Looking for a GREAT Camera

[Prionace]

Hello, I’m moving to North Carolina to do some research on Butterfly Fish and I am looking for an excellent camera to document my research. I don't know all that much about cameras. I need a good one for low visibility. I'll need the whole set up, camera, housing, strobe, ect. Any ideas on which are the best cameras. I am looking for a new one.
Thanks
:14:

 

[DandyDon]

Good for low viz, huh? Two strobes! You'll get a lot of good advice on our photo forums. I'm just a fun, bulk shooter. :blush:

Click Forums at the top to start checking all the choices, and try our feature. Hope you enjoy your time here. Click my Username to PM me if I can help...??

don

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Welcome to Scubaboard you will find lots of info here, some good some not so good.

 

[Rickg]

Hello, I’m moving to North Carolina to do some research on Butterfly Fish and I am looking for an excellent camera to document my research. I don't know all that much about cameras. I need a good one for low visibility. I'll need the whole set up, camera, housing, strobe, ect. Any ideas on which are the best cameras. I am looking for a new one.
Thanks
:14:

Prionace,

It would help if can "bound" it is what you are looking for with some more specifics WRT things like:

- your price range
- camera preference. I'm assuming digital. If so, point & shoot or D-SLR?
- maximum depth you'll be taking your camera to
- etc

With that data available you should get some good recommendations.

 

[Ann Marie]

Hello and Welcome!

We have a photography forum where you may get more insite in purchasing a camera. The forum can be found here!

 

[Diver Dennis]

The strobe will negate any low light but low vis is another story. The main factor is how much you want to spend. I could be anywhere from several hundred to many thousands.

Alcina put together an excellent stickie here...


http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...tting-started-dslr-maybe-look-here-first.html

 

[danclem]

It would be helpful to know what cameras you have used, and what your level of digital photography expertese is, and what you are planning to do with the photos. Assuming these are for publication in a journal, and that you have used high end DSLR gear, I would recommend that you use a camera you are familiar with.

The major brands (Nikon, Cannon, Olympus, etc) all offer models that will give you great photos. You will then need to look at strobes and housings. I shoot with a Nikon, Subal aluminum housing, and Ilelite 125 strobes, which I like very much. My dive buddy shoots with an Olympus, Ikeite polycarbonate housing, and Ikelite 125's, which he likes very much. There are all kinds of great rigs: the majority of which have capabilities that far exceed my abilities.

Do your research, and have a great time on your project!

Dan

 

[jcclink]

I assume you have a Platinum card Not to scare you off but a complete high end DSLR system will cost at least $10K. Depending on how many lenses, spare parts, potential computer upgrade, etc. figure up to $20K. Better check the limit on your card

 

[RonFrank]

You did not specify a budget? I'm going to assume high end.

Nikon D300
Lenses 10.5mm, 12~24mm, 60mm macro, 105VR Macro
Pick a housing
Pick a flash system.

That's a Nikon version. You could go with a Canon as well.

Some decisions to make. Dedicated flash with iTTL, or eTTL technology?
Magnifying viewer for the housing?
What type of flash?
What type of housing?
What type of flash brackets?
Any redundancy required?

Once you decide on all that, you can get into exactly what type of sync cords you need, and other STUFF like a focus light, etc.

Depending on the setup you could spend between 3,000 and 10,000 on just housing and UW gear. Maybe more if you want more than one housing.

When you have better questions, you will get better answers.

Sounds simple, but it's NOT!