This is an excerpt from my last underwater photo seminar. The MX-5 is not mentioned because I don't recommend cameras that have no strobe option. Excuse the format. It's a cut and paste.
Chapter 2
Cameras Options for Underwater Photography
There are many types of cameras for underwater use. While it is impossible to cover them all in any detail, I will discuss some of the features of several models. Each type has advantages and disadvantages and encompass a wide range of prices. Each type of system addresses exposure control differently.
Point and Shoots
Point and shoot film cameras try to make it easier and simpler to take underwater pictures. We previously discussed the elements of exposure. Point and shoots simply take matters into their own hands and determine exposure for you. All point and shoots use a fixed shutter speed. Some allow you change your aperture (f-stop), while others simply pick one for you. All you have to do is fire away. These cameras can produce excellent results when used to their fullest potential. There are definite limitations in picture quality (sorry, no National Geographic photo spreads), but can generate very pleasing photos. They are simple to use, but technique is critical (see tips and techniques section). Standard lenses require a minimum distance from the subject of as much as four feet, while the strobe can only produce light to about five feet. This means you have to be pretty spot on with your distance estimation.
There are many brands, often with several models within that brand. The following list and discussion focuses on only those that have the ability to add a strobe. I consider this critical to maximizing the potential of any system.
Ikelite Auto 35
The Ikelite Auto 35 consists of a 35mm camera in a clear polycarbonate plastic housing. The camera features DX coding (automatically reads the film speed), auto advance, auto rewind and uses a 28mm underwater lens.
Advantages:
· Good optics
· Optional strobe
· Optional macro add-on lens
· Ikelite reputation for quality and service
· Focuses as close as two feet.
· Best value of any underwater camera
Disadvantages:
· No wide angle lens options
· Limited strobe power
· No strobe power settings
· No user controllable exposure settings
· Positively buoyant
SeaLife Reefmaster RC
The SeaLife Reefmaster provides reasonable quality with many optional additions allowing for a complete system covering a wide range of photo possibilities.
Advantages:
· Strobe position and can actually have two strobes
· Choice of 3x, 8x and 16x add-on macro lens reducing focus distance to as little as 8
· Add-on lenses can be placed and removed underwater
· Excellent optics
Disadvantages:
· No wide angle lens options
· Limited strobe power
· No strobe power settings
· No user controllable exposure settings
· Positively buoyant
· Awkward fit on add on lenses
Sea & Sea MX-10
The MX-10 is an amphibious camera (as opposed to a camera inside a housing). It features auto advance, auto rewind, manual film speed setting of ISO100 or 400. The standard lens is 32mm.
Advantages:
· High quality Sea & Sea optics
· Accessory 20mm wide angle, close-up and macro lens (all bayonet mount)
· Lenses interchangeable underwater
· Quality photos above land with standard lens
· User set aperture (f-stop)
Disadvantages:
· High cost (over $1000 with all accessories)
· Strobe is in a fixed position too close to camera lens (causes backscatter)
Chapter 2
Cameras Options for Underwater Photography
There are many types of cameras for underwater use. While it is impossible to cover them all in any detail, I will discuss some of the features of several models. Each type has advantages and disadvantages and encompass a wide range of prices. Each type of system addresses exposure control differently.
Point and Shoots
Point and shoot film cameras try to make it easier and simpler to take underwater pictures. We previously discussed the elements of exposure. Point and shoots simply take matters into their own hands and determine exposure for you. All point and shoots use a fixed shutter speed. Some allow you change your aperture (f-stop), while others simply pick one for you. All you have to do is fire away. These cameras can produce excellent results when used to their fullest potential. There are definite limitations in picture quality (sorry, no National Geographic photo spreads), but can generate very pleasing photos. They are simple to use, but technique is critical (see tips and techniques section). Standard lenses require a minimum distance from the subject of as much as four feet, while the strobe can only produce light to about five feet. This means you have to be pretty spot on with your distance estimation.
There are many brands, often with several models within that brand. The following list and discussion focuses on only those that have the ability to add a strobe. I consider this critical to maximizing the potential of any system.
Ikelite Auto 35
The Ikelite Auto 35 consists of a 35mm camera in a clear polycarbonate plastic housing. The camera features DX coding (automatically reads the film speed), auto advance, auto rewind and uses a 28mm underwater lens.
Advantages:
· Good optics
· Optional strobe
· Optional macro add-on lens
· Ikelite reputation for quality and service
· Focuses as close as two feet.
· Best value of any underwater camera
Disadvantages:
· No wide angle lens options
· Limited strobe power
· No strobe power settings
· No user controllable exposure settings
· Positively buoyant
SeaLife Reefmaster RC
The SeaLife Reefmaster provides reasonable quality with many optional additions allowing for a complete system covering a wide range of photo possibilities.
Advantages:
· Strobe position and can actually have two strobes
· Choice of 3x, 8x and 16x add-on macro lens reducing focus distance to as little as 8
· Add-on lenses can be placed and removed underwater
· Excellent optics
Disadvantages:
· No wide angle lens options
· Limited strobe power
· No strobe power settings
· No user controllable exposure settings
· Positively buoyant
· Awkward fit on add on lenses
Sea & Sea MX-10
The MX-10 is an amphibious camera (as opposed to a camera inside a housing). It features auto advance, auto rewind, manual film speed setting of ISO100 or 400. The standard lens is 32mm.
Advantages:
· High quality Sea & Sea optics
· Accessory 20mm wide angle, close-up and macro lens (all bayonet mount)
· Lenses interchangeable underwater
· Quality photos above land with standard lens
· User set aperture (f-stop)
Disadvantages:
· High cost (over $1000 with all accessories)
· Strobe is in a fixed position too close to camera lens (causes backscatter)
