DSLR Advice Sought

[Hutchel]

OK it's time to upgrade - the DC500 is now for sale (with its strobe). I am not afraid of the world of Manual (I prefer it on land actually).

I'm sure this gets asked around here often - although I can't seem to find a current thread.

I am interested in what you'll think is a reasonable entry back into the world of SLR (digital in this case). I have never had an SLR that was even autofocus - that's how manual I usually work! I've had the Nikon D80 in my hands recently and also the Olympus E510 (although it appears that a housing is not for the Olympus is not readily available). These are not the only cameras that I am considering so it's open season for all you who have specific favorites. I really would like to know WHY a given camera is your favorite (or why one is not). The pics I just took with the Sea Life are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hutchinsel and I had to spend way to much time forcing the DC500 to do things it wasn't designed to do (even though the pics on Flickr came out OK - I took over 600 in 6 days of diving - there's 78 on Flickr) and then hours in Photoshop. I am strictly a hobbyist - HOWEVER I recognize the importance of a tool that is properly crafted and designed for the job - I am also a woodworker and have a basement full of specialty tools for just that reason. I expect to spend around $4K by the time I have a housing, camera, lenses and a new strobe set.

thoughts/comments?

Lee

 

[mikerault]

I like the Canon 20D, but it is replaced by the 30D. Both have housings from Ikelite. You can get the 30D, kit lens, Ikelite housing with strobe for about 4K ($1000.00 camera kit (BH Photo) and $2000.00 for the housing with Strobe (Reefphoto.com) and $1000.00 for a 100mm macro and flat port.)

Mike

 

[alcina]

I honestly don't think you can go wrong with any of the Nikon or Canon dslrs. Best thing to do it get to a camera store and get them in your hands and see which one floats your boat the most. There are quite similar features and lenses available, more or less, for both. The Oly models are pretty popular and certainly capable of lovely images, too.

Canon is generally thought to currently have the advantage if you are shooting higher ISOs but many people won't even notice or use that so it might not be an issue for you. It's not terribly helpful underwater, though it can have its uses.

Nikon has the lovely 10.5mm lens that Canon doesn't offer...but it's not a deal breaker for me, anyway.

Consider your budget - camera, lenses, housings, ports, synch cords, strobe (or two), etc...the list goes on and on and it is not cheap to take a dslr underwater.

Make sure there is a housing with a good choice of ports for the models you are looking at.

The Canon Rebel 400 is a nice camera and the SeaTool housing is SWEET! There are lots of alternative options, of course.

Have a look at the Pink Link (also a Sticky) in my signature as there is a bunch of info on going DSLR and about various lenses that you might consider.

If you don't dive a lot, you might want to consider one of the great compacts that are available...Canon A or S series, the Canon G7, Olympus 350...those are only some of the models that will allow your photography skills to grow and that should offer you better results than your current set-up. You can use the difference in price to go on more diving trips!

HTH

 

[Wolverine]

Hmm, as Alcina said, both Canon and Nikon are good DSLRs and almost all housing producers support their cameras. I personally prefer the Nikon because I like the large and bright view finder. You will be surprised how important that is underwater. Apart from that, I also like the camera ergonomically, though that is more from a topside perspective. If you do not have any legacy lenses, try both makers out. See what suits you better.

As for cost, either the D80, or the 400D should suit. Might have to go with an Ikelite housing though, cos the aluminium housings would cost at least 1k more.

 

[victor]

The cost of the body is not that significant compared to the cost of lenses, housing, ports, and strobes. Therfore I would go for the best body you can afford.
If you are going to use it as a land camera then how it feels, ease of use, etc as a land camera may be the best pointer as to which manufacturer to use.
Like you I was without autofocus on my land based SLR and I am strugling to use it with my 8080 in macro and super macro mode.
I plan to switch to a DSLR in the near future but I am still researching my options, currently it looks like a Nikon D200, Nikon 60mm macro, Sigma 17-70, and I would love the 10.5. Housing and strobes are still undecided.
Please post your conclusions as I am very interested and can still be swayed.

 

[mjh]

You might want to consider buying a "slightly used" setup off the classifieds here, wetpixel, digital diver, etc... 4k seems like a lot but goes fast with a couple of lenses, strobes and ports. There are people always getting out of the hobby, early adopters buying the newest thing and you can save a fair amount on some excellent systems.

 

[f3nikon]

If you like manual control, you should consider the Canon A630/640, 8/10mp digital compacts with a Canon housing. This combination may change your mind on getting a DSLR for U/W macro/med. angle shooting.

Camera $190/$260

Housing $170

Strobe tray/arms included $200

IMO this setup is the one to beat in U/W macro/med. shooting.

 

[MarkH]

It doesn't have to be expensive. My setup:
Canon Rebel XT= $700 (the first camera I've ever bough new).
Ikelite Housing = $35 from Ebay
Ikelite strobe housing= $9 from Ebay
Flash to put in strobe housing=$3.99 from Value Village
Zenitar fisheye lens (Russian)= $120

By the way, regarding DSLRs, the one major downside to the XT (I'm not sure how this applies to other models) compared to my old manual SLRs is that there's no focusing screen so it's hard to use manual focus.

 

[alcina]

Great deals you found As a total non-DIYer, I just fork over the money

 

[jsharkie]

I like the D200 myself, because it's a 10 megapixel camera that works awesome in any of the housings available for it. The camera is one of Nikon's best DSLRs right now, and will give you the quality and manual control that you want underwater and on land.

PS Your pics on flickr are awesome (especailly for using the DC500)!!!

Julie Swing

Digital Photo Specialist
H2O Photo Pros
Underwater Photo and Video
http://www.h2ophotopros.com