sp-350

[winenut]

Hi Everyone; This is a great thread. Very helpful for me. I have narrowed down my
camera choice between the SP-350 and the Fuji e900. The major diverence seems
to be that the 350 has better RAW capability (whatever the #$@% that is) vs. the
Fuji having a better shutter speed. Does the SP having a slower shutter speed
matter underwater? Does RAW matter for U/W? I want a camera that is going
to work for U/W. Not really concerned for topside as it seems anything in this price
range will work fine for me. Another factor in my choice is the vis up here can
sometimes be 10-20 feet. Also, I would be doing mostly close-ups (macro?) not
long range. At least for starters. (I'm a big fan of the little stuff). Any further
advice would be great. Also, once I get a camera and housing, what accessories
would make life simpler? Thanks again everyone for you help. Winenut

 

[Larry C]

Shutter speed is generally less important for macro, unless you're shooting some skittering shrimp or Goby. It is still an important consideration. In action shots, slow shutter speed will cause you to get a picture of what was there after what you wanted to shoot left.
RAW can be very important. RAW is simply the digital info as it came from the chip. There is more of it and it is complete compared to a JPEG which has been pared down or compressed to make the file smaller. Therefore you can manipulate the RAW file without losing quality in your finished photo.

 

[DesertEagle]

I don't know if the SP-350's RAW capability is better. What I do like is the in-camera editing. You don't need a computer to make changes to white balance, contrast and a few other settings. Then you can save a JPEG right there.

 

[winenut]

Hi Larry; I'm think I'm going to go with the Sp-350. I just found it at Circuit City for
$239 after rebate. They also have 1G. H xD card for $75.00. Is this a good deal or
should I buy on line? Still thinking about housings and strobe. I think for this price on
the camera I can go with Ikelite. Your thoughts? What else do I need accessories wise to have a decent set-up? Thank you again for your help. Winenut

 

[AndyT]

B&H have 1Gig H - xD for $ 49.95 - dunno about shipping to your area though .

 

[Larry C]

The plus in going with the Ikelite is greater strength and depth and you can use non-Oly Nikonos type ttl strobe if you get the Oly ttl card. It is somewhat heavier, I don't think you can use the built in flash. I don't know how the buttons compare to those on the Oly housing. I got my type H at Frys Outpost.com for $49.95 + shipping. I don't know if they still have that price. Larry

 

[winenut]

I didn't know that about the Ikelite housing. I'm not ready yet for the strobe thing
so maybe it would be better to go with the Oly housing. By the way, do I need that
silica stuff to sop up moisture for the housing? Thanks again Larry. Winenut.

 

[Larry C]

It comes with a few of them. On the flash thing, I would check with Ike or Ryan to be sure. Some models work with the housing, some don't. It might be on the Ikelite website. I microwave and reuse my dessicants. So far it works fine. I haven't fogged up and I've used the same two in my camera and strobe housings about 6 times in a row. Don't forget to use one. A tagalong buddy that my wife and I took on our last dive while she waited for a friend in an openwater class forgot hers in her Sea & Sea. She had a bunch of great shots she couldn't take because the lens was fogged. About 30 sec. in the nuke wrapped in a paper towel, repeat 2-3 times till the paper doesn't feel damp seems to work. As soon as it cools, put it in the housing. If you leave it exposed to outside air it will soak up any available moisture.

 

[winenut]

Thank you! Just got back from Circuit City with the camera. It turns out that they
only had a floor model left so they knocked off another $30.00. So, I got the camera for $209.00 which I think is pretty good. Also picked up a 1G H card and some re-chargable batts. Just need a housing. I'll order some of those gel things when I
order the housing. I'll check on the Ikelite and the flash thing, but I'm thinking of
going with the Oly housing anyway. Quite a bit cheaper and I'm just getting started anyway. Thanks again for all your help. I plan on printing out all your neat comments
about the 350. I'm sure I'm going to need to study them! If your ever out my way
let me know. There are some great places to dive up here, I'd love to show you one
or two. I'm sure I'll have more questions! Winenut.

 

[GulfCoastdiver]

I got a SP-350 the other day and the OLY housing is on the way, sould be here on the 8th, I can't wait to get it wet, although I now need to learn now to use it.