Non-photographer on budget

[Spectre]

Originally posted by shellbird
Let's face it, that is pretty much what it looks like right?

Well, not quite as dark, and not quite as blurry... Except for the beginning when I had to look at Matt and ask him if it was my mask or was the water actually blurry... Never did figure out what was up with that area.

 

[shellbird]

Let's pray for great vis, that would remedy many issues! I need a good picture to put in my profile!

 

[Scuba Barbie]

I also just spend my son's college fund on dive equipment. So I bought an MX-5 for around $100 at 17th Ave on-line.
Although it has a built-in flash, they have just recently come out with a macro lens and strobe. So in a few months after I get better skills I can upgrade.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by Scuba Barbie
I also just spend my son's college fund on dive equipment. So I bought an MX-5 for around $100 at 17th Ave on-line.
Although it has a built-in flash, they have just recently come out with a macro lens and strobe. So in a few months after I get better skills I can upgrade.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Are you coming Wednesday? If so, bring it and we'll practice.

 

[Scuba Barbie]

Thanks Dee - you are a generous person.

So far my calendar is clear, so I have a 50/50 chance of making it to Twin Lakes tomorrow.

B/T/W was the Reef renamed Twin Lakes?

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by Scuba Barbie
....B/T/W was the Reef renamed Twin Lakes?

Absolutely not!!!

The Reef is off CullenBlvd., not far off Beltway 8 but there are more important differences. Water cleanliness for one, clientel for another. Athough divers are still allowed at the Reef, the owner caters more to large families and swimmers as they bring in more $$ than the divers. It used to be a good scuba spot but not so in the last 2-3 years. That's one reason we are so excited to have Twin Lakes available to us.

 

[Scuba Barbie]

I thought they were different. A guy at work is interested, maybe I can convince me to try Twin Lakes.
They more the merrier.

 

[danceswithoctopus]

I have an Ikelite Aquashot housing for disposable cameras. It's good to about 100 feet (where the pressure seemed to jam the trigger mechanism). One of the nice features of it is that if it floods you're only out a $10 disposable camera--just dry it out and go back in the water. It has an external strobe and additional lenses for close up work.

It's not a fancy setup. And it's not capable of taking professional quality photos. But IMHO if youre after snapshots, give this one a looksee. The have a web site.

Here's an example of a photo I took. This has not been retouched.

 

[AliKat]

I really don't believe you can do much with underwater photography without a strobe. Even the cameras with internal flashes just don't seem to do a good a job.

I have a Sealife Reefmaster. You can get the camera and one strobe for under $400. If you like it and want to continue, you can add macro lenses and a second strobe.

 

[large_diver]

Shell,

I am in the same boat -- I am looking for a basic camera to take decent quality pictures. Nothing complicated, and preferably not overly expensive. I'll probably be buying something within the next month or so.

At this point, I am focusing (pun intended) on the Ikelite Auto35. It is among the better point and shoot models based on the feedback I've seen from several folks. The basic camera (with built-in flash) can be found on-line for under $130, under $300 for a package with external strobe.

For basic camera without add-ons:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/weba...6&cgrfnbr=971&parentCategory=965&sort=prsdesc

For the complete package:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/weba...6&cgrfnbr=971&parentCategory=965&sort=prsdesc

Here is the link to the Ikelite site:
http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/a35aqs.html

Search scubaboard for data on the Auto35 -- you'll find plenty of feedback.

Hope this is helpful.

-LD