Nikon D70 vs. Olympus C5050

[f3nikon]

Yeah, I know what a CCD is, I just don't know specifics for cameras.

I wouldn't compare any housing size to ike's,,,,, while great housings and great service, they are known for being large. The PT-023 may be smaller than Ike's, but is larger than my Aquatica 300D housing

My point re: wetmate lenses was most people shooting those cameras are point and shoot share with friends post on the web types. Versatility is much more important than ultimate optic quality. THat said, I have had 5050 pics blown up to 16 x 20, not bad at all..... If optics is the main concern, then an SLR with prime lenses is the only way to go., not the 8080. ANd the 8080 has as much lens between the camera and the water as does the 5050, no? Just can't change it

All my opinion, of course.

Chris

I see your point. I actually want a larger housing for the support "stuff" that is included with the camera. I have a nightlite in the housing to see the f stop, settings and controls, need batteries for that. I use a three strobe setup and the sync cords are hardwired to the housing, the connection for all the strobes are jointed in the housing then connects to the camera. Its a few less connectors to get wet so I need all the room I could get.

Yes, the important thing is to just shoot more pictures! Thats the advantage to point and shoot, it opens the world of U/W photography to more and more divers.

The standard U/W film setup was a Nikonos 15mm for wide angle and a housed SLR for macro, I think the point and shoot maybe that third camera.

My opinion also

 

[f3nikon]

Like you I pretty much jumped into a complete system. D100 in Aquatica housing, 2xS&S Strobes, etc…. If you are familiar with F-Stops have done some dry 35mm photography I don’t think you will find the learning curve to be as bad as people say. After a week tropical vacation I was taking ok shots.

I think ChrisM was being generous on price. If you travel and want back ups so don’t spoil a trip I am finding you will eventually end up with something like:

1 Camera Body (I have dove w/people who travel with 2) +1000
3-4 Lenses +1500
Housing +1200
2 Strobes + Arms +1200
Focus Light (high end) +400
2 Ports + Extensions + Gears +800
Sync Cord +140
A ton of Rechargeable batteries and said chargers +100
Memory Cards +100
A laptop or some picture storage device for trips $$$$
Some form of Pelican Case +150
Picture Editing Software 120-600
Misc +100

If you want to shoot the variety of reefscapes and critters this is where you end up. It is just not a set up conducive to starting "bare bones". Noticed your other post. A camera also complicates your diving. You need to have very, very, very good buoyancy. I try to never touch or bump the reef and at times that means not getting a shot.

Actually, I only have two Nikon F3 SLRs with Actionfinders in Ikelite housings, a medium format Bronica in an unfinished housing. I have access to a D100 without any housing yet, maybe? Yes all my Nikon lens will work on the D100, but the price of the housing and ports add up.

That is why I am looking in on an Oly 8080 and housing. The plan is the F3s for tight focus macro and wide angle shots then a 8080 type for the in between,fish portrait.