From dinosaur to digital.......

[arfy]

I've decided at long last to ditch film and buy myself a decent digital camera, primarily for underwater use.

I currently own a Sea & Sea MMII Ex film camera, and have good experience of using this. However, my experience of digitial is zilch.

Needless to say I need advice as to which camera to go for, and need one that meets the following criteria :

- semi-manual ie has both automatic and manual features
- video facility
- be able to attach my Sea & Sea MMII Ex 20mm wide angle lens (and also my macro lens if possible)
- option to attach strobe(s) (i have a ys-60 strobe for my film camera - is this compatible with digital, i presume not?)
- minimum 40m depth rating

Also :

- I've heard about white-balance - is this a sort of light metering system and is it a pre-requisite / how useful is it?
- does anyone use 2 strobes on their digital and is it worth the extra cost ?
- are you able to change the aperture on a digitial camera ?

I have a budget of around up to £1,000 ($1800) including any extras such as a strobe

Many thanks in advance for replies

Ben

 

[alcina]

Ben -

OK, start by having a look at the recent threads here about various models as they will answer most of your questions.

I would, personally, head towards the Canon A series cameras. The only feature they lack that I'd really like to see is RAW capabilities, but for my "backup" and "just get out there and shoot" camera I am willing to sacrifice that. The new A620 is getting some great reviews and adding the Ike housing allows you to attach Inon lenses. You will need to contact the manufacturer of the housing you choose for any camera to make sure you can still use your Sea & Sea add ons.

yes, almost any housing can accept a strobe. You may need a different cable, though.

White balance - very easy, great to help with colour rendition without a strobe. Nice if it is easy uw or you won't use it.

2 strobes - wonderful if you can afford it and if you are willing to do the work to learn to do it properly. A single strobe is how most people start when they add externals...then add a second strobe when they are ready. I still don't use a second strobe right now.

Changing aperture and shutter are mandatory for any system that I would want as a primary, IMHO. Watch out for "manual' or "semi manual" digitals as they sometimes don't really offer control of these two vital aspects.

www.dpreview.com and www.steves-digicams.com should help you get started in selecting a camera. www.digideep.com will let you know what housing options you have. www,reefphoto.com ryan is very helpful in getting a system that suits YOU and your needs.

Happy shopping.