olympus with pt -10 housing

[Wreck Ranger]

When I bought my 3020 and PT010 I couldn't afford the strobe, but I wanted to go ahead and buy the set-up. I still haven't got a strobe yet but it will be soon. I think that it takes great pictures without the strobe so I can only amagine how much better my pictures will be when I get one.

I agree that if you are taking pictures only in waters that have good to great visibility then the strobe wouldn't make as much difference than if you were in murky waters. I took mine to Coco's Island about a month ago and most of the pictures turned out great, but I can definately see a need for the strobe to capture more light and get better color saturation.

I guess my answer is if you can afford it then you should get one but if you can't then it will still take good pictures until you can afford one.

Wreck Ranger

 

[Dee]

A strobe is very nice but not absolutely necessary starting out. Where did you find the $650 price? I got my S&S YS90DX for about $500 at Underwater Digital.

I'm a big fan of the YS90DX strobe and it's design for easy, versatile use. And I think eventually a strobe is necessary. But if money is an issue the internal flash will suffice, especially in clear Caribbean water. I highly recommend a few dives without a strobe to start out anyway, to get use to the camera itself and to see just what the camera and flash can do on it's own.

Here's a link to a friends album of photos taken with his C-4040 and internal flash...he calls it intrinsic strobe. Maybe these will help you decide....Meister's photos.

 

[the sharkman]

I received my Pt-010 housing on the doorstep yesterday (thanx allen, underwater digital). Bought my C-4000 at Costco (I think it was like $415). No strobe yet, but after looking at some of your photos, I realize you can take nice photo's without a strobe. I will buy one eventually though, along with a wide-angle lense. We will see how it does in Cozumel, as I am leaving TOMMOROW to test it out. Hopefully I will be able to post some pics.
sharkman
:guitar:

 

[kwickert]

thank you sooo much for all the replies!

Definately have been happy without the strobe, but can see where pics might tend to pop more with it.

I was looking at underwater digital too, Dee. I was just including the whole setup in the price: fisheye, and fiberoptic cable too. I was hoping you would chime in because I know you have this setup. Meister's photo's are amazing!

Sure I need more practice too. Only one trip with camera so far, a few great pics, many many ok pics, not camera's fault though, like anything else the more you do it...

Have a great time in coz, Shark. Never been, was contemplating, but think will do yet another Blackbeards trip. I'd be interested to see pics and how the trip went.

Agree wreck, as I said I am really close to getting it, and I know I won't be disappointed, just well....lol

 

[Dee]

kwickert once bubbled...
...I was looking at underwater digital too, Dee. I was just including the whole setup in the price: fisheye, and fiberoptic cable too. I was hoping you would chime in because I know you have this setup. Meister's photo's are amazing!

In that case your price is a good one! I think you'll do fine in Coz without an external strobe. You may find the currents a bit aggrivating for photography, just try to duck down behind a coral head to get out of the current when ya can! There are also a couple of great shore diving spots where the currents aren't quite so bad....in front of ElCid/LaCeiba, across the street from Casa del Mar, the dock at Papa Hogs...as well as a couple other hotel spots in that same general area. These places are all close to each other. Plus the shallow depths will be perfect for no strobe shooting.

As I've said before, I think everyone needs to do their first 5-6 dives without a strobe. You'll learn exactly what you camera can do and get comfortable with all the buttons. At least I'm glad I got the same advice and did it that way.

Have a great time and bring us some more pics!

 

[beserker_77]

Sorry, just to enquire for most of the olympus pt series housing it states that it is able to withstand underwater depth up to 40m. So what actually is the maximum or recommended depth, which is advisiable not to exceed.

 

[Dee]

beserker_77 once bubbled...
Sorry, just to enquire for most of the olympus pt series housing it states that it is able to withstand underwater depth up to 40m. So what actually is the maximum or recommended depth, which is advisiable not to exceed.

For the PT-15 Olympus advises you not to exceed a maximum of 40 meters, which is the equivilent of 131 feet.

To the best of my knowledge, all PT-10 and lower housings are rated to 30 meters, which is the equilivent of 99 feet.

My self, as well as several others I know have had our PT-10's below 140ft on occasion with a few creaks and groans but no damage. I don't make a habit of it, though!

 

[kwickert]

After careful deliberation lol I have decided to stay with my current setup for now.

I have a few amazing pictures taken without the strobe, and seeing meisters pictures, shows me I need to master the camera without the strobe first. Actually it is not the camera, but my own photography skills that I need to work on.

:boings: But what a problem to have huh? Well, someone has to do it.

Thanks for all the help
Ken

 

[Dee]

...here's a link to another excellent album of photos taken withiout a strobe. Ellen's photos

 

[kwickert]

I knew I could count on you Dee. I definately feel good about the decision. Thanks soo much.

The pictures are amazing!

I know it is possible, but like so many things it depends on the skill of the operator, and maybe a little being in the right place at the right time.

So maybe next year, after a few more dives under the belt I'll get the strobe.

Thanks again all

Ken