looking for a entry level UW digital camera

[NWCWdiver]

i am posting this in here and the camera forum, sorry for the double posting. just looking for some suggestions.

thanks guys!

[SteveAD]

sealife dc600

[NWCWdiver]

Any suggestions on a basic UW camera system? Sea life?

[EvaL]

If you're looking for a budget and basic (i.e., slave flash, not TTL) digital camera+strobe, I'd recommend sealife DC500 and 960D strobe such as:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=SeaLifeDC500ProKit
I think you can't beat this price (~$500) for a 5 MP camera and powerful strobe. Other strobes I've seen at the $300-400 price range from Ikelite and Sea&sea were only half (or less) powerful.
If you already have a digital camera and a UW case is available, then it is even cheaper. I have a canon A520, got a case for $160 and the strobe for under $250. Used it twice underwater (in the Keys and Cozumel) already and pics from 3 to 12 feet were good.
Good luck and dive safely.

[Footslogger]

Here's another one to check out ...if you're willing to go camera plus housing:

Nikon Coolpix L6 with Ikelite Housing.

The camera is a 6 mpixel easy to use point-and-shoot that you can find for about $149 and the housing ...well it's an Ikelite - what more can I say.

[NWCWdiver]

ok, thanks! I'll check it out.

[alcina]

Welcome to the addiction!!! You will find that there are many options and even more opinions on what cameras to start out with. The Pink Link in my signature below includes some getting started information including a list of some specific options and links to images/discussions about those options.

Knowing things like: your budget, how often & where you dive, what kinds of images you like (or think you will like to take), if you have a digital camera already, if size is an issue, how experienced a diver you are and how comfortable you are with a camera will also help us point you in the right direction(s)!

I personally adore the Canon A series offerings. There are many different models out there in this range to suit most budgets and most of the needs of divers just starting out with underwater photography. These little units have lots of growth potential so you won't be looking to upgrade the week after you buy it (well, if you're like the rest of us, you will coz this is a slippery slope for shopping!)

Fuji and Olympus also have some good choices including the Olympus 350 which has RAW (see the Pink Link for more info on that).

[NWCWdiver]

really! I have the A620 but I do not have a slave storbe option. I also worry that it will flood my carmera. I figured the selifes or the like, would be really build solely for diving and be less likely to leak. Your thoughts?

I'll check that out footslogger

[alcina]

No, they are not less likely to leak. Floods are almost always user error and every system you take under has pretty much the same chance of something happening (in a quick nutshell - some do have more "problems" than others, but that is the exception).

Careful maintenance and inspections before you hit the water are essential to keep your gear safe. But remember, it's not if, it's when ;)

The A620 is a great camera and I would simply house it to get started.

[NWCWdiver]

I should proofread prior to posting...

[CheddarChick]

Na we don't count spelling as a good thing here.. I have the DC500 and really love it.

The best part is the service end of the company.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/cheddarchick/Lake%20Geneva/Bluegillbunch.jpg

[NWCWdiver]

Can you use a strobe with the A620? if so how does that work?

[alcina]

Yes, you can use a strobe with the A620. If you are using the Canon housing and something like the Inon strobe you will use a fibre optic cable. The camera's flash triggers the strobe and it's connected by the cable. It's very easy. The camera's flash, with Inon in this case, is covered so it doesn't toss light onto your subject, but does trigger the strobe.

There are other options out there, too. www.reefphoto.com is a very good operation and the guys there can help you choose the right system for your needs.

[NWCWdiver]

excellent! thanks for all the help. Is there a specific brand of case I should consider?

[alcina]

If you are talking about the housing you have two choices: Canon or Ikelite. Both have pros and cons. I use the Canons and love them. You can never go wrong with Ike, though.

[NWCWdiver]

pk, what storbe do you recommend? sorry, I am asking a billion questions...

[alcina]

Link to strobe info (http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=2221739&postcount=5)...

[DiveDiva_Ashley]

I personally own a Sealife Reefmaster 3.3mp. I can't remember the model right now (brain malfunction ;o) I think it's a DC-300. That sounds right. Anyways, it is an excellent beginner camera as it is inexpensive (I got it for around $200) and still takes decent pictures. Once you decide if you want to stick with uw photo, you can then upgrade to another camera or stick with this one and add strobes, extra lenses, ect. You can't really compare this to an Olympus, Ike, Canon, etc as it is a low end camera and only 3.3 mp. However, for a beginner, it is an excellent way to learn and if you do flood, at least you're only out the cost of a cheaper digital camera rather than a very expensive one. For me (a poor college grad), it was the only way to go.
Good luck!

[NWCWdiver]

true, I would rather not flood my A620

[soonerwink]

Here is an entry uw system I just recently purchased.
Olympus SP-350 179.99 from JR.com
OLYMPUS 1GB Type H XD Memory Card 29.99 from JR.com
Olympus PT-030 underwater housing 175.00 from newworldvideodirect.com
total of 405.00 including shipping charges
I did a lot of price comparisons and this was the best for the money I came up with.

[alcina]

While I understand that the concept of a flood is pretty daunting I really don't think that it is an issue when thinking about housing your compact camera. 99% of the time it is caused by user error - and the type of system you have won't change that as long as it is a good, solid system to begin with. And the canons and ikelites are.

Personally, I think getting an inferior underwater camera set-up and "saving" the land camera you like is a bit of false economy. The model you have now will most likely drop in price and also be replaced by something newer/better in the next 12 months so even if you do flood your current one, it can be replaced or upgraded.

The cost of buying a housing for a current camera vs buying something like the sealife is far less. And your images will be far better, imho. Which means, for me, that would be much better value. Even if I had to buy a second current compact (same model as I would use in the housing), I feel I would still be ahead. To me, the images are the most important thing and I'd give myself the best chance to bring home the best I could.

YMMV and there isn't any one answer that's right for everyone. I'm just adding what my personal experience is - both as a user and as someone who sees many different rigs come through in real life.

[alcina]

sooner - thanks for those details!

[NWCWdiver]

That is true and I think the A620 was already replaced with the A630. I think I will just get the Cannon case and call my insurance agent and get it insured, if it isn;t already.