Help needed with UW Photography

[AGruebele]

I currently own a Nikon D5000 DSLR camera and am wanting to use it while diving. I have found a few housings (ikelite, plastic bags) for my camera. I am new to diving and would really like to get my own gear but would really like to get a housing for my camera. So what I am looking for is a quality but affordable housing. Whats on the market that meets that criteria? Or if there is anyone interested in selling a housing for a D5000 I would like to hear from you.

 

[fisheyeview]

First off welcome to the board. You might want to check with Reef Photo. Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

 

[Ardy]

Do not under any circumstance take your camera diving in a bag. Ikelite is the generally lesser expensive version, there are a lot of users out there but I prefer something out of metal (although I don't have that at the moment).

For a start nothing is cheap once you add on ports gears handles strobes etc etc and if you struggle to get 4k min together, you might be better off with something else uw.

 

[Puffer Fish]

Would like to second that welcome....

jumping into diving and directly into a D5000 in a case is usually not advised. First because you need to get your diving skills and second because that can be one major expense and with a full set of gear takes some additional handling skills.

While learning diving, just take the time to read, talk to and ask questions (like you just did)...great sport, great fun as long as you learn to walk before you run.

 

[Michael Kazma]

Welcome aboard.

Ikelite is the way to go with housing for DSLR if price is your boundary. Depending on what types of photography/lens you plan on using then you will need to look at ports and strobes also.

As already mentioned, diving with a DSLR housing is challenging as they are big, need hands to operate and you buoyancy must be perfect. Just develop your diving skills before you attempt to bring one underwater with you.

 

[Doubler]

"Affordable Housing" for a DSLR usually means about $1800 with ports. You will be getting a new camera if you go the plastic bag route. Another route could be the Olympus EP1 with Housing for around $1200.

 

[AGruebele]

I know not to put a camera in one of those "plastic bag" housings. I was just using that as an example of things seen on the market. But I do appreciate the concern. There are people out there who would use them.

 

[mozaik]

I agree with the comments that a DSLR would not be recommended as the first camera to dive with. There are some nice alternatives in the market that will get you started.

You can go for a Canon G12 and an Ikelite housing or a similiar camera by Nikon which is the P7000 and the new Fantasea housing for it which is super compact and very affordable , 849$ for camera and housing.

If you want to take it up a notch , the new Olympus pen is great and you can get a camera and housing for around 1200$.

As for the D5000 , while not as experienced as Ikelite , you can take a look at Nimar which very strong in Italy ( the housings are Italian made ) and is putting a lot of effort into the US market at the moment. Their housings will go for around 1600$ with 2 ports.

All this and more can be found at Mozaik Underwater Cameras

Good Luck.

 

[slowhands]

Welcome, and good diving to you. My motto is keep it simple especially with underwater cameras for new divers. That means using a simpler less expensive camera at first. No point in risking your D5000 getting destroyed because of inexperience.

A nice camera to start with is a Canon S95 in Canon DC28 housing. It's small and easy to use, but will give outstanding results and has room to grow. Best of all, the setup of camera and housing is under $600, about 1/4 of the cost of a DSLR setup.

 

[Searcaigh]

Welcome to the deepest blackest hole of your finances

Housed SLR + limited diving experience = disaster

Start off with something that is light and you can manage with on hand, lots of options here. If you are already a photographer then as already mentioned the Olympus EP1 with housing is an affordable option between point and shoot and SLR.