Just a question:

[Mariozi]

I have just sold my S&S DX-D80 housing (but haven't sold my D80 yet) and I am on the move to my 5th housing, and I have the money but a few options to take:

- Wait until Nov 20th for Nikon announcement (probably just the D4 announcement:dozingoff;
- Wait until Feb-Mar/09 to have a better view of the market (waiting for a D400 or D800);
- Buy another DX-D80 for my D80 and wait for next year (D400 or D800);
- Buy D300 + MDX-D300 (this is the housing I'd want);
- Buy D90 and wait for Sea&Sea's housing (this is the camera I'd want);

What do you think?

 

[Eskasi]

I would go for the D300 D90 may be a good compromise but the D300s feel so much more solid. You can also get the housing for it immediately (or even look into a 2nd hand housing).

If you do buy a new housing for it, keep it in good condition and get ready for a D400 or D800 next year! I am waiting for this and slowly planning my lens collection already.....

 

[rjsimp]

Something to keep in mind, Even if they come out with a D400 or something newer and better next year, it will be some time after that before the housings are ready and available, so you are looking at probably 2010 before you would have a functional system again.

The D90 housings are still not even announced for companies like Sea & Sea and others that are announced aren't available yet. The only real option available is the Ikelite plastic box and that is because they are all the same, a big plastic box

 

[ScubaSteve]

.........The only real option available is the Ikelite plastic box and that is because they are all the same, a big plastic box

Sorry

This sounds as if you are not an Ikelite housing fan. To each their own however I do have a question for you. I have an Ikelite system for my Nikon P5000 P&S and am quite happy with it with the exception of the weight ond of course the cost (just wait until I get into DSLR ). It has every function on the camera available in the housing. What about the Ikelite is not good when it comes to DSLR?? I hope to someday soon sell a kidney and perhaps even my heart so that I can afford one . Your input will be appreciated.

 

[rjsimp]

Sorry

This sounds as if you are not an Ikelite housing fan. To each their own however I do have a question for you. I have an Ikelite system for my Nikon P5000 P&S and am quite happy with it with the exception of the weight ond of course the cost (just wait until I get into DSLR ). It has every function on the camera available in the housing. What about the Ikelite is not good when it comes to DSLR?? I hope to someday soon sell a kidney and perhaps even my heart so that I can afford one . Your input will be appreciated.

Ikelite works for some people and it is a good option that comes out fast for new cameras if you don't have much money to spend. The main issue I have with them is they are BIG. Much bigger than they need to be if they were made to fit each camera like other housings. When you get to SLR, they are going to be REALLY big and that can be a problem with traveling. I can put my entire Subal setup in a camera backpack and carry it on to the plane. When I had Ikelite, I had to have a big case just for it and the ports.

The only other complaint I have is the ports are all plastic and the optics on their domes is plastic.

Again, this is okay for some and every person has their price point. I was only pointing out that it is the only option for the D90 right now and any new camera that comes out will likely have the Ikelite as the only option because they don't custom fit the housing to the camera, they fit the camera in a box and say, okay use this one and then drill the holes for the controls. That makes it easy for them to come to market quick and it works for them.

 

[mjh]

I would wait. Tough thing is you sold your housing. As a rank amateur most of my issues are not with the camera, they are operator error. Obviously there will ALWAYS be something bigger/smaller, better on the horizon. I am waiting for a quantum leap.

I am waiting for the leap to a true still/video camera. Something that can shoot +15 mega pixels and/or + 15minutes of HD video.

Otherwise if I was mainly shooting underwater I would go with the D300 and then wait for a really big step up.

 

[Mariozi]

Humm... yeah, anything but Ikelites. Hahaha

Now, serious... Ikelites are an option to many people. But being an instructor, competitor, and travelling like I do I have seen Ikes coming with all kinds of cracks, small leaks, malfuncions due to high use.
Its not an Ikes problem. Sea&Sea housings with resin back had his share of problems too, but those were limited to the back. Let's hope the new RDX housing don't go this way...
This is why I don't want resin.

When I pay for a housing, feeling the pain of a lost kidney I want compromise. I need something I can trust and something I know will perform.

I still have my S&S NX-80 housing (all aluminum for the Nikon F80s - yeah film... don't ask my age please!), made a few dives last week. This ones been around the world twice, down to 65m and deep into caves. Besides, it is small like a glove for the camera, a joy to work on, easy to position under that coral fan for WA, and uses the same ports for my next housing.
I said that in another post. Housings need be small, durable, versatile. From these 3, resin housings so far only get the last one.

Quality has a price.

Anyway, this post is not about Ikelites (URGH!!!)
I would surely like to see someone start a new one to discuss this Steve, but you came into this post and didn't even care to get me the pleasure of knowing your opinion about my options!

OK back to the point:
I am really leaning to the D300, any one with a thought that was not spoken out before? Thanks

 

[girellator]

I did bought the Nikon D 90 , wonderful camera , but it's a pity that sea and sea did not even announced a housing for it !!
I can wait I've still my D80 with the sea and sea housing .
If I don't get any knew , I will buy a Hugyfot housing , it will be on the market at the enf of December .

 

[rjsimp]

I spoke with Ryan and Reef Photo and asked him what was coming and when for the D90. He said that SeaTool's would be there in a few weeks, Patima is supposed to be there by middle of december. The Hugyfot he sells too, but I forgot to ask when he expects it, but as stated in the previous post, it is supposed to be out this year. Subal is even coming out with a D90 housing.

So far Sea & Sea haven't announced one and neigther has Nexus.

There are options coming, just need to hold out for a couple of months if you want the D90.. As for the D300, if you are willing to spend the money, it is a great camera. That's what I have..

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

I would definitely go with the D300 system. Great timing too as S&S has just reduced housing pricing temporarily. The MDX-D300 has a MAP of $3179 and it is now down to $2895 through the end of the year!