Decided on the 5060, last bit of help.

[bsvihrajr]

After weighing the differences between different cameras and prices, I've decided to get the C-5060. I was looking at the 5050 but don't do enough macro to warrent wet lens swapping, and dry is better anyway. Here's my list.

Olympus C-5060 Digital (5.1)
Ikelite C-5060 Housing
Ikelite DS-125 Strobe

Question with the strobe. Should I get the synch cord or manual? If I just get the synch now, can I upgrade to the manual by just getting the manual controller later on? How does all that hook up?

Will I be set just getting these three things for now and then getting lenses later?

In the future, I will get the following...

Ikelite DP-60 Dome Port
Olympus WCON-0.7x WACL

But question on this. What does the dome port really do? And can I use the WCON with the camera on dry land?

WHERE DO I BUY FROM? I saw ridiculously low prices at www.adorama.com so I was thinking about that, but want to make sure I get the right vendor and not void warrenties or whatever. Thanks.

 

[Dee]

For your Ikelite stuff, I'd get them from Ryan at Reef Photo and Video. Excellent to do business with and his customer service is sterling.

 

[bsvihrajr]

I'll contact him, thanks.

As far as the digital, does anyone have comments on www.buydig.com

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=OMC5060

Has the 5060 for 420$US

 

[RonFrank]

Try this...

http://www.stop4camera.com/shop/Product.asp?sku=C5060

From what I see, USA warranty, all manufactures accessories... I'd call them.

Adorama and B&H are generally GOOD. Good prices and not a lot of BS.

However, the C-7070 is out in a week, and expect to see the price of the 5060 sink to sub $400 FAST. I'm betting $375 or lower in a month.

The 7070 looks like a VERY good camera that is going to be faster, and with better resolution. The 5060 will close out and be unavailable withing 6-9 months.

Ohh, and yes you can use the WCON on dry land, that is WHAT it was designed for.

You can NOT use the WCON without the port however UW.

Ron

After weighing the differences between different cameras and prices, I've decided to get the C-5060. I was looking at the 5050 but don't do enough macro to warrent wet lens swapping, and dry is better anyway. Here's my list.

Olympus C-5060 Digital (5.1)
Ikelite C-5060 Housing
Ikelite DS-125 Strobe

Question with the strobe. Should I get the synch cord or manual? If I just get the synch now, can I upgrade to the manual by just getting the manual controller later on? How does all that hook up?

Will I be set just getting these three things for now and then getting lenses later?

In the future, I will get the following...

Ikelite DP-60 Dome Port
Olympus WCON-0.7x WACL

But question on this. What does the dome port really do? And can I use the WCON with the camera on dry land?

WHERE DO I BUY FROM? I saw ridiculously low prices at www.adorama.com so I was thinking about that, but want to make sure I get the right vendor and not void warrenties or whatever. Thanks.

 

[RonFrank]

I have used BuyDig for printer carts and paper on several occasions. Fast shipping, product as advertised, have NEVER had to call them, or deal with them face to face. I can NOT comment on customer service beyond placing an order, and receiving the product.

However they have the goods that you want IMO, USA warranty, NEW, and all manufacture included accessories is what I look for from a dealer.

Ron

I'll contact him, thanks.

As far as the digital, does anyone have comments on www.buydig.com

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=OMC5060

Has the 5060 for 420$US

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Hmmm there prices are great, 8080 for less than $620, yowza!

 

[ReyeR]

Question with the strobe. Should I get the synch cord or manual? If I just get the synch now, can I upgrade to the manual by just getting the manual controller later on? How does all that hook up?

Get a sync cord and start with TTL with the conversion circuitary. With this setup you can concentrate more on photography with one less thing to worry about ie adjusting your strobe power. Also, with this setup you can always switch to 4-step manual if you come across a difficult lighting situation. Later on, if you feel you want finer manual control you can add the mananual EV controller. You simply connect it to the housing with the sync cord you already have. However, you cannot switch between using TTL and using the manual controller underwater ie you will need to decide before the dive if you want TTL + 4-step manual control OR 10-step manual control only.

But question on this. What does the dome port really do? And can I use the WCON with the camera on dry land?

Yes, you can use the WCON on land, that is what it is designed for. It is a very sweet lens. Using a lens behind a dome allows the lens to preserve its land angle of coverage underwater. For example, the coverage of the C5060's standard lens at it's widest on land is 77°. Underwater and behind a flat port it'll give you a reduced angle of coverage of 56° at its widest. House it with a domeport and you get ~73°, very similar to what you get on land.

 

[Dee]

I bought Beast's 5050 from BuyDig.com. Great transaction, it was shipped immediately and was exactly as advertised. Full warranty and all the accessories listed. I would easily order from them again.