New to UW Photography

[yungdive42]

I'm really, really new to diving. But one of the things that has interested me most in my talks with other divers and reading these forums and magazines is under water photography. Although I know I'm not ready to drop three thousand dollars on a Nikon with housings and stuff, but is there a cheaper alternative so I can capture my adventures underwater?

 

[Rickg]

I'm partial to the Canon "A" series cameras and own an A720IS. If you do a Scubaboard search for terms like A720IS, A570IS, A640, etc you will find a wealth of the threads that discuss the cameras and also pictures and links to pictures taken by myself, diver 85, nemrod, sasscuba, and others.

Also if you go to Alcina's link included below you will find a wealth of info about getting started with digital U/W photography. I spent a lot of time reading her info. You can also get to her link by clinking in the "pink" link that is found in her signature line of her posts.

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

Be careful though. Once you drink the koolaid it can be addicting Good luck with your quest.

 

[alcina]

If you aren't totally dedicated to Nikon gear, I think we should move this to the main uw photo area so you can get a much wider range of responses and ideas.

There are uw camera systems to suit every budget and need. The Pink Link in my signature is a good place to start as is cruising the sub-forums in UW Photography.

Let us know:
- your budget
- your diving experience so far
- how often you dive each year
- where you dive mostly
- what you'd like to get out of a camera system
Once we have a better idea of your needs hopefully we can all narrow things down for you!

 

[ScubaSeanMaui]

All you need is a point and shoot camera and an u/w housing to get started. You could spend under 1,000 to get started. I have had Olympus and Fuji point and shoots and they worked well!

Check out digideep.com :: list of all underwater housings suitable for digital photography and videography... for some camera info.

Sean

 

[JackConnick]

I have an article on my blog that may help:
Getting Started in UW Photography.

Jack

 

[vkalia]

Along with Jack's very helpful article, you may want to read an article I have on how to slowly build up your system so that it evolves alongside your skills.

You can read it here:
DIVEIndia - Building an underwater photography system

Cheers,
Vandit

 

[yungdive42]

thanks everyone =)

 

[jkling17]

Also look at my uw photo pages - see my sig. Lots of good basic uw techniques. Totally agree that the Canon 570 or similar is a fine starter compact system.

 

[reubencahn]

If you're new to diving, you might want to work on perfecting some basic skills before investing in photography. It's very difficult to get good shots if you can't hover in place, backward kick, etc. I also find that the camera takes a huge amount of my attention. If everything else about diving isn't second nature, that is, can be done without concious attention, the camera can become a hazard.