good beginner set for photos and videos

[fish80]

Hi Scuba Board,

I am a beginner in photography/videography.

I am asking your advice as I would like to buy my first camera for videos and pictures underwater. What I would like to have is a camera flexible enough to allow me to take movies of "macros" but also of larger animals like sharks etc. Maybe I am asking too much? I am going to hawaii in 3 weeks time and I would like to preserve some good memories.

From what I understand, a possibility is to use a gopro or similar cameras, but i tried the gopro of a friend while snorkeling and the wide angle makes everything look so far away, that I do not like it very much. I know there is a possible macro lens but I am not sure how well it works.

Other options would be to use a good normal camera with a case, such as canon or specific for diving like sealife. I think I will need to include also video lights.

As you see I have done some research but still I do not have a clear idea of what to go for. I am very open to buy used items so to save on the budget. Any advice from experienced guys like you would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much!

Carlo

 

[Tigerman]

Theres a couple of questions Id need answered to give any specific advice and that is good for you to ask yourself too..

What is your budget?
Are you going to do mostly video of photo? Maybe a proper video setup is what you really want?

 

[fish80]

yes i am probably more keen to make nice videos rather than amazing photos.

The budget depends, ideally I would like to spend around 500$ or even better less (that's why I am suggesting used items) but if it is really worth it I can add some money to it.

I would just like an idea of what type of cameras give decent quality and then I can look on-line or on craigslist for some deals. For instance I found a sealife DC1400 with video light for about 500$ on ebay. Is it a good option for what I want to get out of it?

Thanks a lot!

 

[diver 85]

There's a couple of the 'Big 2 or 3'----like Backscatter, Bluewater Photo, Optical Ocean Sales, etc..I'd make a list & start calling these guys.....The choice could be mind-bogglin'(so many to chose from)--too bad you don't have a good 'UW photo-taker' buddy that you could talk to eyeball to eyeball--& pick his/her brain.....

PS....here's an article I found that might help.......good luck in your decision.....
Underwater Photography & Video Portal

 

[Tigerman]

There is some accessories for the gopro that will enable it to shoot better under water, like the Macromate Mini Underwater Macro Lens for GoPro FLIP Systems | Flip3.1 GoPro Hero3 Filters
I have to say I'm not too into video though, as what I shoot is probably 99,98% stills...

 

[fish80]

thanks guys!

I am kind of narrowing it down to

a) a sealife DC1400 with video lights which I can get for about 500$ or

b) a gopro3 (black? Or silver to save 100$, how worse that would be?) with a red lens and a macro lens, which would be more or less the same price

Which of the 2 would you go for?

Thanks again everybody!

 

[scubaguy655]

I just returned from a trip using a gopro hero 3+ black for the first time. I have been taking stills for years and I must admit that at least for now I am sold on the gopro. With a red filter it takes amazingly colorful, clear video.

That being said, it did not impress me with macro ability although I have not tried any of the so called macro lenses yet.......

 

[MB NZ]

Re: GoPro Hero 3. Make sure that you get the "+" model as the battery life is longer and it allegedly performs better in low light.

If you want to make good quality videos, the cost of the actual GoPro camera is only a fraction of the total cost once you have bought an LCD display, spare batteries, chargers, red filter, macro lens, base tray, arms, connectors and lights etc. My GoPro cost half of one of my two video lights!

If you want to keep it simple/cheap, a basic grip or tray plus a red filter will give nice results if the natural light is good. I'm happy with my Polar Pro glass red filter.

The GoPro can produce some pleasing stills, but they're not going to be competition winners.

As for macro capabilities. Unmodified, the GoPro just can't do it. I tried the Polar Pro glass macro lens and it was a waste of time. It focuses at around 8 inches.

I've just received the Backscatter Macromate Mini lens. Haven't got it in the water yet, but it seems to live up to the hype in my topside test. It focuses at 3 - 4 inches. Here's a still of my cat taken at this distance.

 

[fish80]

thanks guys!

So for filming at most at 60ft (but mainly between 20 to 50ft) in hawaiian waters the gopro3 with no lights (but with the red filter) can do the trick right? And you reckon it will be better than the sealife right? I am asking cause I don't think I can afford both gopro3 and lights... if i need the ligths to have good quality from the gopro i would rather go for the sealife which comes with lights for the same price.

BTW black or silver? Another post was suggesting that the silver should be good enough.

Thanks!


BTW your cat looks pretty cool andrew, and the focus is amazing!

 

[MB NZ]

The GoPro will make fine videos without lights, you just need to understand the limitations. I made this without lights: https://vimeo.com/73124532

I would go Black rather than Silver because it is meant to be better in low light.

Can't comment on the Sealife, but light is important whatever camera you use.

...and yes, Kiwi-Cat is a very cool cat