SD400 Decisions

[Willuw]

Hey Guys,
I own a Canon SD400 and is a great camera - however when looking at Canon's site they say their underwater enclosure for this camera is only good to 9.8~feet which obviously just wont work with diving :shakehead

My question is..are there any good aftermarket enclosures for this camera that would allow me to take this diving?

If not..Should I look at upgrading to another Canon that has a better enclosure? I would consider buying a much nicer canon for the longru..Or should I just go and buy a ~$300 or so kit such as Sea&Sea? Which would be better in the longrun for expandability as I get more experienced?

Thanks!

 

[Willuw]

Eek..Didnt know my question was that complicated

 

[zahner]

Eek..Didnt know my question was that complicated

lol. guess no one wants to break the bad news. I don't think there is any real underwater case for the SD400 that you can dive with. Aside from the Canon "all-weather" case, I think the only other option to dive with the SD400 is one of the bag-type containers, which are not really recommended for diving, as the pressure squeezing on the bag can interfere with the camera's operation.

if you are willing to upgrade to a Canon A-series, there are a number of options that are supported with real underwater housings.

hth

Terence

 

[Willuw]

Well thats fine - I pretty much knew that..

I have seen the posts about the A640 I beleive which might be an option..

The one thing I dislike about my Canon is only 3x Optical zoom which wouldnt be a real deal underwater - but Id use it on land too and 3x just doesnt cut it some times..so any recommendations for a camera with a bit higher zoom?

I was also considering maybe getting a DSLR as I love taking pictures and it might help me progress my skills..the local dive shop has a couple Sea&Sea packages starting at around ~$500-600 with the camera, housing, strobe..but Im not too sure about that brand..I would assume stick with a Canon as it is a proven brand and Ive

Any recommendations for DSLRs for a beginner SLR user? Also any recommendations for a camera that has a higher optical zoom would be great too!

Thanks

 

[Willuw]

Im looking at the Digital Rebel XT now..would this be a good choice?
Also, looking at BH, they have many different setups for this camera..
Anyone know which one would be best for my needs?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ac=&fi=all&pn=1&ci=6222&cmpsrch=&cltp=&clsgr=

Thanks

 

[txdano]

For my entry into the DSLR world (I was a long time point & shoot) I went with the Digital Rebel XTi and Ikelite housing along with my existing Ikelite DS-125 strobe. I have ports for the Canon 100mm Macro and 17-40mm. I have been extremely happy with this setup so far, no regrets.

 

[Willuw]

Thanks for the suggestion..I have always drolled over the Digital Rebel for many years..I see BH has some Digital Rebel XT(i) setups for under $600..Very tempting..Would this be everything I need to get started minus the underwater housing or am I missing something?

 

[txdano]

Well you are going to really want a strobe at some point. If you go with the Ikelite housing you will also need to buy a port that fits whatever lens you plan on using. Look around at some older threads on this forum, a lot of people are not happy with the kit lens that comes with the Rebel. I bought the body only and have not used that lens, so I have no opinion.

 

[Willuw]

Yea, thats what I figured..Im thinking about going with just a standard Digital Camera though - I enjoy the size of my SD400...Just need to find a higher quality camera that has at least 6x optical zoom for land pictures and a good waterproof case for dives..any ideas?