Underwater camera recommendations?

[Glimmerman]

1. What disposable would be the best? This is all I can afford this trip

2. Later I want to buy something better, digital, what would you suggest?

 

[El Orans]

For camera info etc.: ScubaBoard > Scuba Diving Central > Underwater Photography. :camera:

 

[alcina]

I like the Snap Sights series. there is on that is rated to 90 feet and has an onboard flash that can be turned on and off. You can also change the film (use 400ish) and the batteries in the flash.

Get close. Use arm's length as a guide. These cameras have a fixed focus distance and anything inside about 3 feet will be blurry. The flash, on new batteries, seems to cover about 4-5 feet pretty well. If your object is farther than that away, turn your flash off to avoid backscatter. Be prepared for these images to come out pretty blue (assuming you are diving in blue water). Getting close and making sure your flash falls on the subject is the only way to get colour.

For digital options, have a quick look around the board as there are several current discussions on models like the Canon A series and Oly 350...

 

[Glimmerman]

I will check out this Snap Series, thanks!

 

[Torcatdog]

I have used the sealife shark diver reloadable 35mm camera. Good to 75 feet. I was happy and it cost $32 on line - AMAZON

 

[DesertEagle]

I have a Snapsights camera. Not bad at all for $25. It goes down to 90 feet or something. For an extra $5 they have a closeup lens that is worth buying. I'll try to find a few photos that I can post.

 

[bennedc]

I have a Sony DCS-W7 with Sony MPK-WA housing. Love it! Moderate price range...pretty good for my first camera to start! Take a look at my manatee pics.

 

[DesertEagle]

Here are those photos. The camera came with 800 speed film. I threw it out and put Fuji 400 in.

Another option would be to find a used Olympus C-5000. Adorama is selling the PT-019 housing for about $60.

 

[Glimmerman]

Nice pics.

So I should use 400 speed film i whatever camera I get?

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I think 800 speed film is the most common recommendation, Glimmer.