Reefmaster Digital DC-200 camera

[Dee]

Catfish....

What I meant was it was pictures taken with an Olympus C-3030, similar to Cecil's, showing what can be done with a digital and no external strobe that convinced me to go digital. Re-reading my post, it's confusing to even me!

I've read of the C-4040 being discontinued in several places. Here's two of them....

http://www.wetpixel.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=461

http://www.scubadiving.com/talk/read.php?f=1&i=513203&t=513203

I figure by the time I feel the need to upgrade from my current system, at least a couple of years, there will be even more choices of cameras and housings available. And the pixel count will be absolutely amazing!

 

[peterjmaerz]

Love this forum!! Thanks, all, for very valuable information on digital cameras. Dee, you mention the "PT-10" case. Can you tell me what brand that is and, anyone, some suggestions for websites to research on purchasing this or other housings and Olympus stuff. Google led me to "DealTime" which had a great selection of stores for the camera, but couldn't find any housings.
Thanks, guys, as well for the photo samples. I hang my head in shame to think that I was even considering another reefmaster...these pix blow away the best I've taken with the reefmaster and external strobe!
Hey, any of you photo types been to St. Vincent? I'm diving with Bill Tewes' operation in August. Thanks again for the input.

 

[Dee]

Peter...the PT-010 case (case / housing - same thing!) is made by Olympus for the C-xxxx series of their cameras. Havine the housing made by the camera manufacturer was an important selling point for me. All the camera functions are available and work perfectly underwater. Olympus did not release the PT-010 in the US so you won't find it on their website.

One thing you'll notice about the PT-010 is it's depth rating is 30m/90ft. Since 95% of my photography is above that, it wasn't a big deal to me. I've had mine down below 120ft with no problems but I don't do it often.

There are several sources for the housings and one of my favorites is: http://www.underwaterdigital.net/. Allan also carries the add-on lenses, trays, strobes...a full range of stuff at good prices.

Some more sources are:
http://www.marinecamera.com/
http://www.japan-direct.com/index.asp

Some sources for info on cameras and all things digital are:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/ - one of the best
http://www.marscuba.com/uwdigital.html
http://www.cliffshade.com/dpfwiw/
http://www.shortcourses.com/guides/guides.htm - good source for directions on using the various cameras

If you need more, I have tons!

 

[Cecil]

Teach me not to read this forum for a few days. The DSC-P5 runs around $550 and the housing another $200. Very tiny camera and focuses half the distance as the Olympus (4" vs 8"), sorry had to throw that in. I've not heard anything good about using a filter and have pretty much rejected that idea myself. The internal flash is sufficient for most pictures (IMHO) and for me the extra bulk is not worth it. Here's a couple of galleries of pictures I took with the Sony.


Florida Keys

Folly Cove, Ma

 

[peterjmaerz]

Well, thanks one and all for your input on digital cameras! After visiting all the suggested sites, checking out sample photos, checking with the oracles at Consumer Reports.com, etc, I went ahead and bit the bullet on an Olympus C-3040 and the accompanying T-010 housing. Picked up a 128MB card and quick-charging NiMh batts/charger...and a good book to read in the welfare line.
Thanks again, all, your input! See you in St. Vincent. (And don't forget to support your local public radio station!)

 

[Dee]

Did you get a book on digital photography? If so, which one? I've been looking for a good one.

Can't wait for those first photos! Have a great time....

 

[peterjmaerz]

Nah, just being facetious, Dee,
though a book on digital photog sounds like a great idea. (currently reading "The Informant" about the key FBI informant in the Archer Daniels Midland price-fixing case. It's a wild read!)
I guess one of the beauties of digital is that the learning curve is accelerated exponentially with the instant feedback from the display. Hope so.
Thanks again for the advice/info.

p

 

[catfish]

Congrats Peter!

I think you have made a wise choice. I have no doubt you will love your 3040. I would strongly suggest reading this:

http://www.scubadiving.com/members/divetips.php?s=277

This will give you an idea of what settings to use underwater. It is a great starting point.

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by catfish
Congrats Peter!

I think you have made a wise choice. I have no doubt you will love your 3040. I would strongly suggest reading this:

http://www.scubadiving.com/members/divetips.php?s=277

This will give you an idea of what settings to use underwater. It is a great starting point.

I thought I included that link in the ones I posted earlier. Jeff Farris (Sharpdiver) has been using the Olympus C-xxxx camera for about 2 years and has been invaluable in getting alor of us started. The learning curve for this camera is short but Jeff makes it even simpler.

I started out with my camera setting exactly as he suggested and got excellent results. He's a very talented and sharing guy, if you have any questions at all, he's more than happy to answer them as best he can.

I have his tips printed out and in my camera case!