Digital Camera (for NE Waters)

[salub2007]

HI
I am a new diver getting into digital photography. Are there any seasoned vets.
out there or photography masters that can lead me in the right direction. I'm not looking to start my underwater photo career until next year. Looking to buy a camera in November, and take the PADI Underwater Photo class in December. I was eyeing the SeaLife DC1000. Is this a good buy. With a strobe I have seen deals for around 800 dollars. Starting out I would like a nice camera not a hand-me-down monster that takes medeocre films. I am a very avid photographer on land, have HP cameras of my own, so photography underwater should be an easy transition I hope. So this is the position i am in. Any help you could provide would be great.
Thanks,
Mark b
Salub2000

 

[RIOceanographer]

I am definitely not a "seasoned vet" when it comes to photography, but I've dabbled. Sounds like you are probably looking for a point and shoot rather than an SLR if you are looking at the SeaLife.

The general suggestions I'd make are:
1. Don't limit yourself to the dedicated UW cameras like the Sea Life. I am not saying it is a bad option (never used one personally so I can't offer an imformed opinion), it may turn out to be right for you, but you can get housing for a lot of the major brand cameras (Canon, Nikon, Olympus) from companies like Ikelite and others. So focus on getting the best camera in your price range that someone makes a housing for, regardless of whether it is marketed as an "UW camera".

2. Make sure whatever camera you buy has manual control over things like aperture and shutter speed. Some of the point and shoot cameras give you full manual control over nearly everything if you want it and some don't. Being able to have lots of manual control is really key to be able to compose good shots underwater in difficult lighting conditions.

3. It can be tricky reading the display underwater when you are tinkering with the settings. Make sure the display is big and easy to read.

4. It is tough to get the specs on this, you won't find it on the product tag at Best Buy, but you want a camera with a wide dynamic range. Since you are into digital photography you probably already know what this is, but just in case, here is a decent explanation: Dynamic Range: Digital Imaging: Glossary: Learn: Digital Photography Review

Since the lighting UW can vary a lot in a single shot (for example something close up lit by the strobe, and then the poorly lit background) a good dynamic range is very helpful.

5. You also want a camera that does well in low lighting.

There are some good books on UW digital photography out there. I own this one and found it to be a good starting point:
Amazon.com: Master Guide for Underwater Digital Photography: Jack Drafahl, Sue Drafahl: Books

Good luck and be sure to post your pictures when you get all set up!

 

[fencingfish]

Definitely don't discount the other brands out there and an under water housing! I got an underwater housing for my point-n-shoot canon powershot. It has a huge display screen, manual controls for just about everything, and an underwater setting. I've honestly found that some of my best pictures were on the auto setting, even in new england waters, though sunny days are better, light-wise. It's been great for getting comfortable with a camera underwater and manipulating the controls and settings while wearing bulky mitts. I would really like to take an UW photography class, maybe I will in December, but for now, it's serving me well. I'm just waiting for a sunny day to take it out again.

.....just make sure that the housing is fully sealed before you take it under water......that's an expensive oops that you only make once, though on the plus side, Amazon has some pretty good used deals... :ermm:

 

[ScubaSarus]

I Just sold my replacement sealife camera on ebay. It lasted 9 months before dying on me. It seemed too good to be true to have an all in one camera. The camera was used mostly topside also. All ocean pictures even in bright conditions came out grainy. Lake pics in bright cond'S were OK.

My suggestion is to get a good DSLR camera and case and strobe for it.

Point and shoot cameras are awful in CT waters because they are too dark. All point and shoot cameras have taking pictures in dark areas as a major weakness. In a clear lake like Westhill or Bashan at 10 ft on a sunny day, Sealife Cameras are fine.

After doing research, I conclude P&S cameras are no good for NE waters unless you have an absolutely good strobe. But look at Tampico ED's pictures and you will see why DSLR flourishes. And I believe he wants to upgrade to a Cannon EOS.

If your serious about photography, I'd go with DSLR and a good case and strobe it will make a world of difference and you'd be able to highlight and articulate whats we have here in NE. You just have to compare P&S picts to ED's DSLR pics to see the difference.

