Getting Started

[H20Bubbles]

So going along the lines of not fitting the 20D and going a point and shoot method... here is what I am thinking.

Canon Powershot A620 ($399.99)

#6140.62 Ikelite Housing for Canon A620 Compact Digital Cameras ($269.95)
#9523.31 Tray with Release Handle ...... $52.95
#3944.75 DS125 Digital Package includes ($925.00):
#4104.6 Manual EV Controller
#4065 DS-125 SubStrobe
Ikelite Deluxe 1" Ball Arm
#USA Smart Charger


Total: $1647.89

 

[alcina]

That would work.

You can add macro and WA lenses to this system (I'm pretty sure!) later as your needs develop.

This looks like it comes out to be, because of that strobe, about the same as if you house the 20D. The advantages that I see in going this route are:
- quicker learning curve
- now have a backup camera and a go anywhere land camera where the 20D is too much to drag along
- the strobe and Ike bits will move with your system
- more flexibility underwater than with the 20D as you can get wet mate lenses
- smaller, easier to travel with and easier to dive with
- great for snorkelling, too
- easy to hand off to someone so he/she can take a photo of you - try that with a housed DSLR and someone who has never taken a photo before

Tough choices, eh?!

 

[Warren_L]

So going along the lines of not fitting the 20D and going a point and shoot method... here is what I am thinking.

Canon Powershot A620 ($399.99)

#6140.62 Ikelite Housing for Canon A620 Compact Digital Cameras ($269.95)
#9523.31 Tray with Release Handle ...... $52.95
#3944.75 DS125 Digital Package includes ($925.00):
#4104.6 Manual EV Controller
#4065 DS-125 SubStrobe
Ikelite Deluxe 1" Ball Arm
#USA Smart Charger


Total: $1647.89

Looks like that will do just fine.

 

[O'Malley]

Canon Powershot A620 ($399.99)

#6140.62 Ikelite Housing for Canon A620 Compact Digital Cameras ($269.95)
#9523.31 Tray with Release Handle ...... $52.95
#3944.75 DS125 Digital Package includes ($925.00):
#4104.6 Manual EV Controller
#4065 DS-125 SubStrobe
Ikelite Deluxe 1" Ball Arm
#USA Smart Charger

I went with the identical set-up and will be ordering the Ikelite housing as well. The Curacao album in my photo gallery was taken with this but keep in mind...I'm brand spankin' new to UW photography. Overall, however, I have been very pleased.

 

[H20Bubbles]

You can add macro and WA lenses to this system (I'm pretty sure!) later as your needs develop.

Yes, Iklite says that there are options for adding WA lenses on, so that would be a plus.

This looks like it comes out to be, because of that strobe, about the same as if you house the 20D.

Still not quite the cost of housing the 20D. I figure either way, the stobe is necessary so the difference really comes out to the cost of the 20D housing & cables vs. the cost of the new camera & housing. Even so, the 20D housing is still more than the new camera and housing combined.

I do like this option as the stobe could move up with the system if I do decide to house the 20D - which will probably happen at some point. Like you said, this also provides a backup or a nice system for my wife when that time comes as well.

- easy to hand off to someone so he/she can take a photo of you - try that with a housed DSLR and someone who has never taken a photo before

This made me laugh, because it is so true. I can't imagine handing the 20D to my wife and saying go at it. She got it for me as our engagement present, but it scares her even in fully automatic mode.

I appreciate everyone's input and feedback.

And O'Malley, thanks for sharing the advice on your setup and having the photo gallery to view. I imagine that my pictures will all start the same way, but it does seem that there are some good ones in there.