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I'm finally in the market for an underwater camera and housing. I was planning to go SLR, but before getting too ahead of myself, I wanted to see what everyone else thought. Please tell me your thoughts on minimum mexapixel, camera and housing brands (i.e. Ikelite), anything else?
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I have a Nikon D40X DSLR 10 megapixel camera, but I think the cost of a housing is way too much. (IKelite ~1500 Sea & Sea ~2500 (manual opposed to electronic) Camera was only 600 with regular and 300mm auto zoom lenses.
I now use a Sea & Sea 8000G 8 megapixels It is nice but I am going to buy the Sea & Sea 10 megapixel camera that just cameout. I also have a 5000G for a backup.
Personally I like the compactness of a package setup opposed to large housings either Ikelite or Sea & Sea have for the D40X.
As far as megapixels it depends how large you want to blow up the shots. The 5000G gave good 8x10 however the 8000G does a better (less grainy) job. I had on shot blown up to poster 18 x 24 and suprised me with outcome. The 10 would more than likely suit my needs for a long time to come.
One other thing you should learn is photoshop or some program to "enhance" the photos.
I am planning on selling the 5000G. If you want to see it and live in the north suburbs or want to come to a Dive Club Meeting you are invited to the next Buccaneers Dive Club Meeting to be on February 7, 2008 at Edwardo's Pizza in Wheeling Illinois at 7:00 PM. (Shopping Center at Milwaukkee Ave and Dundee Road)
Pictures taken with both cameras (along with my earlier Sea and Sea camera (Ihave had 4 so far) came be seen at www.Buccaneersdiveclub.org
Good luck with your UWPhotos
J Couston
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I have a Canon Powershot SD 800 IS...and underwater housing. If you are looking for a small, easy to transport package, that is not professional, but handy and versatile, you can't beat it.
The main advantage of the Cannon cameras is the ISO rating of 1600. With image stabilazation the underwater (and indoor land) picutres are bright and not blurred.
I bought the package when it first came out last Feb. I have now taken over 6000 pictures. Everyone loves my pictures. I especially like the indoor flash of the Canons. The flash carries about 10 ft, as opposed to most others about 5.
Canon makes a lot of cameras with underwater housings. Mine is 7.2mp. Check out their website. But look for one with IS. It makes a big difference.
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Silverfinns you are abolutely correct about the Cannons. I just got back from a Caribbean cruise and a few of the divers had Cannons - what model(s) I do not know. We exchanged photos and they are good. I would think as good as the person behind them. The shots were good, crisp and clear. The only problem with a built in strobe is there is a good chance of getting backscatter in the shot. Flash from above and slighly behind the subject is preferable.
As far as the strobe going 10 feet - that is all depends on viz. I would say to be sure around 6 feet. In Lake Michigan and Haigh Quarry you would do good to get that.
J Couston
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Silverfinns you are abolutely correct about the Cannons. I just got back from a Caribbean cruise and a few of the divers had Cannons - what model(s) I do not know. We exchanged photos and they are good. I would think as good as the person behind them. The shots were good, crisp and clear. The only problem with a built in strobe is there is a good chance of getting backscatter in the shot. Flash from above and slighly behind the subject is preferable.
As far as the strobe going 10 feet - that is all depends on viz. I would say to be sure around 6 feet. In Lake Michigan and Haigh Quarry you would do good to get that.
J Couston
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