ok wanting to do some underwater photo's

[Scubamedicjoe]

ok folks I am wanting to do some underwater photo's !!!
I have never taken pictures underwater .
I am looking for some equipment recomendation's I dont want the most expensive something to mainly get me started .
the max depth would prombly be 100 feet tops for starte thanks .

 

[Stone]

Auto35, and you should get several threads that discuss the top 3 or 4 entry level cameras.

 

[buff]

I bought a MXIIEX with dual YS60 strobes and the whole shooting match with reagards to lenses, case.

But the future is digital-edit bad photos(I take many) out of the camera. No more dealing with stupid photo redevelopers. No worry about loading a camera and getting the internals wet as the boat rocks to and fro.

Going digital is more expenisve at first. I would highly recommend a digital camera. With the money you save not developing bad photos, as in a "regular" camera, it will cost about the same as a regular camera.

U/W photography is EXTREMELY difficult to do well. One of the most frustrating undertakings I have ever done. The camera lends a new level of complication to diving that even the most tech. diver would find to be "just too much equipment and hassle"

But I love it.

I would spend an extra $500 now and get digital and save a bundle on film developing than getting a simple auto 35 and shooting a thousand crappy photos.

 

[crab]

Up until a few weeks ago I had never taken a picture under water either. I shopped around and got an Olympus D-40 (4 megapixel) and a PT-012 housing for right about $700. I posted the results of the first and second dives here on the board. The pictures aren't what I would call outstanding, but I thought they weren't too bad for the first and second times out. Keep in mind too that these were all taken without an external strobe-- another $600 +.

Other people have also been satisfied and gotten outstanding shots from the Olympus 4040/PT-010 combination. Look for posts from Dee to find great examples.

Happy camera hunting.

 

[Dee]

medic13 once bubbled...
ok folks I am wanting to do some underwater photo's !!!
I have never taken pictures underwater .
I am looking for some equipment recomendation's I dont want the most expensive something to mainly get me started .
the max depth would prombly be 100 feet tops for starte thanks .

Before I can recommend anything, I need an idea of what your budget is and what you want to do with the pictures. If you just want snapshot quality prints, (whether you print them yourself or have it done), to put in a regular 4x6 album and or only for internet use, there are a few decent 1 & 2 meg. pixel digital cameras with housings in the $400-500. Some will accomodate external strobes, some won't.

If you want prints larger than that, you'll need to go to at least a 3 - meg pixel. I've had 11x14 prints made from my pics that are just beautiful.

I have an Olympus C-4040 with an Olympus PT-010 case. Prices in Dec. were $729 for the camera and $240 for the case. The price on the C-4040 has come down since then. Advertised depth rating on the PT-010 is 90ft but I..and several others...have had it below 100ft with no problems. I can give you more particulars if you wish.

I sold my Sea & Sea MMIIexPro set-up with dual strobes, 5 lenses, blah, blah, blah....and went digital. I'll never regret it. No more film hassles...old out of date film, processing fees, throwing half your pics away right off the bat! No thank you! The size of my housing with strobe is less than half of the old system and easier to care for.

Just look through the threads here in the photography section and you'll find plenty of info.