Need camera suggestions

[avlena]

Hi everyone,

I've been using a Pentax s5i point & shoot for the past few years, and it's time to upgrade. I've never done underwater photography before, but since we're diving a lot more now, I'd like to keep that in mind when selecting a camera setup. Probably can't buy a strobe quite yet, but I'd like to get the camera & housing now.

If underwater wasn't a consideration, I'd definitely get the Canon G9. I've seen & heard a lot of awesome reviews for it, and it seems to be a good stepping stone to a "serious" camera (my Pentax's claim to fame is that it fits inside an altoids tin - not really a hardcore camera!).

So, the dry land aspect of the camera seems to be great, but what about the underwater part? Is it a good camera for diving, or are there any other suggestions for a similar one?

Thanks!
-Avlena

 

[Rickg]

Hi everyone,

I've been using a Pentax s5i point & shoot for the past few years, and it's time to upgrade. I've never done underwater photography before, but since we're diving a lot more now, I'd like to keep that in mind when selecting a camera setup. Probably can't buy a strobe quite yet, but I'd like to get the camera & housing now.

If underwater wasn't a consideration, I'd definitely get the Canon G9. I've seen & heard a lot of awesome reviews for it, and it seems to be a good stepping stone to a "serious" camera (my Pentax's claim to fame is that it fits inside an altoids tin - not really a hardcore camera!).

So, the dry land aspect of the camera seems to be great, but what about the underwater part? Is it a good camera for diving, or are there any other suggestions for a similar one?

Thanks!
-Avlena

Avlena,

Check out this thread on the same subject for some good recommendations.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-photography/230726-dive-camera-setup.html

 

[paradicio]

The G9 is a fantastic camera. Though I mostly use my Nikon for surface stuff, the G9 can shine just as well on land as it does underwater. I've really learned a lot since I got mine.

Here are a couple land and sea shots I took with my G9 so you can evaluate for yourself.

 

[jenazah]

Awesome pics. What is your setup?

 

[paradicio]

Thanks, I'm using the G9 in the Ikelite housing with a single Ikelite DS-51 strobe.

The two shots above were natural light shots taken very shallow on a sunny day.

Here is one that was taken deeper with the strobe for light.

 

[alcina]

If you have a look in the Canon area you'll find a couple of really good threads on the G9 for underwater use. It's a great option.