Reefmaster RC vs. Sea and Sea MX5II

[jnylaw]

Hi,

I am a newbie in scuba diving, checking out underwater
camera. Within my budget are the Reefmaster RC with
with external flash and a macro lens (the SL560 Pro Dive Set)
and the Sea and Sea MX5II (the MX5 with external strobe).

Anyone has any experience with these two cameras? How
do their quality compare? What about ease of use?
MX5 can go to only 120ft but the Reefmaster can go to 164ft. Is
the MX5 sufficient?

Thanks!!

- Jacqueline

 

[AliKat]

I have a reefmaster that I'm really happy with. I started with the same set you are looking at and added a second strobe and the macro kit (the lense that comes with the pro kit is a close up, but not a true macro lense).

I've never seen pictures with the MX5, but I don't think there is much comparison. For a little more money, the MX10 offers a comparable model. I hear the optics are better on the MX10 as compared to the reefmaster. Both have lenses you can change underwater. The biggest pro to the MX10 (besides optics) is that it has an optional wide angle which the reefmaster does not. However, the MX10 does not have an option for a second strobe and the strobe it does have is fixed (the strobes on the reefmaster are very flexible and easy to aim underwater) unless you get an optional cabel and then you need a free hand to hold the strobe.

Since recreational dives should not be deeper than 130, and at that there won't be much light, I wouldn't let the depth difference weigh into the decision.

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by AliKat
....The biggest pro to the MX10 (besides optics) is that it has an optional wide angle which the reefmaster does not. However, the MX10 does not have an option for a second strobe and the strobe it does have is fixed (the strobes on the reefmaster are very flexible and easy to aim underwater) unless you get an optional cabel and then you need a free hand to hold the strobe.

Since recreational dives should not be deeper than 130, and at that there won't be much light, I wouldn't let the depth difference weigh into the decision.

You can add another strobe to the MX-10 and you no longer need a free hand to use the fiber optic cable! The MX-10 can be mounted on any of Sea & Sea's base trays and the fiber optic cable has a mounting plate for a tray. As for a second strobe, it can be done by using a slave strobe, such as the YS-30. But after you've done all that, you may as well have bought a MMIIex set-up!

 

[roguediver]

I also have a reefmaster and love it, it takes great pics. I have not seen any from the other one so I cant say for sure.

 

[Cecil]

A couple of global suggestions. New divers are always on the edge of task overloading, waiting until you are confortable and have good bouyancy skills may be a good thing. The other suggestion is save your money and go digital.

I owned a Reefmaster for years, took many good pictures with it but looking back it was very disappointing. Many, many etc missed pictures directly due to the camera. It's sucks on macro, yes you can focus as long as your subject is exactly one distance away. The worse part by far is framing, you have no idea what your taking a picture of. Shoot from the hip and pray.

Do yourself a favor and go digital, LCD screen for framing, macro built in (4" to inifinty), and a much quicker learning curve.

 

[jnylaw]

I've finally got a Reefmaster Full Kit. What is the speed of the
film I should use, 100, 200 or 400? I am going to Maui in
a couple of days! Can't wait!!

 

[Scuba Barbie]

I tried the MX-5 and the Reefmaster on our dive trip last week. The Reefmaster photographs were superior.

Good Luck.