Olympus D-580?

[Tiro_Afila]

I am looking at getting a low cost digital camera for my scuba trips. I am wondering if those that know more about white balance shutter speeds, and other water related details, could take a look at the specs on this camera and let me know what its missing. I know its not going to take HIGH end shots, but will it be reasonable? Here is the link to the specs. Thanks
Archived Products &gt D-580 Zoom

Also wondering what you think of this housing?
200462 Olympus PT-021 Underwater Housing for D-575 / D-580 Digital Cameras

 

[Tiro_Afila]

OK, so like a moron, I read the AMAZING sticky, AFTER I ask the question? OK, now Ill re-ask my questions. What is a decent range for f-stop, and what are the most commonly used shutter ranges for underwater photography?

 

[hvulin]

f-stops are usually between 2.8 and 4.5 (for zoom lens) with 2.8 on the wide side, and 4.5 at telephoto side... (these are the lowest values available in any zoom mode) - you want this numbers to be as low as possible...

if you can find a zoom lens with fixed f1 - buy it and send it to me as a present

shutter: 1/1000 to 15sec on compacts but you will never use slower then 1/30 (or even 1/60) - if you need 1/30 to get enough light try raising your ISO level to a higher number (like 400) - it will be grainy but at least you'll be able to take a picture

 

[alcina]

When I use my compacts I usually shoot from 4.5 - 8 for my aperture (I use f8 for things like nudibranchs etc) and shutters from 1/100 and up, much higher if I am using a strobe. IF you are just using the camera, then you probably won't go much above 1/250 most of the time.

 

[jkling17]

Tiro,

Certainly there is no reason for you to buy the latest camera. Most cameras that support 6 or 7 MP will do the trick.

Just be careful to pick a camera that allows you to have full manual control and manual(custom) white balance. The photo pros at my resort used the aging Olympus 350 compact, along w/ Inon add-on lenses - amazing. But you can get the same results w/ any good compact - Canon, Fuji, Nikon.

Used Canons are a great deal IMO. I'll likely get a Canon to back up my Fuji F30. I like Canon's S series - the S70, S80 - as their lens start at 28mm. If that's not a big deal for you, their A series are extremely reasonable and great little cameras.

Jeff

 

[Tiro_Afila]

jkling17, I see that you are using a Fuji F30. I have been looking at those. The Specs say Custom white balance, but not manual white balance. What is the difference, and would you recommend this camera. I have read several good reviews on it.
Thanks!

 

[jkling17]

jkling17, I see that you are using a Fuji F30. I have been looking at those. The Specs say Custom white balance, but not manual white balance. What is the difference, and would you recommend this camera. I have read several good reviews on it.
Thanks!

Tiro,

Custom WB and Manual WB are the same thing - different vendors will call it one or the other. I really love my F30. The F31fd is also pretty much the same camera, but the latter has face recognition. Neither has image stabilization but I don't really see this as a negative. With a decent shutter speed and calm water, the shots will usually come out just fine.

What is really so special to me about the F30/31fd are what they do for you while on land. They are VERY adaptable to low light and indoor shots. Snapshots in these conditions can be damn good at iso 800 and pretty decent at 1600. Since I carry my camera with me regularly, this is a big plus. UW these ISO settings are terrible - stick w/ 100 or less if you can.

For UW use, it has all the essential features that I need also: manual settings, custom wb, inexpensive manufacturer housing ($130-140), good lens and sensor, able to upgrade via Inon lenses and strobes etc. While the 30 and 31 are now discontinued they are available here and there, usually for a fair bit more than when I got mine. I found this site just now in a quick search. They seem to have the 30 and 31 for $209. That's a good deal - mine was $200 after rebate.
http://www.thecameraprofessionals.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=140196. I've never used them but the site looks professional.

But ... I'm not here just to push Fuji. MANY good compacts out there will fill your need. A quick list of cameras to consider would include Canon's A570 IS, A560, SD870 IS, ***0, A640, A630, A700, A540, S60, S70, S80. I'm reasonably sure that all these have canon uw housings, but this is easy to confirm via amazon, buydig, or Canon's web site. Just be aware that the housing might be more money - perhaps $200 - so know the full price of everything together.

Olympus and Nikon also have good options. At some point though you need to limit how much time you want to spend before buying a compact camera.

I hope that some of this is helpful for you.

Jeff