Renting gear for vacation

[BryantH]

Hey everyone, been lurking for a while and finally have a question.

I'm a professional photographer on the side, and am looking to carry it over into my diving. I don't dive 50+ times a year normally, but do get in a good amount. Not sure if I would like to drop a ton of cash into a setup if I'm not going to be doing it often.

I was looking into rentals of the smaller camera variety, as I am going on a week long trip to Cozumel, but at that price for a week rental, I might as well just buy one honestly. I have a 1dsMk3 and thought about a full housing, but even more crazy.

Any suggestions for what to do in this situation? Places with reasonable rentals/what cameras to look at and stay away from for renting, and possibly buying!

Thanks

 

[PAFirefighter]

I'm in the same boat. $5000 for a dive housing for my Nikon D2x? Plus lighting stuff, etc. No thanks. Not now at least. I'm using the following:
-GoPro Hero2 - $250
-GoPro Dive Housing - $45
-Red filter - $14 (But I'll be purchasing the Backscatter flip uo for $49 once I get back)
-Intova Imini light - $30 (used)
-Flashlight mount - $25 from my buddy who machines billet pieces
-Sea Life Mount - Free (Sure you can find it used)
-Random hardware (straps, etc.) - $10

So as you can see it's not too expensive of a setup, takes great photos & video. This photo is of everything except the light mount finished:

No video/photos yet, but there are tons of examples here on the forum.

BTW: Enjoy a maple creemee for me. Man do I wish they made them down here. They are addicting, especially at Burlington Bay Cafe! We just have vanilla, chocolate, or twist.

 

[BryantH]

Yeah I have a gopro that I used last time with the dive housing, but the photos were god awful and not anywhere near what I was looking for. Not interested in the video ability.

Funny that you know of the BBC, so good! I'm originally from West Chester btw.

 

[PAFirefighter]

Yeah I have a gopro that I used last time with the dive housing, but the photos were god awful and not anywhere near what I was looking for. Not interested in the video ability.

Funny that you know of the BBC, so good! I'm originally from West Chester btw.

Are you using a flat lens housing and a red filter? The photos are worse than cell phone photos when using the non-Dive housing, and color is shot without the red filter at depth (from my research).

Small world! I think I'd rather be in Burlington during the warmer months, and WC during the colder months. My g/f went to UVM so I was up there several times. Also loved this drive in style place, I think it may have been up in Winooski, or past the University Mall - forget the name.

 

[BryantH]

Yeah I had a flat lens and a red filter. I guess I was expecting quality like I get from my DSLR...

Haven't heard of the place. What was there?

 

[PAFirefighter]

Yeah I had a flat lens and a red filter. I guess I was expecting quality like I get from my DSLR...

Haven't heard of the place. What was there?

Ah, hmm. I guess I'll find out once I get back from Bonaire later this summer if I am happy or not. I'm now preparing to be unhappy lol.

I found it. "Al's French Frys" on Williston Road in South Burlington. Man, I love that state (In summer).

 

[BryantH]

YES AL's!!!

I didn't mean to bum you out. The images just arent what are produced by most photos you see on this site from it. I got great photos at 10-15, but after that.... :nuke:

 

[Scubanomad]

you can always rent a camera with housing (compact camera) from your Dive shop for a somewhat decent price.