New Diver- Which Camera Setup?

[Crocboy]

I am a new diver wanting to take some photos on our next dive trip. I want something simple and am familiar with Canon cameras. I am thinking of buying a nice Elph and a housing to keep costs down until I gain experience in photography and diving. Tips? THX!

 

[Uncle Pug]

I think that it is best to spend time developing diving skills before adding underwater photography to the mix. That said, having to control your bouyancy to get decent pictures is an excellent training aid.

The simplest point~n~shoot set up is probably best at this stage.

 

[diver 85]

look @ the S90 or 95....


EDIT---------OR, take a look @ this thread---esp post #16 that Primus makes(look @ the pics he links with it).......This does not seem like a bad camera, no housing from what I see.....

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...amera-case-point-shoot-december-2010-a-2.html

 

[Crocboy]

Thanks! I do realize I need experience- I am planning to take a scuba photography course that focuses on buoyancy before the trip. When I look at costs of cameras, cases, and flashes it seems like the DC1200 is a better buy. Thoughts about this?

 

[Uncle Pug]

Thanks! I do realize I need experience- I am planning to take a scuba photography course that focuses on buoyancy before the trip.

That is a great idea (and I certainly didn't mean to be at all condescending in my previous post.)

I don't have any experience with the Sealife DC1200 but Amazon certainly has an attractive price on them with the external strobe included. You might want to ask in our Sealife forum here on SB. Seems as though there are already several threads there about this camera.

 

[furby076]

The canon G series, with the canon case, plus a strobe = a relatively inexpensive setup (sub $1000) using a phonominal camera that you can use on land (without the case/strobe).

I've used the G11. Look at some of Gilligans photos - he has used the G10 (I believe). I think the G12 is out. Others who are looking at that line have also looked at the S90.

EDIT: Just on a safety note (sorry, not meaning to act like a dad) - don't hold your breath while taking pictures, and pay attention to your bouyancy (harder if you have a back inflated BC imo). It's very easy to rise/sink while taking pictures and this could spiral out of control. If you are holding your breath and rising you could risk AGE. If your bouyancy is superb you should no problems doing photography underwater (barring the whole new skillset of taking good pictures)

 

[Crocboy]

I appreciate the tips. I admitted my newbie status upfront so no apologies necessary! I asked for your help and I appreciate everything said. I'm going to further explore the G12 and S90 vs the SeaLife. My buoyancy ain't superb but I intend to practice until it is. Thanks!

 

[jimw]

Take a look at Backscatter : Underwater Camera, Underwater Video Housing, Underwater Photography, Waterproof Camera and their recommendations in a variety of price levels. Somewhat over a year ago I bought their lowest priced recommendation for my first UW digital. I've been very pleasantly surprised with the results and that's without an external strobe. I shot with a Nikonos, 2 Ike strobes, 15mm lens, etc for 20 years and was amazed at the results using a $50. used Olympus FE360 and a new $100. Olympus housing. There were some disappointments with the system too--slow focus and shutter release mostly...........I bought a Canon S95 a month ago and am learning it and looking forward to getting the housing soonish and going diving with it. As a side note, the housing is mostly not in stock right now. It can be found, just not at a bunch of the usual places. They are on backorder from the manufacturer. Oh, slow focus and shoot SOLVED!!

 

[HerraduraDivers]

Get a Intova without external strobe to start with and limitate damage because of buoyancy issues.
When your buoyancy is more than perfect the you may step up to a G12 or S95 in a more professional housing and a strobe.

Chris