Sub-$500 U/W Camera?

[BradNC]

Can I get recommendations on a decent camera package for a novice / recreational U/W photographer? I want to spend no more than $500. A digital system is preferred but film will be considered.

Thanks for your help.

 

[alcina]

Check out the Canon A series and Canon housings. You don't necessarily need the newest model digital - one of my systems is a 3.2 and I love it.

Olympus Stylus range is also a good bet.

 

[stu_in_fl]

definately go digital.....

.......now Cannon has some new ones cameras out, so the S500 (5MP + has video clips) can be found for around $300 and the housing is about $170 - itz the one I use - nice and small, so not a problem always taking it around.

- Olympus also have some in the same price range

 

[jakubson]

Check out the Canon A series and Canon housings. You don't necessarily need the newest model digital - one of my systems is a 3.2 and I love it.

Olympus Stylus range is also a good bet.

I think the A series will grow with you. You can later add an external strobe, since the a series has manual settings. You should budget camera, housing, and large CF memory card. Your budget of $500 is perfect - later on, add external strobe if desired.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board Brad. What part of NC are you in?
I would also suggest you go digital. On the other hand, there are a lot of MX-10s around that do quite nicely for a novice photographer. They can be had at fairly reasonable prices....including one I have. If you are close to Raleigh, come join us at the UW digital group. You don't need a camera or be a member of any club to join us and you can learn a lot no matter if you are shooting digital or film.

 

[LegoPacific]

The Canon A70 works great for me too. You can get the A95 (5mp) for under $300 and the housing is around $150.

 

[Jay_SMART_Diver]

I have an Olympus Camedia C-5000 5.0 megapixle camera I got off Pricegrabber for $200 and the Olympus PT-019 Housing (Pricegrabber as well) for $150 and love it. I'm about to add a Sea-Life Digital Strobe. Check out some of my other posts for pictures, the camera does great above and below the water I have been extremely happy with the set-up, not to mention the price.

 

[BradNC]

Welcome to the board Brad. What part of NC are you in?
I would also suggest you go digital. On the other hand, there are a lot of MX-10s around that do quite nicely for a novice photographer. They can be had at fairly reasonable prices....including one I have. If you are close to Raleigh, come join us at the UW digital group. You don't need a camera or be a member of any club to join us and you can learn a lot no matter if you are shooting digital or film.

Herman,
I live in western NC between Charlotte and Asheville. I appreciate the invitation.

 

[herman]

I know the general area, I grew up in Salisbury.

 

[dbh]

I'm about to add a Sea-Life Digital Strobe.

I believe you are about to waste your money. These strobes have a history of flooding and have very littel manual control. You will be way better off in the long run to get something by Ikelite, Inon or Sea & Sea.

I am just trying to save you headaches, heartaches & money.

HTH,
Dave