Nervous about upgrade: Subal w 7D -> Nautica w/ EOS6 (long!)

[M DeM]

Greetings all...

I'm looking to upgrade, but I really don't want to get in over my head.

So this is what I have now:
• 7D, Mark I (yes, the 2009 camera)
* Subal housing (bought used)
• YS-D2J strobes (2)
• sync cables

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:
• You could drive over that Subal housing. That thing is *solid*
• I like sync cables.
• The extra reach of that crop frame
• I'm used to it and have been using the 7D since 2009, and all my cameras are Canon crop frame.
• I can use that APS-C 60mm macro lens that I just love.

WHAT I DON'T LOVE ABOUT IT:
• TTL is not possible.
• It takes *forever* to get replacement parts for the Subal because they're in Austria
• Just horrible in low-light (not a huge problem underwater)
• the video is absolutely worthless.
• the likelihood of being able to sell a used CD7 Mark 1 Subal is... slim.

So, my upgrade... I'm thinking of the EOS6 with a Nauticam housing

MY WORRIES:
• the housing is not out yet. The EOS5 is, but not the EOS6. They say this fall.
• going from crop to full-frame
• though the bodies are similar, my muscle memory is going to have to relearn
• going to have to get an adapter for my lenses, is that going to pose a problem with ports?
• Nauticam is a whole new system for me...
• I hate f/o cords.

THE GREAT PARTS, THOUGH...
• TTL!!!!
• back button focus ability!
• if I hit the lottery, I can use wet lenses!
• Can use those swap-lens Wide & Macro on the same dive
• FINALLY I can use video which is what my background is.
• easier to get parts, repairs, and accessories

Experience-wise, I've shot more wildlife than marine life, but I'm getting better. I've had fun shooting macro (once I realized that I needed prescription glasses, my macro got a lot better) but wide-angle is still a challenge (why won't those damn sharks stay still?)

Honestly, my biggest concern is, is this too much camera for me? The crop frame to full-frame especially. But I've wanted a full-frame for wildlife shooting for a long time anyway.

 

[M DeM]

OR...

Should I go for the Aquatica housing? Looks a little more Subal-esque. Again, the rig for the EOS6 is not ready yet... hell, the rig for the EOS5 isn't even ready yet.

 

[Bigbella]

Having used both Subal and Aquatica housings -- though admittedly unfamiliar with Nuaticam -- I would lean towards Aquatica, for the relative ease in getting replacement parts and support from Montreal; and their handling similarities to many Subal models . . .

 

[M DeM]

Having used both Subal and Aquatica housings -- though admittedly unfamiliar with Nuaticam -- I would lean towards Aquatica, for the relative ease in getting replacement parts and support from Montreal; and their handling similarities to many Subal models . . .

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[bvanant]

Which camera? I thought the Nauticam R6 housing was already out. I have used Nauticam for years now and I think they are as durable as my old Subals. Parts for Nauticam are available everywhere so that should not be a worry. Going from cropped to FF is indeed an interesting issue, are your lenses up to the task.
Bill

 

[M DeM]

Which camera? I thought the Nauticam R6 housing was already out. I have used Nauticam for years now and I think they are as durable as my old Subals. Parts for Nauticam are available everywhere so that should not be a worry. Going from cropped to FF is indeed an interesting issue, are your lenses up to the task.
Bill

Really? I'll look for it -- the only thing I've seen is the one for the R5! Thanks for the heads up though.

I've always been more concerned with getting good lenses than I have with getting good cameras (which is why I still have a 7D Mark 1). I'll miss that APS-C 60mm macro though.