Canon Lover - Newbie UW Advice

[dnishio]

Hello and thank you in advance to all those that can offer their assistance.

I am new to scuba but not to Canon cameras as I have the Canon EOS 1N RS and also the Canon EOS 10D, there is also a Canon S70 around the house for small portable use.

My question is if I want to delve into the fun and exciting world of uw phtography with a good mid-level set-up, what would you recommend. If it helps, my diving is primarily based in the Los Angeles, CA area with occasional tropical trips. I also believe that I want to be at a 5.0 MP level or higher as well as a DSLR that gives me the ability to use the microdrives for increased storage. Would you recommend I start with the S70 and find a housing due to costs of the housing and get familiar with things before investing in hihg-end equipment?

Any advice and consult would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Don

 

[hvulin]

first of all, welcome to the board!

you can start with UW photography with your S70 since it's the lowest cost and if you don't like it you won't be too sorry....

Other cameras are great but don't forget that it takes a lot of money for even a basic uw setup with that beasts and ask yourself this: are you ok with the possibility of a leak and a damaged SLR camera?

 

[subtidal]

...get better at your bouyancy and get more familiar with your equipment before bringing the camera with you. This will help prevent accidentally touching the reef or other lifeforms underwater. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the scuba gear you already have, before bringing a camera into the mix.

 

[dnishio]

Thanks Hvulin that is what I was thinking at least to get started and see how things go from there. Still a decent capital investment for the entry level but nothing compared to where I could end up when I get addicted.

Subtidal, thanks for the advice. I definitely will be working on basic skills prior to diving into the uw photo realm. I am looking to get working on the textbook basics and financial planning for the hobby while polishing my basic skills and continuing with advanced classes and specialties.

 

[subtidal]

Sounds like you definitely have the right attitude. I'd highly recommend a buoyancy class to assist you with your ever-progressing skills.

 

[RonFrank]

Other than the slow response, and somewhat less than perfect low light focusing, the S70 would make an AWESOME choice as a starter setup.

As you already own one, the housing I think is about $160 or DIRT CHEAP for a reasonable UW setup.

If you find you are really into it, then you can look into a DSLR. You can ALSO add an excellent strobe to the S70 setup initially, and then that can become the basis for the DSLR light setup after you are ready to dump a couple grand into the mix.

For a good DSLR setup including a strobe, you are looking at a Minimum of $2800.

 

[dnishio]

RonFrank, thanks so much for the advice, can I trouble you or anyone else out there for recommendations or pros/cons on housing and strobe lights? Links to other posts would be more than appreciated.

 

[tedtim]

I use a Canon A70 with the Canon Case WP-DC700 and find it easy enough to use. The case fits the camera well. It did flood last year, and Canon replaced both the camera and case because the case was just six months old.

For a strobe I use an Ikelite DS50 with the TTL Slave Sensor. It is mounted on an Ikelite tray that fastens to the bottom of the underwater case.

I am not a pro, so I have spent a bunch of time playing with the strobe settings. The case came with a diffuser filter that fit over the camera flash. I replaced this with a black piece of plastic so that the only flash comes from the strobe.

I am happy with the photos. The strobe setup cost more than the camera, but it is worth it .