Where are some links to Ed's pics ??? I should start a new thread requesting the best of people's NE pics and what camera equip was used and the conditions.

PS I bought a Cannon SX110 with the proceedes and its an excellent PS camera. If you go the camera and case route, definitely consider a Canon. I'm sure you know about options such as ISO and the importance of having Shutter or Aperature priority settings plus Manual shutter and aperature.

 

[Cecil]

I would not totally discount Point and Shoots. I've been using one in NE for 6 or 7 years now. I've been satisfied with the results. Here's a couple from a month ago.

These were taken with an Olympus 1010 internal flash. New camera to me and still getting it dialed in. Previously I have used a Sony P150 (many examples on my web page). Both of these are small and will fit in a BCD pocket when getting in or out.

I would avoid the Sealife, a good choice right now is an Olympus 6000 or 8000 both waterproof without a housing, nice for the beach or snorkeling. This also could save your camera when your UW housing leaks.

 

[ScubaSarus]

I think he wants top quality though as he wants to do professional like pictures.

That's what I'm thinking.

 

[Rainer]

I think he wants top quality though as he wants to do professional like pictures.

That's what I'm thinking.

LOL, with 0-24 dives, you think he should drop $5K on an underwater DLSR setup? And professional photos isn't exactly what I think of when I hear PADI UW Photog specialty, if you know what I mean.

You can get stunning UW photos from higher-end P&S (e.g. G10) for much less than a DSLR rig. Yes, even in NE waters.

Really don't see the point in dropping a ton of cash on something before you're even sure you'd like it (much less diving for that matter). Pick up a P&S and housing for $300, add a decent strobe ($300-800, less used) and see if you like diving and shooting underwater before you go break the bank. At least, that's my advice.

 

[ScubaSarus]

He can get a DSLR for about $500 at Bestbuy.

The DC1000 is about $500 at BH Photo ; so the case would be excess the cost. When he mentions he wanted an underwater photography career and is an avid photographer, I may have put too much thought into assuming he wants professional results. DSLR makes a world of difference when focusing on your subjects in low light.

Here is a nice description and pros and cons:

http://www.digifish.nl/en/tips/compact_or_slr.html

http://www.woodburnphoto.co.za/About/ChooseDSLrhousing/tabid/9107/Default.aspx

Guidelines for DSLR housings

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4489070

But now looking at these, the DSLR is bulky and the case probably more expensive than a PS camera case. I'm starting to see your point, it is a big step to underwater DSLR.

 

[Rainer]

Do you shoot a DSLR above water? I can assure you, topside the cost is high. Adding a housing (most in the $1000 and up range), a few lenses (each at least $500), dome ports (hundreds $), cables (hundreds $), strobes (thousands $), and other odds and ends (hundreds $) is not for those who aren't sure they want it (or without limitless pocketbooks). Also, one must consider that a DSLR (especially with dual strobes) is inherently more complex than a P&S, and requires a large learning curve. Not to mention how large such rigs are.

In any case, why not get in 50 or so dives before adding a camera? Good UW photography usually requires good UW dive skills. Those aren't as easily bought at Best Buy...

 

[ScubaSarus]

I was teetering on the edge of going DSLR but after seeing the equipment of the nature photographers I met, I decided point and shoot.

I mountain bike with the camera and don't think I could do that with a DSLR. I would also need a good tripod probably. I think PS cameras are great for being on the move and to slide in a pocket and be there at a moments notice.

I do have focus issues shooting in the woods and have to raise the ISO which introduces graininess and possibly blurriness to the picture. I understand you wouldn't have to do that with DSLR .

I took me 8 shots to get one infocus shot of this guy because the camera kept giving me focus warnings that goes away if I increase the ISO to 400 or more. I had to get closer than I like to to get these pics. You'll will notice the first picture being out of focus because the point and shoot focus mechanism doesn't do well in darkish environments. The second picture I increased the ISO to 400 which is the threshold for a fairly good picture from my camera as above ISO 400 the pics get grainy on many PS cameras.

A DSLR would have probably gotten good pictures right away from more of a distance.