Which camera to buy???

[TRUETEXAN]

I am interested in getting into underwater photography and I have no idea what camera to buy, most of my diving is done in freshwater lakes with 5-25 feet viz and I am willing to spend
$350.00-$500.00 to get a decent camera. I hae looked at the
Sea & Sea MX10 with YS 40a strobe but that is about it, any help would be very appreciated. Thanks

 

[Dee]

Tex...the problem with using a camera in our local lakes and quarries is the visability. Then you have the suspended matter in the water that will cause backscatter unless you invest in a moveable strobe. So that said.....

I'm a big believer in the MX-10 as a first camera. But it has a fixed strobe. The light from that strobe is shot straight out and bounced straight back into the camera. The suspended particulate matter in the water will show up as white/light spots on your photos. If you mount the MX-10 on a tray and position the strobe off to the side at an angle, you'll avoid the backscatter. Or at least the majority of it. I don't think you can do that for under $500.

You might look into the Ikelite Aquashot3 or Sealife's Reefmaster. In fact, I think Sealife just came out with a new digital that fits in your budget.

 

[DivingGal]

I have a Sea & Sea Mk10, and love it. Like Dee said though, the fixed strobe can be a problem with backsplatter issues.

 

[Stone]

Here's a link that discusses 3 common entry level cameras

 

[92630Diver]

I hope that I don't get laughed out of the thread. I'm new to underwater photography and far from anything other than amateur status in that regard.

Some time ago my wife and I decided that we wanted a camera that we could take skiing, snorkeling, etc. One that we didn't have to worry about if it got wet, but also one that wouldn't require a significant financial expenditure to acquire. We decided on the Canon Elph Sport.

This camera uses APS film and, according to the specifications, is rated to a depth of 5 meters (16.4 feet). Now you may be laughing at this point, but I have taken this "toy" to 45+ feet while diving and it has functioned well. True the flash isn't quite strong enough to bring out natural color at that depth but it is sufficient to capture a memory or two.

I've used this camera to excellent purpose while snorkeling or diving at shallower depths. Here are a couple of photos...

This photo of a green sea turtle was taken at a depth of about 25 feet while snorkeling off of Kaanapali Beach, Maui - July 2001.

And this photo of a large green morey and shrimp was taken at a depth of 35+ feet while snorkeling at Molokini Crater, Maui - July, 2001. I was determined to get this shot, the depth made it very difficult given that I was free diving. I can only estimate the depth based on body length and some experience.

I'm finishing another role of film at the moment, it will have photos from recent dives off of Laguna Beach, in CA, and an upcoming trip to the Coronado Islands. I'll scan what comes out and post it.

This camera will certainly do much better than the manufacturer's rating of 16.4 feet, and the image quality is good enough for my humble photo album.

 

[Stone]

92630Diver,

What charter will you be diving with in the Coronados?

Please post your trip report when you get back. Here's a Diving San Diego thread.


Thanks!

 

[92630Diver]

Hey Stone,
Thanks for asking! I'll be going to the Coronado Islands aboard the Blue Escape out of San Diego. I'll be sure to post details of the 3 dives that we'll be doing as soon as possible afterward.

 

[Stone]

92630Diver,

Blue Escape is one of the data points I need. As I said on the other thread, I have some experience with Dive Connection (I didn't want to say "I have experience with DCI"). I had the Coronados trip booked with them last September, but 9/11 shut down my business travel.

Ask them what the water temp will be in early April for me!

 

[AliKat]

I have been diving with a ReefMaster RC since May. I used an MX10 on my first photo dive class. I can give the following advantages/disadvantages of the RM compared to the MX10;

the RM has a flexable strobe. Not only can you position the flash head, but you can actaully attach two strobes and you can longer extension arms getting the flash further away from the camera helping to avoid backscatter.

the RM has no removable O rings that require greasing or other maint. Just make sure there is no dirt or hair when you close the housing.

the RM is a little less expensive

However, I understand the MX10 has higher quality optics.

The RM also does not have a wide angle lens which the MX10 does.

Both cameras have close-up/macro lenses which can be changed underwater.

Also, depends on what you are looking for whether or not this is an advantage or disadvantage, but the RM is a true point and shoot. Nothing to adjust. The MX10 does allow for aperature adjustment.

The best prices I've found on both cameras can be found at http://www.waterproofcameras.com

I have a page with some pictures I've taken with the RM and one strobe. It can be found at http://www.geocities.com/alikat402001/MyUnderwaterWorld.html

This is a free site, and they don't seem to like it getting a lot of hits. All of the pictures may not come at once; may take a couple of trys.