevant port) so I was wondering whether I should go for the Sony RX-100 with a Nauticam casing which together will come up to the cost of the Ikelite housing for the Canon.

Assuming that I put some effort into my phototaking AND diving, will I get noticeably better photos with the DSLR with its kit 18.55mm lens or should I just go for the Sony and Nauticam combo?

 

[dhaas]

Progen,

Any SLR with a much larger sensor will blow away detail ad resolution of a compact rig.

Even the lowly Canon 18-55mm EF-S IS lens wil produce great images. See below shot on Canon Rebel XT which was only 8 Megapixel but an APS-C size sensor.

You can also likely find a used housing for your Canon Rebel T2i needing to add a port and strobe to get you started.

Since you already own the SLR I'd say that's your better choice.

David Haas
www.haasimages.com

 

[Hetland]

I've heard great things about Ikelite's compact housings, and not-so-great things about their ported housings. Ask some folks that have used the ported housings.

 

[Progen]

I guess I'll go with the Sony RX-100 with an Ikelite housing for now. Where I am, the average salary is about USD300 - 400 and although I'm lucky enough to be above that by quite a bit, it's still a heavy investment to get even the Ikelite casing and the relevant port for my humble EOS550D.

 

[calypsonick]

Progen - I used an ikelite for my Olympus E330 for over 300 dives and switched ports between flat and dome frequently and never had a problem. I cleaned the O-rings every time and used the same ones that came with the housing and ports without ever having a problem. I just got an ikelite for my Canon T3i and having a small issue with one button that does not want to stay down when I push and twist to keep the aperture button depressed but otherwise it works nicely. HTH - Nick

 

[Progen]

Thanks, Nick. If I keep the EOS550D, I might get an underwater casing for it one day but right now, my finances are a bit stretched towards the different PADI courses and a decent underwater camera / housing which won't cost a few months pay.