What are my options for digital cameras?
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scuba_adventurer
Guest
This is mainly directed to Florida Diver, since he says that he uses it, but anyone with experience with Housings for the Olumpus Digigal Cameral Line can help me.
I understand that it is more expensive than the Ikelite or Olympus options, but what other considerations should I look at when choosing. What makes the Tetra worth the extra money?
Also, what kind of strobe systems are Tetra users using with it? Is anybody having any luck with the sea&sea or ikelite ttl strobes?
I have read the reader rater on Rodales, and the author there chose the Olympus housing because of cost mainly from what I can tell. I do, on occasion, dive somewhat deeper than 98 feet, and have taken some good pictures at that depth, so I don't want to be limited by it's depth, or get possible backscatter because it does not divert the flash upward.
I really like the camera, but am still on the fence choosing a housing. I can say that I have pretty much eliminated the Olympus, and it is between the Ikelite and Tetra.
I understand that it is more expensive than the Ikelite or Olympus options, but what other considerations should I look at when choosing. What makes the Tetra worth the extra money?
Also, what kind of strobe systems are Tetra users using with it? Is anybody having any luck with the sea&sea or ikelite ttl strobes?
I have read the reader rater on Rodales, and the author there chose the Olympus housing because of cost mainly from what I can tell. I do, on occasion, dive somewhat deeper than 98 feet, and have taken some good pictures at that depth, so I don't want to be limited by it's depth, or get possible backscatter because it does not divert the flash upward.
I really like the camera, but am still on the fence choosing a housing. I can say that I have pretty much eliminated the Olympus, and it is between the Ikelite and Tetra.
FloridaDiver
Guest
I can't say that I compared many Digital Camera housings prior to purchasing the Tetra - my purchase was based on my being very pleased with my Light and Motion Mako video housing. In fact, the same quality that impressed me about the Mako is also evident on the Tetra.
For instance, the double o-ring rear seal together with the rotary latches is a very slick system. The double strobe arm mounts will accept my TLC strobe arms. The strobe bulkhead system is well engineered and gives you flexibility in configuring your strobe system.
The controls are very complete, and give you total control over the camera. While they are mechanical vs. electronic as on the Mako, they share a similar "feel" and size. They work very well.
I am currently using a SB-105 strobe due to it's compact size and light weight. I also own a YS-120, however, I haven't tried it yet with the Tetra. I have used it extensively with my Nikonos V and am very impressed with it. I prefer it over the SB-105 due to it's features and output - it's just a bit large when mounted on the Tetra housing. I will try the combination soon.
I don't know what you mean when you are concerned about "possible backscatter because it doesn't divert the flash upward". Any good flash arm will allow proper strobe positioning - the housing has nothing to do with it. If you're going to shoot wide angle - get some long arms such as a TLC or Ultralight system. With digital, as you can see the results immediately, you can make adjustments from shot to shot until you get it right.
For instance, the double o-ring rear seal together with the rotary latches is a very slick system. The double strobe arm mounts will accept my TLC strobe arms. The strobe bulkhead system is well engineered and gives you flexibility in configuring your strobe system.
The controls are very complete, and give you total control over the camera. While they are mechanical vs. electronic as on the Mako, they share a similar "feel" and size. They work very well.
I am currently using a SB-105 strobe due to it's compact size and light weight. I also own a YS-120, however, I haven't tried it yet with the Tetra. I have used it extensively with my Nikonos V and am very impressed with it. I prefer it over the SB-105 due to it's features and output - it's just a bit large when mounted on the Tetra housing. I will try the combination soon.
I don't know what you mean when you are concerned about "possible backscatter because it doesn't divert the flash upward". Any good flash arm will allow proper strobe positioning - the housing has nothing to do with it. If you're going to shoot wide angle - get some long arms such as a TLC or Ultralight system. With digital, as you can see the results immediately, you can make adjustments from shot to shot until you get it right.
Some of the best housings out there are provided by video sea here's the link:
http://www.video-seahousings.com/
I happen to know that he has one housing that's not completed for a c-2500 olympus, which is an awesome camera in the water and on land.
Hope this helps. :doctor:
http://www.video-seahousings.com/
I happen to know that he has one housing that's not completed for a c-2500 olympus, which is an awesome camera in the water and on land.
Hope this helps. :doctor:
As one must about the pricing... any pricing on the C3040, the C4040 and the various housings???
:tease:
:tease:
scuba_adventurer
Guest
I have been doing a lot of research on this and have decided to go with a 4040 and a tetra.
The camera pricing varies greatly. A good way to get some quotes is to go to pricegrabber.com. You will find them as low as $549, but beware, they are reconditioned and have a video out in the PAL format. I have found one place that says they will sell a US version that is brand new for $649, and several more in the $700 dollar range. It may be worth your money to buy locally. Ritz camera has pretty competitive pricing, and they will stand behind their product more readily than the online places (look at their feedback, it is enough to make anybody nervous about purchasing from them. Some of the places listed on Pricegrabber are a joke).
The tetra retails in the 900-1000 dollar range. I have also decided to go with the Sea and Sea wetlink bulkhead rather than replace a Nikonos sync cord every trip. The bulkhead and sync cord are around 300. I am going to pair it with a YS90dx, and their prices vary greatly. I already have it. LM did just start packaging the YS90dx in their travel packages, which will save you some dollars. If I had it to do over again I would buy the travel pack. Every place I can find sells Light and Motion stuff for MSRP, which you can get off of their website.
http://www.uwimaging.com/products/photo_housings/tetra_3030/tetra_3030.htm
The camera pricing varies greatly. A good way to get some quotes is to go to pricegrabber.com. You will find them as low as $549, but beware, they are reconditioned and have a video out in the PAL format. I have found one place that says they will sell a US version that is brand new for $649, and several more in the $700 dollar range. It may be worth your money to buy locally. Ritz camera has pretty competitive pricing, and they will stand behind their product more readily than the online places (look at their feedback, it is enough to make anybody nervous about purchasing from them. Some of the places listed on Pricegrabber are a joke).
The tetra retails in the 900-1000 dollar range. I have also decided to go with the Sea and Sea wetlink bulkhead rather than replace a Nikonos sync cord every trip. The bulkhead and sync cord are around 300. I am going to pair it with a YS90dx, and their prices vary greatly. I already have it. LM did just start packaging the YS90dx in their travel packages, which will save you some dollars. If I had it to do over again I would buy the travel pack. Every place I can find sells Light and Motion stuff for MSRP, which you can get off of their website.
http://www.uwimaging.com/products/photo_housings/tetra_3030/tetra_3030.htm
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