New here and need advice

[upi44]

New to the forum great reads. I am not a diver...yet... but I do love the water and I will be going on a cruise next month and doing a whole lot of snorkeling and sight seeing in the southern caribbean. I have a digital slr but really do not want to lug it around. I would like a camera that is good on land and also one that I can take in the water. I do not want to spend over $500, really would like to keep it around $300. Looked at a 590
sd 1100, but I am game for any recommendations. I am pretty sure I want a cannon just from the reviews on the net. ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

Karen Baker

 

[harmony]

I own a Canon G9 in an Ikelite housing which is great for scuba diving but definitely too bulky for what you need. A lot of my snorkeling customers use the Olympus model which can be taken into the water without a waterproof case. If you decide to take up scuba diving later on you can just buy an Olympus case in order to take the camera to greater depths. This camera is very compact and also takes good quality photos. I am afraid that I don't have the price as I live in a part of the world where imported goods are expensive. You can check out the prices on internet. I hope that this is of help. Enjoy your trip and bring back lots of great photos!

 

[ScubaSteve]

How good a camera do you want? 5.0, 8.0, 12.2? Obviously you will get less camera for less money. I just got rid of an older Powershot S50 (5.0mp) with the WP Canon housing. I would have sold it for about $100 dollars. Check on ebay would be my suggestion. If you want a decent camera, you may have to open up the wallet a little bit more (but not too much).

I would also check Sea&Sea and see what they have to offer. Since you will be snorkelling you will only need the camera and housing.....no extra lighting (strobes) which drops the cost. I do like what Harmony proposed as the best option or bang for your buck.

Harmony, I would love to come visit you in New Caledonia. I envy you for your diving .

EDIT------------

To the OP....have a look at this link. As you can see, you can get some cameras in your price range, or better cameras for more. I hope this helps. BH Photo & Video has handled my business very well over the years.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/12980/Cameras_Housings_Kits_Housing_Camera_Kits.html

 

[sylpha]

my friend bought an olympus for just such a trip. i'm not sure which one it is (Olympus website will help) it is OK without a housing to 10m. it's also great for boat trips where you don't need to worry about water splashing the camera and after taking it on the beach you can swill it under the tap to remove sand. he took some good photos with it too, but then he would!