BarryTX
Contributor
I am looking to get a nice setup for UW photography and am looking for advice. Here is my background: I've been taking UW photos for the past few years while snorkeling, using a Sony W-1 in a Sony housing, no strobes. I've managed to get a few good shots so I decided to get back to scuba so I can stay submerged, and I re-did my OW certification this summer. Although I once used a Canon AE-1 SLR (still have it in the closet!), for years now I've used P&S compacts.
Now I'm interested in upgrading to a decent UW photo kit. I've been reading threads in this forum but still need help in narrowing the choices. So, my criteria going forward is:
1) If possible, I would like to have the ability to change lenses (WA / fisheye) while underwater.
2) I plan to use 2 strobe lights and want them controlled by the camera circuitry.
3) I would like the recycle time after a shot to be as short as possible.
4) Manual controls / histogram (flexibility in the settings).
5) Not difficult to use.
6) Great photo quality.
7) High number of megapixels, probably 10 or more.
8) A decent balance of performance and cost - budget not set in stone but then again I'm not going to be a professional either.
I realize #5 & #6 might seem at odds, which is why I didn't say really easy to use. I want to be able to get shots off quickly if an opportunity arises. Photo quality is more important to me.
My questions:
a) Should I consider a dSLR or do I need to stay on the path of a real good P&S camera?
b) I assume I will need a 3rd party housing for the description above, correct?
c) It seems like the most favored camera brands are Canon and Nikon. At the risk of opening a can of worms, are these 2 brands truly better choices than others? I keep hearing people gaga over Canon G9/G10/G11 but also read that WA lenses can't be used on the G10/G11 models - ?
d) Since the can is already opened, any specific recommendations are appreciated.
All feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Now I'm interested in upgrading to a decent UW photo kit. I've been reading threads in this forum but still need help in narrowing the choices. So, my criteria going forward is:
1) If possible, I would like to have the ability to change lenses (WA / fisheye) while underwater.
2) I plan to use 2 strobe lights and want them controlled by the camera circuitry.
3) I would like the recycle time after a shot to be as short as possible.
4) Manual controls / histogram (flexibility in the settings).
5) Not difficult to use.
6) Great photo quality.
7) High number of megapixels, probably 10 or more.
8) A decent balance of performance and cost - budget not set in stone but then again I'm not going to be a professional either.
I realize #5 & #6 might seem at odds, which is why I didn't say really easy to use. I want to be able to get shots off quickly if an opportunity arises. Photo quality is more important to me.
My questions:
a) Should I consider a dSLR or do I need to stay on the path of a real good P&S camera?
b) I assume I will need a 3rd party housing for the description above, correct?
c) It seems like the most favored camera brands are Canon and Nikon. At the risk of opening a can of worms, are these 2 brands truly better choices than others? I keep hearing people gaga over Canon G9/G10/G11 but also read that WA lenses can't be used on the G10/G11 models - ?
d) Since the can is already opened, any specific recommendations are appreciated.
All feedback will be greatly appreciated.