Okay, so I am cheap...

[Ironcat]

I am looking for a decent "entry level" camera to take down with me and take pictures of the wonderful world underwater.
I would prefer something that I could stick in a pocket but I so not mind devoting a hand exclusively to carrying a camera but I do not want some huge thing with a flash out on a 2 foot boom arm.
So far, all of my diving has been under 100' and I have seen the most interesting stuff within 80, so I don't need something that can live through a trip to Atlantis.
Lastly, I need something as inexpensive as possible. Under 100 dollars if possible...

 

[Kim]

Under 100 dollars if possible...

Did you type that correctly? There are some 'cheap' cameras out there, but under $100 sounds like mission impossible to me. I believe you can get disposable cameras these days for less than that of course - but I don't know how deep you can take them.

I'm curious as to what replies you get!

 

[alcina]

Hit ebay and search for 3.2 MP Canon A series cameras. There are trade offs, but these are economical and give good results. Get the Canon housing.

For what it's worth I just had two more Sunday supplements use one of my shots from my trusty Canon A70 3.2 MP camera as their covers

Happy shopping!

 

[DNK]

I got a cheap (~$40.00) camera on ebay.

Search for "Brand New 125FT Underwater Dive Scuba Camera Plus More" or just for "Scuba Camera" and you will find it, right now there are like 10 of them for sale. It uses standard 35mm Camera with a built in flash. It is rated for 100ft max.

I have used mine on several occasions with no leakage. I've shot about 4 rolls of film with it. Both on land and underwater. On land shots look fine, just like any other cheap 35mm. Underwater looked okay also.

The biggest problems are that the flash is inadequate for underwater use and that you have to maintain the camera very still or else it will smear. This is due to the long exposure time required without suitable lighting. If you are diving in bright clear water you should be happy.

One last suggestion: When you think you are close enough to take a picture, get closer your not
Not sure why it is, the field of view always seemed larger that it really was to me.

 

[cmalinowski]

I was lucky. last year sometime scuba.com had a housing specifically for a nikon coolpix 2100 (2mp digital) for $69. I got that, then went to ebay and found the camera for around $75. Like I said, that was luck and all of the stars were aligned, but you could probably find something similar for the $150-200 range if you really look.

Good luck.

Chris

 

[MarkH]

There are $60 (Canadian) reuseable film cameras (rated for 100 feet or so). They look almost like the disposeable underwater ones. I've seen them in Hawaii and also at my local dive shop.

 

[rhlee]

I got an Olympus C5000Z from ebay for ~60 and the PT-019 housing for it from adorma for about $70.
I've gotten some ok results from it; I'm pleased with what it does w.r.t. what I paid for it (though it does have some limitations).

 

[616fun]

I have the Ikelite Auto 35 with the A35 strobe. Decent camera and decent price.

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/a35aqs.html

 

[alcina]

Any of those film options might be a good start for you...BUT keep in mind that on top of the price of the initial set up you will have developing costs. So if your budget is restricted you might want to consider those types of ongoing costs

Looks like you have several options to get you started!

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Photography isn't for you. Save your hundred bucks and rent air.